Test forward Tom Learoyd-Lahrs has been demoted to Canberra's bench for Saturday night's vital NRL match against Gold Coast.

Learoyd-Lahrs was replaced by prop Dane Tilse with hooker Travis Waddell also coming into the starting side at the expense of Glen Buttriss.

In the only forced change, Trevor Thurling replaces second rower Joe Picker who will miss the game with an ankle injury.

Raiders coach David Furner said the incoming trio would give the team more impact from the opening whistle after starting poorly in their last two outings against Brisbane and Wests Tigers.

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