Legend halfbacks Peter Sterling, Andrew Johns and Ricky Stuart are adamant McCrone can deliver Canberra a shock premiership this season.

It's a fair rap from three players boasting six Dally M medals and nine premierships between them.

And after Canberra's eight wins from the past nine games, Stuart said McCrone was primed for some dominant performances in the finals.

''I've watched Josh closely this year actually and I really like his style,'' three-time Raiders premiership winner Stuart said.

''I think this season is going to be a good base for the next couple of years ahead of him, as he's learnt a lot this season.

''The good thing about Josh McCrone is there is plenty of improvement left in him and he has a good opportunity to make that halfback spot his own.

''I like his speed and running ability, and he'll learn over time how to inject himself in and out of games at the right times.''

McCrone's first task is to help the Raiders topple the Penrith Panthers at CUA Stadium tomorrow night.

For more on this story, including details of the Raiders' schedule between now and the match, see the print edition of today's Canberra Times.