After picking up an injury in Australia's first World Cup game and then enjoying his wedding and honeymoon last year, Campese returned to the Raiders with the highest skinfolds in the club.

That meant he had to wear the Santa Claus suit at the club's Christmas party.

Just the thought of having to don another red outfit and white beard sent a shiver down the 25-year-old's spine.

''I got tested on Friday actually, just a little sneaky test and I was nowhere near where I was last year,'' Campese said.

''That was a bit embarrassing. So hopefully this time it's going to be a bit different.''

Campese and Canberra's Prime Minister's XIII contingent rejoined the Raiders' squad yesterday.

The five-eighth, Joel Monaghan, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs and Josh Dugan were pushed through a 10-minute time trial.

Despite his Santa phobia, Campese was excited to be back at training and said he would solely focus on the Raiders' performance in the 2010 season.

After bursting onto the representative radar at the end of 2007, Campese conceded NSW State of Origin and Australian selection speculation clouded his thinking.

''It [representative teams] is in the back of the mind, but first thing is being successful with the Raiders,'' he said.

After yesterday's session, he was confident the Raiders could have a better season than last, their first under coach David Furner.

''I think everyone has beaten their [time trial] times from last year, so that's a good start,'' he said. ''That all the young fellas will be coming off a full pre-season where last year they just came in late in the year ...we'll be better for it.''

Back-rower Learoyd-Lahrs was also impressed. He said that during his six-week break he had kept up fitness training and he could see his teammates hadn't slacked off either.

''Under the new system, it's a year on now and everyone has gotten used to their role in the team and what's expected from them at training and away from training,'' he said.