In the past week, Croker has bought his first house, signed a new four-year deal at the Raiders, captained the club to a third consecutive win and was named in the Australian Kangaroos train-on squad.

Capping it off, Croker was awarded the Mal Meninga medal at the AIS on Wednesday night - the eve of his 24th birthday - edging out forwards David Shillington and Shaun Fensom.

Croker has already played 140 games in six NRL seasons, this year finishing third on the NRL's point-scoring and try-scoring tallies. But the Goulburn junior said he was still aiming to reach his peak in his next four-year deal, signalling he'd like to then contemplate re-signing again.

"I only turn 24 tomorrow so I'd like to think most players peak at an older age. I've obviously got a bit of experience under the belt, but I still think I've got a lot of improving to do and still think my best football is in front of me," Croker said.

"I've never been complacent so far, it hasn't been an issue yet and it won't be. It's not something I'll ever be complacent about, I'd like to think I can play good footy for the next couple of years and maybe [re-sign again]."

Croker is a serious contender to take over the Raiders captaincy next season, with Fensom and Shillington other players in the mix.

Having lost his representative jumpers last year, Shillington showed stronger personal form with the Raiders this season and was level on votes with Croker until he suffered a season-ending chest injury.

Shillington was named Coach's Player, while two-time Meninga medallist Fensom was Clubman of the Year. Prop Shannon Boyd, who turned 22 this week, was named Raiders Rookie of the Year after playing 21 matches in his debut season.

Croker's season was a standout in a disappointing season for the club. He finished with 18 tries and 202 points, behind only Australian pivot Johnathan Thurston (208 points) and Sydney Roosters five-eighth James Maloney (207 points).

Croker said he was continuing to work with Raiders assistant Dean Pay to improve his defence, while goal-kicking coach Darryl Halligan has helped produce one of the sweetest strikes in the NRL.

Croker converted at 84.4 per cent this season, consistent with his 85.3 per cent last season, giving him a career average of 80.5 per cent. Halligan, considered one of the best kickers in the game during his career, finished with an average of 79.3 per cent.

"I've done a lot of work with Chook [Halligan] in the off-season ... it's something I pride myself on and hopefully I keep doing for the next few years."

The Raiders had a season debrief on Wednesday, but Croker said the team hadn't been fooled by three consecutive wins to end the year.

"I think it's changed the mood, but we're not shying away from the fact we still finished second-last," Croker said. "We've got a lot to work on, but I think it gives the fans a little bit of hope of what's to come next year and hopefully the boys get a bit of confidence, too."

Meninga Medal: Jarrod Croker (20 votes), David Shillington (18), Shaun Fensom (17), Anthony Milford (14), Jarrad Kennedy, (12), Glen Buttriss (12)

Coach's Award: David Shillington

Rookie of the Year: Shannon Boyd

NYC Player's Player: Mitchell Barnett

NYC Coaches Award: Matt Frawley

Fred Daly Memorial Clubman of the Year: Shaun Fensom

Gordon McLucas Memorial Junior Representative Player of the Year: Lachlan Croker

Geoff Caldwell Memorial Welfare & Education Award: Andrew Heffernan