Canberra Raiders are set to blood rookie halfback Coby Black for their final hit out in 2026 against the North Queensland Cowboys.
The Courier Mail is reporting Black will get his chance to show what he's made of in Ricky Suart's outfit after many have been calling for his debut.
Black was considered the successor to Adam Reynolds at the Brisbane Broncos, but the club opted to sign Jonah Pezet on a long-term deal, pushing him back down the pecking order and risking his development.
The 20-year-old young gun was then released from his contract and picked up by the Raiders on a three-year deal, and is set to get his chance in the top grade against a finals-bound outfit in Townsville.
Black represented the Under-19s Queensland Maroons outfit on two occasions, and was given the captaincy duties in the thrilling 23-22 win over the Junior Blues in 2025.
It is an excellent opportunity for Black to showcase why he can be the Raiders' long-term half option, despite Sanders having a stellar year in his debut season as starting halfback.
The Raiders have options to squeeze all three of their young playmakers into the same side, with NSW Blues star Ethan Strange having experience in the centres, but it is unknown at this stage where Black will play on Saturday night.
Black has had a strong season in NSW Cup for the Raiders, recording 17 try assists, nine forced drop outs and 77 goals in 19 appearances in lime green.
His season in reserve grade concluded last weekend with the Raiders finishing in ninth place and missing the finals.
The youngster is set to be named in the 19-man side for the Raiders on Tuesday afternoon.
The club in the nation's capital has come off the luxury of a bye for their final match of the season, while the Cowboys will hold on to eighth spot on the ladder heading into the finals after defeating the Tigers last week.
It put a nail in the coffin of the Manly Sea Eagles in 2026, who were making a late-season comeback after back-to-back wins.
