Canberra Raiders star John Bateman is in a race to be fit for round one following minor shoulder surgery on Wednesday.
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While no timeframe has been set for his return, the Raiders' trial against the Canterbury Bulldogs in Port Macquarie on February 29 looks unlikely.
Plus the Raiders' season opener against the Gold Coast Titans at Canberra Stadium is only five weeks away - although the club's medical staff have a good record of getting players back quickly.
Bateman has been rested from contact training and it was hoped that would mean he could avoid surgery.
But the Green Machine have opted to get the problem, which he's been carrying since last season, cleaned up.
It's another blow to the club as they continue their preparations to go one better than last year's NRL grand final.
Bateman played a crucial role in the Raiders' rise up the ladder and into the decider against the Sydney Roosters.
But Canberra have good depth in second-rowers with Elliott Whitehead and Joe Tapine both international edge forwards.
The Raiders are already anxiously awaiting NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg's decision on whether recruit Curtis Scott will be stood down after he was arrested following Australia Day celebrations.
They've also let Joey Leilua join the Wests Tigers on a three-year deal, while young outside back Sebastian Kris is on extended sick leave.
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Scott was "a bit sheepish" when he returned to training on Monday, having pled not guilty to six charges including two counts of allegedly assaulting a police officer.
The 22-year-old was given last week off to deal with his appearance in a Sydney court last Friday when he entered his not-guilty plea.
Raiders halfback Sam Williams said Scott had knuckled down at training after an awkward arrival on Monday morning.
Williams felt they had the depth to cover Leilua's departure, as well as Scott if Greenberg did stand him down.
Michael Oldfield was an obvious centre option, while Harley Smith-Shields was Canberra under-20s' player of the year.
"Individually he's spoken to the boys. He was a little bit sheepish when he came in," Williams said of Scott.
"He's dealing with it all really well and he's trained really well this week as well. Fingers crossed it all goes well for him.
"It was one of those situations where it all happened [with Scott and Leilua] within a couple of days.
"I've got no doubt we've got the squad and the people to be able to overcome the last couple of weeks and hit the ground running."
Williams has been working with another Raiders recruit in George Williams, helping the England international to get up to speed at his new club.
George was brought in to replace halfback Aidan Sezer, who led the team to the grand final.
Williams said he was a good ball runner and had a classy kicking game.
It's been his job to help George adapt.
"I've been around for a little while so I understand the way this club works and our structures on the field," Williams said.
"[I'm] trying to help George settle in as much as possible and still fighting for a position.
"I just want to be playing ... [but] it's important we get George up to speed as quick as possible as well."