The representative second-rower tested his injured knee at training yesterday and was confident he would be ready to make his first appearance of the NRL season.

It's a timely boost for the Canberra Raiders with a busted shoulder expected to keep Josh Miller out of action for the next fortnight.

If anyone knows about spending time on the sideline, it's Learoyd-Lahrs.

His career has been hampered by annoying injuries and he damaged his medial ligament in the Raiders' last pre-season trial two weeks ago.

After being forced to watch the Raiders' round one loss from his couch, Learoyd-Lahrs is itching to take on the Broncos.

''The game's not until Monday so I just have to wait and see how I progress through the week,'' Learoyd-Lahrs said. ''The ligament feels really strong, it's just a bit inflamed around the joint.

''The medical staff aren't going to send me out there underdone, if they say I'm right to go then I'm going to be right to go.

''I really wanted to start the year on a good note, but all's not lost when I could be back this weekend so I'm pretty excited at the prospect of playing.''

For more on this story, see the print edition of today's Canberra Times.