The Green Machine will wear black armbands against the Melbourne Storm at Wagga Wagga on Saturday to honour the life of Sam Williams' father Mark, who died on Thursday after a long battle with cancer.

Williams had already been given the weekend off so he could spend time with his family in Cooma.

The Raiders will also head to Cooma celebrate Mark's life at his funeral at St Patrick's on Tuesday.

He was a life member of the Cooma Stallions and a supporter of local juniors.

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart said the Williamses were a big part of the Raiders family, with Williams playing for the club as a junior before currently playing 107 NRL games.

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"As a club we're all very saddened by the passing of Mark, Sam's father," Stuart said.

"The family has had a long time with the club. Mr and Mrs Williams have been very, very supportive of Sam over many, many years. They're a big part of the Raiders family.

"It's important Sam looks after his mother [Trish] and we as a club will look after Sam and the family.

"It's in times like this that having a football club around you can be a positive because we'll be there in support of the Williams family.

"I've spoken to Sam and just said to him football's secondary. It's important that he worries about his mum and family at this time.

"The football side will look after itself and it's secondary at this time."

NRL ROUND FIVE

Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Melbourne Storm at Wagga Wagga, 3pm.

Raiders squad: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Matt Timoko, 4. Semi Valemei, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Brad Schneider, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Tom Starling, 10. Joe Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Corey Harawira-Naera, 13. Elliott Whitehead (c). Interchange: 14. Matt Frawley, 15. Emre Guler, 16. Adam Elliott, 17. Corey Horsburgh. Reserves: 18. Xavier Savage, 19. Ryan Sutton, 20. James Schiller, 21. Harry Rushton, 22. Jarrod Croker, 23. Trey Mooney, 24. Peter Hola.

Storm squad: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. Nick Meaney, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich, 13. Josh King. Interchange: 14. Brandon Smith, 15. Alec MacDonald, 16. Trent Loiero, 17. Tepai Moeroa. Reserves: 18. Tyran Wishart, 19. Chris Lewis, 20. Marion Seve, 21. Jayden Nikorima, 22. Jordan Grant, 23. William Warbrick, 24. Sualauvi Faalogo.

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