Flood of injuries fast-tracks Kanga kids

NORTH coach Dean Laidley has been searching, and he's found a silver lining in the club's current injury cloud.

The Kangaroos injury list is currently about as long as a wet weekend, and only Daniel Wells is expected back in the next couple of weeks.

But Laidley, while agreeing it was a big test for the club, said it meant opportunity for some of the younger players on the playing roster.

"It is, but we've been really pleased with the young guys we've brought in," he said. "Matty (Campbell) and Lindsay (Thomas) have been pretty consistent all year, Scotty McMahon's come back into the side and done some very good things and the same with Ed Lower. Matt Riggio's played a couple of games now, and really shown us some positive signs.

"We'll get an opportunity to play another first-gamer this week. It's probably between two of our younger guys who haven't played senior football before, so it's a great opportunity for those guys.

"We've been really pleased with the way they've been able to come in and contribute to the team."

The Roos head to Brisbane this weekend to take on the Lions, who smashed the Saints last weekend on the back of six goals each to Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw.

"We'll play some players on them. Maybe five on each one," Laidley said with a laugh when asked about his plans for shutting them down.

"They're in terrific form, but I really think (overcoming that) comes from our midfield pressure and our ability to win the football.

"We'll be mindful of them, but we've got to make sure we keep the scoreboard ticking over, and I think that's going to be crucial on Saturday night."