Their stocks of Raiders middles are such Stuart's blessed for options ahead of their round-three clash against the New Zealand Warriors at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.

The pair have slipped down the prop pecking order following off-season drink-driving charges, with Corey Harawira-Naera's case wrapping up in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Both he and Corey Horsburgh have served their NRL-imposed bans of two and one game respectively, but will need to come back via the Raiders' NSW Cup side.

Stuart's starting middles Josh Papalii and Joe Tapine have formed an ominous combination, while his bench trio of Ryan James, Sia Soliola and Ryan Sutton have quickly clicked.

That will change slightly with the omission of Dunamis Lui, who will play NSW Cup, with Soliola coming into the starting side.

Sebastian Kris slots onto the bench as the utility.

Stuart made it clear there was only one way for anyone to break into the team.

"Exactly that. Work their butts off," he said.

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Stuart was looking forward to the added leadership co-captain Jarrod Croker's return would bring.

Croker slots in at left centre having missed the opening two rounds due to shoulder surgery.

He brings 279 NRL games' experience, along with 2158 in points as well.

Not to mention a career strike rate of 80.22 per cent from the kicking tee.

The way Kris trained during the pre-season gave Stuart the confidence to tell Croker to take his time with his shoulder - with the Raiders mentor saying it noticeably improved Croker's training.

Like a weight had been lifted from his shoulder.

"It will be a great assistance to our leadership and experience," Stuart said.

"Jarrod's had 279 games of football, he's our leading point scorer and it's great to have him back."

Stuart revealed he'd spoken to Kris's father after the game on Sunday, as the Raiders looked to welcome Croker back into the side.

The 21-year-old will add some utility value off the bench - able to fill any role in the outside backs.

Stuart also felt he could slot into the second row if required.

Kris missed all of 2020 to look after his mental health and forced his way back into Canberra's top 30 with his training during the off-season.

He's looked right at home deputising for Croker on the left edge and had set his sights on a spot on the bench when his co-captain returned.

"[Kris] has the ability to [play in the second row] yeah. He can play anywhere in the outside backs," Stuart said.

"The work he's done in the off-season gives you the confidence to pick him as a utility even on the bench.

"Those types of players ... that utility value is so valuable."

NRL ROUND THREE

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

Raiders squad: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Bailey Simonsson, 3. Jarrod Croker (c), 4. Curtis Scott, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. George Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson (c), 16. Sia Soliola, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Joe Tapine. Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Ryan Sutton, 17. Ryan James, 21. Sebastian Kris. Reserves: 19. Tom Starling, 20. Caleb Aekins.

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. David Fusitu'a, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Sean O'Sullivan, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Bunty Afoa, 11. Eliesa Katoa, 12. Bayley Sironen, 13. Tohu Harris. Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga, 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 16. Leeson Ah Mau, 17. Jack Murchie. Reserves: 18. Tom Ale, 20. Marcelo Montoya.