Simonsson's clearly one of Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart's options as back up for first-choice custodian Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

He played 15 minutes there in the Raiders' NSW Cup pre-season trial against the North Sydney Bears at Seiffert Oval last weekend.

The 23-year-old then played on the right wing for the first half of the trial against the Sydney Roosters - filling the void left by the departed Nick Cotric.

Nicoll-Klokstad has quickly established himself as one of the best No.1s around, which was why Simonsson was happy playing out wide.

"For this team at the moment wing's definitely my best position," he said.

"We've got Charnze there, who is in my opinion one of the best fullbacks in the game. So wings my best spot here.

"I do enjoy playing fullback so maybe down the track I could play there somewhere. [But] I love playing on the wing at the moment."

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Simonsson was picked to play for the Maori All-Stars, but he was left out as a precautionary measure due to a minor leg injury.

It meant the trials were his first game since he injured his shoulder against the Melbourne Storm in round nine last year.

He said the Raiders' medical staff had done a fantastic job and he never had any concerns about going into contact.

"Nah, I've got to give a lot of credit to our physios and rehab staff at the club," Simonsson said.

"They do all the work for you and they really get that confidence back into you.

"Personally I didn't have any scars or demons going into the game. I was confident in my shoulder and I was just excited to play footy."

Such is the depth the Raiders have at the moment, he wasn't counting his chickens about being on the wing for round one against the Wests Tigers.

But he was hopeful he'd be able to continue building a combination with centre Curtis Scott.

Simonsson opened up about how tough it was to watch most of last season from the sidelines - although he said the Raiders letting him leave the NRL bubble and it's restrictive Apollo protocols following surgery had helped him mentally.

"It was obviously really gutting for me that I couldn't play last year really - I think I only played a few games," he said.

"There was an opportunity to get a spot there, unfortunately injuries happen in footy.

"It was my first surgery, first major injury, so there was some tough times getting through it all. It was a long season to just be watching from the sideline.

"We had a big group in rehab though so it made it easier. We all sort of got around each other.

"I was just looking forward to the day I could play. Being able to play [on the weekend], my first game back, I was just so excited.

"There was a lot of nerves, not playing for awhile and I wasn't sure how I'd go, but just tried to keep it simple."

NRL ROUND ONE

March 14: Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm.