RICHMOND appear set to rest Ben Cousins for Saturday night’s NAB Cup first-round clash with Hawthorn in Launceston.

Cousins is not under any injury cloud and his preparation will include participation in pre-season practice matches before the Tigers’ match with Carlton in the opening match of the season on March 25, The Australian reports.

The 2005 Brownlow medallist is likely to be joined on the sidelines by ruckman Troy Simmonds, who is overcoming a back injury, Daniel Jackson (back) and Nathan Foley, who had ankle surgery last month and will struggle to be fit for the start of the season.

Richmond’s first national draft selection Dustin Martin, the overall third pick, is certain to make his debut, while other newcomers include Mitch Farmer, David Astbury and Jeromey Webberley