Tongue will miss today's clash with the New Zealand Warriors at Canberra Stadium with a wrist injury, which could rule him out for the remainder of the season.

The injury couldn't come at a worse time for the Raiders, who are 14th on the NRL ladder with just two wins from nine games.

Five-eighth Terry Campese will captain the side in Tongue's absence, while two of the clubs under-20s players Travis Waddell and Jarrod Croker have been called into the side.

Miller said it was crucial for the Raiders' senior players to lead the way against the Warriors today.

''Tonguey has nearly played 200 games and he's the heart and soul of this team,'' Miller said.

''We're going to be at a loss playing without him.

''But in saying that it means a few other blokes get opportunities, we've just got to do our best to get the two points.''

With the Raiders' season already on the line after just 10 rounds, Miller said now was the time for the Raiders' established players to step up.

''When you're at a stage like we're at this stage of the season every team relies on their senior players to get you out of it.

''They're the ones that have got the experience and have been there and done this sort of stuff before.

''I think all of us senior players need to step up and take a little bit of a leadership role without Tonguey there.''

Today will be Campese's last chance to push his claims for NSW selection, with the team for State of Origin I to be announced tomorrow night.

Coach David Furner said his star playmaker needed to lift in what could be a season-defining contest for his team.