It might not be back to normal just yet, but at least the Canberra Raiders leader's back working at the Early Morning Centre in Civic - providing take-away meals to the ACT's less fortunate.

It could also mean a return to Vinnies' CEO sleepout for the Green Machine prop with the big heart.

Soliola was on hand, along with Canberra teammates Curtis Scott and Ryan James, to help Vinnies launch their Knock On Effect campaign at Raiders HQ on Friday.

Due to the NRL's strict bio-security measures, the 34-year-old couldn't do his usual charity work last year after the coronavirus pandemic sent the world into lockdown.

They couldn't even go out for a coffee for most of the 2020 campaign due to the strict measures.

But with the players set to enjoy similar freedoms to the rest of the public in 2021 he's back doing his early morning shifts.

"I've been going back into the Early Morning Centre. It's been good seeing everyone," Soliola said.

"Things have sort of had to change a little bit with what we've had to do at the Early Morning Centre.

"It's a shame we can't get everyone in indoors and serve everyone personally, but we still get to do takeaways and stuff like that and that's how it changes.

"Fingers crossed, somewhere down the track, things will open up and I can start throwing a bit more banter towards everyone again."

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Soliola was looking extremely fit. And he needs to be - given the competition for spots within the Raiders forward pack.

They have Emre Guler, Corey Horsburgh, Ryan Sutton and Ryan James returning from injury, guaranteeing competition for spots from round one.

That competition will only increase when Horsburgh and Corey Harawira-Naera return from likely NRL bans due to both getting charged with drink driving during the off-season.

Soliola, heading into his 17^th season of first grade since his debut in 2005, felt the team that ran out against the Wests Tigers at Canberra Stadium on March 14 would consist of whoever wanted it the most.

"[Raiders coach Ricky Stuart] has a lot to select from and so what you'll probably see [the team] that gets fielded on the day is probably the hungriest ones I suppose - the ones that have fought for their positions," he said.

"That's what it will come down to at the end of the day.

"I think we'll take the option out of 'Stick's' hands - if we're having one or two bad days, it could mean our spot in the squad.

"That's how tight it is at the moment. But it's healthy. It's good."