The Canberra duo will line up against former Raiders flyer Edrick Lee when the Green Machine host the Cronulla Sharks at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.

Cotric has been thrown into the mix for a shock State of Origin debut in his second season of first grade, saying it has been "a big dream of mine to put that Blues jersey on" since he was "a little kid".

If the Tuggeranong junior gets there Blues coach Brad Fittler might owe Rapana a tip of the cap - because Cotric says he wouldn't be the winger he is without the help of the New Zealand international.

"It definitely helps me, he helps me a lot in the wing position, especially in defence [telling me] when should I go, and in attack he just tells me when to get more carries," Cotric said.

"He’s such a talented player too so I just look up to him. I guess [it inspires me to follow suit], he’s such a freakish player. That put-down last week was pretty good and pretty athletic."

The put-down for Rapana's stunning try against the Gold Coast last week was one that Canberra fans have come to expect. Give him minimal room to move, and Rapana will pull a rabbit out of the hat and score a try for the ages.

But it's not only the fans that have come to expect the 28-year-old's try-scoring heroics - his teammates do as well.

The only difference is they see all the hard work that goes into it, and Raiders second-rower Joe Tapine says Rapana's work ethic combined with a never-day-die attitude makes him the perfect teammate.

"It’s freakish some of the stuff they do these days, and it’s not without training either," Tapine said.

"He works hard off the field and it really shows on the field. I’m happy for Jords and how he is going, it’s good to see a mate going good and hopefully he keeps going.

"I’ve played a lot of footy with him and the thing I’ve realised is he has a dig, every week he will come out and try his best.

"That’s what you like to see when you’re out on the field, people trying their best, and that makes you want to do your best for them as well. That’s a good trait Jordan has and I’m glad he is on our team.

"You give it to BJ [Leilua] or him and they work their magic. Even out of nothing out of the rucks, they work their magic. We know they are strong with that sort of stuff and we try to utilise them as much as we can."

While Cotric will line up against Lee, the 19-year-old laughs he might go out of his way to "put a shot on" Cronulla debutant Jack Williams - the pair played alongside each other in Canberra's under 20s team.

NRL ROUND 10

Sunday: Canberra Raiders v Cronulla Sharks at Canberra Stadium, 4.10pm. Tickets from Ticketek.

Raiders: 1. Jack Wighton, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Jarrod Croker (c), 4. Joseph Leilua, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Blake Austin, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Iosia Soliola, 9. Siliva Havili, 10. Shannon Boyd, 11. Joseph Tapine, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Josh Papalii. Interchange from: 14. Ata Hingano, 15. Luke Bateman, 16. Charlie Gubb, 17. Dunamis Lui, 18. Liam Knight, 19. Michael Oldfield, 20. Craig Garvey, 21. Jack Murchie.

Sharks: 1. Valentine Holmes, 2. Sosaia Feki, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. Ricky Leutele, 5. Edrick Lee, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Matt Prior, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jayson Bukuya, 13. Paul Gallen (c). Interchange from: 14. Joseph Paulo, 15. James Segeyaro, 16. Avagalu Seumanufagai, 17. Jack Williams, 18. Kurt Dillion, 19. Braden Uele, 20. Briton Nikora, 21. Kyle Flanagan.