Canberra backrower Sia Soliola will decide whether he makes a return from a five-match NRL suspension against Melbourne, according to coach Ricky Stuart.
Soliola knocked out Storm star Billy Slater in round 20 with a sickening hit which prompted the season's most high-profile judiciary hearing.
While the versatile forward is usually an automatic selection when fit, Stuart is leaving the decision to Soliola ahead of Saturday night's clash at AAMI Park.
"I'll ask Sia 'do you want to go through the week with all the media attention'," Stuart told Fox Sports' NRL 360.
"Sia lives what he speaks but I'll certainly leave that decision for Sia because he's a man I trust."
If Soliola decides to play, Stuart is confident he'll cope with the extra scrutiny in the lead up to the match, saying "he'll handle it on his ear".
The 31-year-old former New Zealand international is a highly-respected figure at the Raiders and has a strong reputation throughout the competition.
Stuart said he was one of Canberra's most important leaders.
"The day Sia Soliola joined our club was the day our culture started to change," Stuart said.
"He's a very very powerful influence in our team, our environment which is great while I've got a very young captain in Jarrod Croker."
