Instead Croker is relishing the challenge of coming up against Knights centre and Queensland incumbent Dane Gagai with the State of Origin series around the corner.

Gagai will have a little extra motivation this week in the NRL's Indigenous round, with the Knights asking him and halfback Jaelen Feeney to design Newcastle's jersey.

Everything is pointed towards a big game for the Knights flyer and Croker can't wait for the battle in front of a "hostile" crowd at Hunter Stadium on Sunday.

"We've had a few battles there and he's a high quality player," Croker said.

"He'll be in the Queensland side and he was probably unlucky not to play for Australia a couple of weeks ago so he's a high quality player.

"He's been one of their best for a number of years now so it's a good test for me."

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart wears his heart on his sleeve when it comes to his players and has no doubt his skipper has what it takes to shut down one of Newcastle's finest.

"It's a good battle for Jarrod. He's certainly up to it," Stuart said.

"I think Jarrod's had a very strong start to the season. He's a very consistent performer and he's always a great asset when he's available to play for us."

A good showing against a Queensland incumbent could launch Croker into the frame for a New South Wales State of Origin call-up, which would mean he won't be available every week for Canberra.

The word filtering out of Sydney is that Blues coach Laurie Daley has decided on his squad for the series opener and Croker is one of many names in the mix.

But instead Croker is focused on turning things around for the Green Machine, who have slumped to a 4-5 record and sit 10th on the NRL ladder with just one win away from home.

Croker hopes Canberra can overcome their woes on the road leading into a five game stretch that holds just one home fixture.

"They're going pretty well the Knights, I think they're getting a few bad raps," Croker said.

"They're a young side, they're a new side, so we have to match that energy early and we have to be good for 80 minutes."

NRL ROUND 10

Sunday: Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders at Hunter Stadium, 2pm. TV time: Live on Fox Sports 2.

Raiders team: 1. Jack Wighton, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Jarrod Croker, 4. Joey Leilua, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Blake Austin, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Junior Paulo, 9. Josh Hodgson , 10. Shannon Boyd, 11. Sia Soliola, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Luke Bateman. Interchange: 14. Adam Clydsdale, 15. Dunamis Lui, 16. Clay Priest, 17. Joe Tapine, 18. Scott Sorensen, 19. Jordan Turner, 20. Dave Taylor, 21. Zac Santo.

Knights team: 1. Brendan Elliott 2. Ken Sio 3. Dane Gagai 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Nathan Ross 6. Brock Lamb 7. Jaelen Feeney 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Danny Levi 10. Josh Starling 11. Sione Mata'utia 12. Sam Stone 13. Luke Yates. Interchange: 14. Anthony Tupou 15. Joe Wardle 16. Jack Stockwell 17. Jacob Saifiti 18. Trent Hodkinson 19. Tyler Randell 20. Josh King 21. Lachlan Fitzgibbon.