For more than 12 months, the 23-year-old has been stuck on the sidelines, rehabilitating the knee he dislocated in Canberra's first trial match last season.

But despite the heartbreak of watching all of last season from the stands, Lasscock's upbeat demeanour has never faltered which Raiders coach David Furner said was a testament to his strong character.

''It lends itself to depression [a season-ending injury], I suppose, because you're not playing for 12 months but for Cy it's been great, he's been positive he's trained really hard and worked really hard,'' Furner said. ''He's doing everything he can possible to make sure that he's right to go.

''His attitude has been first class.''

Saturday's trial at West Belconnen Oval presents the Queanbeyan junior with a chance to finally put last year's horrific injury behind him.

A regulation hit-up turned nasty when Lasscock twisted in a tackle and his kneecap came loose, finally coming to rest around the back of his leg. He had ruptured his anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.

Surgery followed and dreams of a first-grade debut were put on hold for another year. It was six months before Lasscock was allowed to start running, but it didn't deter the determined front-rower from spending his days in the Raiders' gym.

He said hanging around his teammates when in rehab played a vital role in maintaining morale.

SATURDAY

Canberra Raiders v Western Suburbs Magpies (NSW Cup) at West Belconnen Oval, 6pm.

TRIAL SQUAD: Mark Appleton, Lewis Balcomb, Kevin Curtis, Phil Dennis, Andrew Edwards, Matt James, Brett Kelly, Mitch Kennedy, Jarrad Kennedy, Cy Lasscock, Wade Liddell, Blaise Lomax, Drury Low, Sam Mataora, Matt McIlwrick, Chris Medcalf, Mark Nicholls, Mick Picker, Reece Robinson, Karl Silvano, James Smart, James Stuart, Iopu Togia Foua, Matt Ward, Josh White, Sam Williams.

RAIDERS TRIAL MATCHES: February 20: v Brisbane Broncos at Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane;

February 27: v Canterbury Bulldogs at APEX Oval, Dubbo.

For more Raiders coverage, see today's Canberra Times.