Hodgson's returning from his second knee reconstruction in the Raiders' season opener against the Wests Tigers at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.

He impressed in the Green Machine's pre-season trial against the Sydney Roosters, laying off two tries before coming off at half-time.

The 31-year-old was already in the conversation to be the best dummy half in the game before last year's injury and if he returns in the form he returned in following his first torn anterior cruciate ligament then it won't be long before he's back in that mix.

Especially now that Melbourne premiership captain Cameron Smith has finally announced his retirement during the week.

Hodgson tore up the Tigers in round 15 in 2018 the last time he came back and Wests will be hoping it's not more of the same on Sunday.

Croker expected the England international's comeback would free up the Raiders halves, George Williams and Jack Wighton, to worry about their own game a bit more.

The pair took over the running of the Green Machine last season when Hodgson went down and led the team to the preliminary final.

"[It's] good to have him back. He's had a tough year with the injuries and the second one he's done," Croker said.

"It's always good to have him there. He's just the influence around the ruck.

"He's a world-class dummy half and controls our forwards really well, frees up Jacko and George.

"If we can keep him fit, get games under his belt early, he's one of the world's best dummy halves. Depending if old mate plays again or not, he might be the No.1."

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Wighton predicted Hodgson would make the Raiders' attack even more potent.

Plus, it would also help Canberra's raft of young players with their development - just by being able to train alongside him throughout the week.

"It's going to be good having him back. He adds that extra strike power," Wighton said.

"The way he holds himself, the professionalism of him is going to be something the team needs.

"We've got a lot of good young boys and he'll lead us up front with them."

Raiders second-rower Hudson Young's one of those Canberra youngsters looking to take their career to the next level.

He enjoyed a breakout 2020, but was now looking to replace the departed John Bateman on the edge.

Young felt Hodgson had slotted seamlessly straight back in.

"It was like he's never been out. Josh worked extremely hard at training and he's our leading voice, and he's our captain," he said.

"It's good to see him back out there fit and healthy."

NRL ROUND ONE

Sunday: Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm.

Raiders team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Bailey Simonsson, 3. Sebastian Kris, 4. Curtis Scott, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. George Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson (c), 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Joe Tapine. Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Ryan Sutton, 16. Sia Soliola, 17. Ryan James. Reserves: 18. Sam Williams, 19. Tom Starling, 20. Emre Guler, 21. Harley Smith-Shields.

Tigers team: 1. Daine Laurie, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. James Roberts, 4. Joseph Leilua, 5. AJ Kepaoa, 6. Moses Mbye, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. James Tamou (c), 9. Jacob Liddle, 10. Joe Ofahengaue, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Alex Twal. Interchange: 14. Tommy Talau, 15. Thomas Mikaele, 16. Stefano Utoikamanu, 17. Russell Packer. Reserves: 18. Jock Madden, 19. Michael Chee Kam, 20. Tuki Simpkins, 21. Alex Seyfarth.