The two-game NRL player Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart wanted back

Schneider impressed in round one, steering the Green Machine around the park to a win over Cronulla in just his second senior game.

He missed last weekend's loss due to COVID-19, but returns to the No.7 jersey to take on the Gold Coast Titans at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.

The Raiders struggled in his absence against the North Queensland Cowboys and Stuart hoped Schneider's return would help get them back on track.

Schneider made his debut last season as the utility on the bench against the Melbourne Storm, but played in his preferred halfback role in round one following Jamal Fogarty's knee injury.

"We're looking forward to getting him back. And for a second-gamer, that's a lot of credit. It's a big wrap for him," Stuart said.

"He's a very cool and calm young guy and that's great for the position he plays.

"We don't ask too much of Brad. We just make sure he comes in and keeps that composure and steady head."

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As well as being cool under pressure, Stuart praised Schneider's kicking game as well.

The-21-year-old showed both of those traits kicking all four of his conversions, taking over in co-captain Jarrod Croker's absence.

"He had great composure for a debutant in round one and that's what we're after again," Stuart said.

"He's got a job to do for [five-eighth Jack Wighton], he's got a job to do for his forwards and just look after his own game.

"That's all we ask of Brad. We don't put any pressure on him. He's got a neat little kicking game. Just do his own job so others can do theirs."

In further good news, Stuart said Croker was back in the NRL selection mix.

Croker got through training on Friday and will play NSW Cup for the Raiders in an NRL curtain raiser on Saturday.

"I'm pleased for Jarrod. He's been through a bit of a horror run over the last month, but the injections he's had in his back have worked and he's backed training and he'll be right to play," Stuart said.

"He's in the mix now. It's just a matter of getting some football and getting him back to where we need him to be."

Stuart said they couldn't afford to give up the football as cheaply as they did in the 26-6 loss to the Cowboys.

They committed 15 errors - six more than North Queensland - and only had 41 per cent possession.

The Raiders don't need any reminders of what will happen if they repeat that performance against Gold Coast.

Last year the Titans beat them 44-6 at Canberra Stadium - the Green Machine's worst home loss since they went down 68-4 to the Storm in 2013.

"It's any team. You can't make [15] errors with the football. You can't turn the ball over as cheaply as we did and in poor field position," Stuart said.

NRL ROUND THREE

Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Gold Coast Titans at Canberra Stadium, 7.35pm.

Raiders squad: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Matthew Timoko, 4. Semi Valemei, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Brad Schneider, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Tom Starling, 10. Joe Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Corey Harawira-Naera, 13. Elliott Whitehead. Interchange: 14. Matt Frawley, 15. Emre Guler, 16. Adam Elliott, 17. Corey Horsburgh. Reserves: 18. Xavier Savage, 19. Ryan Sutton, 20. Adrian Trevilyan, 21. Sebastian Kris, 22. Sam Williams, 23. Trey Mooney, 24. Harry Rushton.

Titans squad: 1. Jayden Campbell, 2. Phillip Sami, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. Alexander Brimson, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Erin Clark, 10. Isaac Liu, 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui. Interchange: 14. Will Smith, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Jaimin Jolliffe, 17. Kevin Proctor. Reserves: 18. Herman Ese'ese, 19. Esan Marsters, 20. Jarrod Wallace, 21. Sam McIntyre, 22. Jamayne Isaako, 23. Paul Turner, 24. Sosefo Fifita.

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