The Canberra Raiders are set to regain sharpshooter Jarrod Croker for Saturday night's crucial clash with Manly at Brookvale Oval.
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One of the leading goalkickers in the competition, Croker's return could not come at a better time as the Raiders aim to shake off their lethargic starts.
Croker has missed the past three games because of a knee injury, leaving NSW representative-in-waiting Blake Ferguson to take over the goalkicking duties.
The respective strike rates of both players are chalk and cheese.
Croker is 83.33 per cent (15 from 18) this season compared with Ferguson's mark of 62.5 per cent (10 from 16).
Raiders coach David Furner rubbished any talk of rushing Croker back merely for his accuracy with the boot, insisting he would return only if he proved his fitness.
''There is a chance [Croker will play],'' Furner said. ''The decision will be, if [Croker] is fit the goal-kicking will take care of itself.
''Blake has had some good performances there.''
Ferguson's lukewarm form with the boot has been offset by his sensational play in the centres.
A maiden Blues jersey appears to be a fait accompli when the team for the State of Origin opener is announced on Sunday night.
Who will partner Ferguson in the centres is the bigger dilemma for the Raiders. Croker is likely to slot back into the No.3 jersey he has made his own in more than 100 first-grade games, but the impressive form of rookie Jack Wighton makes matters interesting.
Wighton is expected to slide to the wing to accommodate Croker's return, with either Edrick Lee or Sandor Earl to be squeezed out.
Whatever the final line-up, the Raiders will need to arrest their habit of making poor starts if they are to take advantage of a Sea Eagles outfit which only five days ago made the most tackles in NRL history in its 90-minute, 10-all draw with the Melbourne Storm.
The Raiders have conceded 14 tries to three in the opening 20 minute periods of their 10 games this season. While they have successfully launched comeback missions in beating the Warriors, Knights and Roosters after falling behind, Furner knows doing the same with the Sea Eagles is unlikely.
''It's our defence that needs to be picked up,'' Furner said. ''Whether it's excitement or a couple of poor decisions that has put us in that situation, it's easily fixed.
''We can't give a high-quality side like Manly that sort of start.''
The Raiders (5-5) are an impeccable four from four at Canberra Stadium this season, but need to improve their record on the road to make a push for the finals.
As the Raiders seek their second away win this year, Furner has warned them not to take their rivals lightly. ''I mentioned to the players to not take that 90 minutes into account. Manly will be ready to go.''