We love the mighty Canberra Raiders
The Canberra Raiders family's set to get bigger.
Star prop Joe Tapine will miss the Green Machine's clash against the table-topping Brisbane Broncos due to the birth of his first child.
It will now fall on Josh Papali'i's broad shoulders to lead the Raiders pack against the Broncos' star-studded forwards.
Ahead of their trip to Brisbane to face the Broncos on Saturday night, Canberra halfback Jamal Fogarty said the playing group was buzzing for Jarrod Croker's return.
"He's had a tough couple of years, battling injuries," Fogarty said.
"To see him coming out the other end just makes everyone so cheerful around the club and everyone's smiling.
"Everyone loves Toots (Croker), more importantly as a person first, he's one of the most humble people for someone that's done so much for this club.
"I don't think his blood pressure gets over 80, he's very calm and composed. Us edges, we need that senior voice with the calmness when it's a bit chaotic.
"We all know what Toots can do on his day, and everyone's just generally excited."
Gun front-rower Joe Tapine will miss Canberra's trip to Brisbane on Saturday night as the Raiders continue to be hit by personnel issues while dealing with poor form.
Tapine's wife went into labour on Friday morning and the 28-year-old New Zealander will remain with her in Canberra for the birth of his first child.
He joins a growing list of absentees including Jack Wighton, Xavier Savage and Nick Cotric, meaning the 1-4 Raiders will try to snap out of their form slump without arguably their best middle, half, fullback and outside back.