Canberra coach David Furner has guaranteed Jarrod Croker his place in the Raiders' round one side to play Melbourne, despite the centre racing the clock to be fit for Saturday's trial against Canterbury.
Croker missed Canberra's win over Melbourne in Albury last week with a sprained right knee, and is rated only a 50-50 chance of playing in Wagga Wagga.
Should he fail to prove his fitness, Croker won't have any game time under his belt before the season-opener against Storm on March 3.
But Furner insisted Croker's left-centre spot is not in any jeopardy, declaring him a certain round one starter. The 21-year-old is rated one of the best goalkickers in the game, and his deadly left boot makes him all the more indispensable.
''I think he's earned that [automatic selection],'' Furner said.
''I don't know if it [lack of trial fitness] is a worry, because I can't do anything about it.''
Croker injured his knee in a backyard cricket mishap a fortnight ago, and is desperate to blow out some cobwebs before the season proper starts.
''Going down there and watching the boys on the weekend was torture,'' Croker said. ''I've been doing a lot of running the last week and a half and have definitely got the k's in my legs, it's just whether I've got the stability there.
''I'll train a bit in the morning [today] and see how it goes.''
Prop David Shillington (infected elbow) is certain to return against the Bulldogs, while fellow enforcer Tom Learoyd-Lahrs underwent scans on a minor foot problem yesterday and has been cleared to play.
Youngster Jack Wighton replaced Jarrod Croker at left centre in Albury, putting together 60 impressive minutes. There has been big raps on the 19-year-old for some time, due mainly to his ability to break the line.
However, the Orange junior also showed he is no slouch in defence against Melbourne with some big hits.
While Croker's NRL spot doesn't appear in any danger, he is keen to return as soon as possible and shut the door on his challengers.
''Jack played really well and is a player of the future, so I'd better get back on the field very quickly,'' Croker said.
''I don't want to give anyone a chance, I think it's important for me to play this weekend and get a solid hit out before round one.
''I'm really good mates with Jacko [Wighton], he was really enthusiastic the other night and it's good to see him going so well.''
Croker is set to be one of the main beneficiaries of star five-eighth Terry Campese's return to the Raiders fold.
Although Sam Williams ably filled Campese's shoes, Croker has a telepathic understanding with the returning playmaker and didn't enjoy as much ball last year.
''I'm really excited about playing with Campo, I don't know what it is but we click well,'' Croker said.
''I want to get out there and get that combination going with him again, as well as 'Duges' [Josh Dugan] and Reece Robinson down the left side.''
SATURDAY
Trial match: Canberra Raiders v Canterbury Bulldogs at Equex Centre, Wagga Wagga, 7pm.
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