We love the mighty Canberra Raiders
The Canberra Raiders are on track to make history.
They could become just the second team in NRL history to make the top four with a negative points differential.
The only other team to achieve the feat were the North Queensland Cowboys in 2007, when they finished third with 15 wins, nine losses and a points differential of -71.
Jarrod Croker was set to see out his stellar NRL career in the NSW Cup earlier this year as he battled to recover from an injury-riddled 2022.
To hear Croker talk about his injury toll is akin to a shopping list with multiple surgeries on his knees and shoulders.
At one stage, coach Ricky Stuart suggested he consider retirement, such was the impact injuries were having on his playing career.
To his credit, Croker fought his way back into first grade, assisted by a collective appeal by the playing group to get him back into the NRL side.
Joe Tapine will shoulder even more of the leadership load for the middle forwards, but he said the extra pressure of Josh Papali'i's absence would help the young Canberra Raiders pack grow as NRL players.
Papali'i will miss the next couple of games due to a hamstring injury he suffered in the 20-18 win over the Sydney Roosters on the weekend.
Ata Mariota was named on the bench on Tuesday, while Pasami Saulo will start against the Gold Coast Titans at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.