The Raiders will unleash their latest teenage prodigy against the North Queensland Cowboys at Canberra Stadium on Monday, when Dugan becomes the third player from the club's under-20s squad to make his NRL debut in as many weeks.

He joins 18-year-old centre Jarrod Croker and hooker Travis Waddell, 19, as Raiders NRL debutants this season.

All three played alongside another Raiders first-grader, winger Justin Carney, in last year's Toyota Cup premiership-winning team

And Adam, who coached that side, said Dugan had the potential to be the best of the bunch.

''From a fullback's perspective he ticks all the boxes,'' Adam said.

''He always had the talent with his kick return metres, his attacking flair, his height and the fact he's very safe under the high ball.

''He just needs to work the game plan and make sure he fulfils the role [coach] David Furner wants him to play.''

Furner yesterday gave a strong indication of the role he wanted Dugan to play against the Cowboys, saying the youngster's ability to find the tryline was the main reason he displaced David Milne in the No1 jersey.

Furner admitted Milne was unlucky to lose his place, but said Dugan's talent and form in the opening three rounds of the Toyota Cup were too hard to ignore.

He hoped Dugan would provide the attacking spark his team desperately needed to get its first win of the season.

''He adds a little bit more strike, especially attacking the line,'' Furner said.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times