RICKY Stuart has swung the axe with playmaker Blake Austin dropped following Canberra’s diabolical start to the NRL season.

Austin has been chopped from the Raiders’ starting 17 for Saturday’s NRL clash with the under-siege Manly at Lottoland.

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Raiders coach Stuart has run out of patience after his side failed to protect a late lead in each of the first three weeks of the competition.

Round 20

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He has replaced the misfiring Austin with former Warrior Ata Hingano on the bench.

After being dropped from the starting side for Sam Williams in the opening three rounds, Austin has now been dropped to reserve grade.

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