Terry Campese is one step closer to a hometown farewell after he was named in Italy's starting side for a World Cup clash against Fiji in Canberra on Friday night.
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Campese has missed the first two pool matches of Italy's campaign after injuring his calf at training.
It threatened to ruin the former Raiders skipper's hopes of playing at Canberra Stadium for the last time, but he is on the verge of fulfilling his goal and honouring his family heritage.
Campese has been named at five-eighth, with James Tedesco shifting back to fullback and former Raiders Paul Vaughan to start in the front row.
Campese will go head to head with Fiji star Jarryd Hayne, who sent the NRL world into meltdown last week when it emerged he reportedly wanted to quit his Gold Coast Titans contract.
Italy needs to beat Fiji by 50 points to leapfrog them into the World Cup finals.
Meanwhile Adam Clydesdale says high praise from Cronulla Sharks hardman Paul Gallen has reinforced the belief he can be a regular NRL hooker after finalising his return to Canberra.
Clydesdale has signed a one-year deal to link with the Raiders after a mid-season swap to the Sharks earlier this year.
But the future of fellow rake Kurt Baptiste is stull uncertain after speculation emerged he was unlikely to join UK Super League club Warrington.
Baptiste is playing for Papua New Guinea in the World Cup and has been linked with a move to Europe despite having a year left on his Raiders contract.
Clydesdale's new contract creates more uncertainty as the Raiders look to complete their roster after the NRL settled on a $9.4 million salary cap last week.
The 24-year-old played 11 games for the Raiders this year before switching to the Sharks for a finals campaign and two matches.
He's now back in Canberra, but Gallen's words of encouragement are sticking with him.
"I always thought I would come back to Canberra and when I had the option, I wanted to take it," Clydesdale said.
"All the boys and coaching staff were good at the Sharks, but I wasn't there long enough to get into the routine.
"I tried to learn as much as I could ... it was more about telling me to back myself and that I belonged [in the NRL]. Hearing someone like Gallen say that was good, it made me feel a bit better."
Clydesdale played 40 games for the Knights before moving to the Raiders last year.
He will compete with England hooker Josh Hodgson for game time, as well as Baptiste if he stays in Canberra for the last year of his contract.
WORLD CUP
Friday: Italy v Fiji at Canberra Stadium, 7.40pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.
Fiji: 1. Kevin Naiqama, 2. Suli Vunivalu, 3. Taane MIlne, 4. Akuila Uate, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Jarryd Hayne, 7. Henry Raiwalui, 8. Ashton Sims, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. Eloni Vunakece, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Brayden Wiliame, 13. Tui Kamikamica. Interchange: 14. Joe Lovodua, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Junior Roqica, 17. Ben Nakubuwai, 18. James Storer, 19. Salesi Faingaa, 20. Sitiveni Moceidreke, 21. Pio Sokobalavua.
Italy: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Mason Cerruto, 3. Justin Castellaro, 4. Nathan Milone, 5. Josh Mantellato, 6. Terry Campese, 7. Ryan Ghietti, 8. Paul Vaughan, 9. Jospeh Tramontana, 10. Daniel Alvaro, 11. Jayden Walker, 12. Mark Minichiello, 13. Nathan Brown. Interchange: 15. Brendan Santi, 16. Shannon Wakeman, Joel Riethmuller, 18. Christophe Calegari, 19. Gavin Hiscox, 20. Richard Lepori, 21. Colin Wilkie, 22. Mirco Bergamasco.
