Which is why the Canberra Raiders co-captain thinks the first 15 minutes will be so crucial against the New Zealand Warriors at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

The Raiders have avoided a trip across the Ditch and will instead play the nomadic Warriors in sunny Queensland as the NRL desperately tries to keep going during the coronavirus pandemic.

Croker had a taste of what it will be like when he caught a glimpse of the Canterbury Bulldogs-North Queensland Cowboys game on Thursday night.

He said it's been another unusual build-up, although at least they knew what was happening for most of the week.

That's in contrast to heading into round one when they only found out they were playing two hours before kick-off.

He felt the full impact of playing in front of empty grandstands wouldn't be felt until next week - when they host St George Illawarra at Canberra Stadium and none of the loyal Green Machine fans can be there.

"Once you get out there it will probably feel like training again," Croker said of having no fans.

"One thing I did notice was once they got into their groove and into their rhythm you probably forget about it. You tend to block a lot of the noise out when you're out there.

"I'd say once that happens most players will get into their usual job and just forget about the noise or the crowd.

"The main thing is we're going on and I'm sure the TV ratings would've been through the roof [Thursday] night."

That's why Croker felt that opening stanza would be so important - whichever team settled the best and adjusted to the unusual conditions quickest would be best placed to win the game.

He felt the Warriors would be especially fired up given the week they've had.

They haven't been home to New Zealand since before their 20-0 thrashing in Newcastle last weekend and have agreed to stay on in Australia indefinitely while the coronavirus-induced travel restrictions continue.

"If they're ever going to be up for a game this is going to be it, which is tough for us," Croker said.

"With everything that's gone on, first week into the camp, backs to the wall, they're going to come out fired up. Which is going to be tough.

"They're a big physical side, a big backfield, big outside backs. That first 15-20 minutes if we aren't on it's going to be a tough day for us.

"We need to start well, minimise their impact early and try and go from there. It's probably one of the tougher weeks to get the Warriors."

Croker said the fact the NSW Cup and lower grades had been cancelled would lead to increased competition for spots.

Anyone who's not in the game-day 17 won't be playing and just training every week trying to force their way into the side.

Competition for spots has been something that's driven the Green Machine's climb up the NRL ladder.

That could now become an even bigger factor for the Raiders.

Croker said they weren't doing anything different for their same-day, up-and-back trip to the Gold Coast, but felt their high-performance staff would be looking into any advantage they could find.

"If they weren't already motivated they will be now. It's going to be good for clubs if you want to look for a positive," he said.

"All clubs are going to have 25-26 fit and healthy people wanting to play first grade. Your injuries are going to be less because there's no reserve grade.

"Competition for spots probably heats up more, which is strong for every club as well."

NRL ROUND TWO

Saturday: Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors at Gold Coast, 3pm.