NRL teams: Canberra Raiders' Nick Cotric, Joe Tapine and Jack Wighton return for Dragons round seven match

Winger Nick Cotric is healthy after a hamstring setback, joining five-eighth Jack Wighton and Joe Tapine in the starting 13 again, while experienced centre Jarrod Croker remains captain after a triumphant comeback last Saturday.

First-choice fullback Xavier Savage was a chance to play this week after a broken jaw suffered in pre-season, but he has been named for a run on the wing in NSW Cup instead.

With a bye coming next week, round seven is a "must-win" scenario as the Raiders try and rescue their season after an underwhelming two-win start.

"We've been a bit up and down this year, and it's really important that we string a few wins together," Raiders lock Corey Horsburgh said.

"So it's pretty much a must-win for us.

"I thought on the weekend [in Brisbane], we finally strung together an 80-minute performance and we should take some confidence out of that, and hopefully go on a little run now."

The Raiders aren't underestimating the 12th-placed Dragons. Their focus is on a repeat of the gutsy effort they displayed in Brisbane, to put on a show for home fans.

"They're a real X-factor team, the Dragons - rocks or diamonds, a bit like our start," Horsburgh said.

"We'll be ready for either."

Tapine missed Canberra's upset victory over the top-of-the-ladder Broncos to be home for the birth of his daughter Ilua, who arrived on Saturday night.

"We are so in awe of your perfection and soaking up this precious little love bubble we've created," his wife Kirsten Tapine said on social media.

The new dad slots into his regular position which moves Pasami Saulo to the interchange and last week's debutant Peter Hola to the extended bench.

Playmaker Wighton meanwhile has served his two-game ban for a high tackle on Jackson Hastings in round four, forcing young half Brad Schneider back to the reserves.

Starting hooker Zac Woolford said Wighton still played a big role in training while suspended and comes into a squad full of confidence after their Brisbane "dog fight".

"He's outstanding and brings a lot of energy. We're excited to have him back," Woolford said of the No.6.

"He's been very hands on helping us out. We went through a tough period there and he was vocal as ever.

"He's one of the best players in the comp and it's always a big plus when he's in your team."

The Raiders will be without winger Jordan Rapana for at least one game as per the NRL's 11-day stand-down period following his sickening head knock in Brisbane.

"[Rapana] is a very tough cookie, so when we saw him like that it wasn't good, but he's alright this week," Woolford said.

"He's letting everyone know how many stitches he's got - I think he's milking it a bit now. He'll be out on the golf course as many days as he can."

The Raiders have a strong record against the Dragons with 22 wins, 13 losses and one draw, and since 2017 they've been undefeated at home head-to-head.

The Red V's visit to the capital was made worse after star winger Mikaele Ravalawa was ruled out for three games following a grade two hamstring strain in their loss to the Gold Coast Titans.

Tautau Moga will replace Ravalawa on the wing, and the Dragons have called up Zane Musgrove from NSW Cup to fill in for suspended prop Francis Molo.

"They can score a lot of points when they do get it right, so it's one of those games we're going to have to prepare really well for," Woolford said of the Dragons.

"We'll be ready for whatever they throw at us."

NRL Round 7: Canberra Raiders v St George Illawarra Dragons - Sunday, 2pm at Canberra Stadium

Canberra Raiders: 1. Sebastian Kris, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Jarrod Croker (C), 4. Matt Timoko, 5. Albert Hopoate, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Zac Woolford, 10. Joe Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead (C), 13. Corey Horsburgh Interchange: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Emre Guler, 16. Pasami Saulo, 17. Corey Harawira-Naera. Reserves: 18. Harley Smith-Shields, 19. Trey Mooney, 20. Peter Hola, 21. James Schiller, 22. Brad Schneider

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