Canberra coach Ricky Stuart does not expect in-form fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to miss any game time, despite suffering what appeared to be a serious knee injury in their four-point victory over Brisbane.
Nicoll-Klokstad was felled when Anthony Milford collided heavily with the Canberra fullback's leg, hyperextending the knee.
The 23-year-old New Zealander played on through the pain despite a medicab at one stage being called, however, his knee and ribs were heavily iced in the change rooms after the contest.
"It was a gutsy effort to stay out there," Stuart said.
"He played the game quite physical and every time he's involved with bringing the ball back it's with a lot of collision and he handles it very well.
"We've got be smart about our preparation, we're going up to a very heavy field next weekend, so we have to be smart.
"I don't think he will miss [next week] the way he finished it [the win over Brisbane]."
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The clash with Brisbane was one the 2018 version of the Raiders could have easily let slip from their fingers.
Leading by 10 at the break, the home side and 17,193 fans were left stunned when, after an earlier David Fifita four-pointer, Corey Oates scored in the 59th minute to give the desperate Broncos the lead.
Showing the maturity that has been a hallmark of their five wins this season, the Raiders climbed back off the canvas and with the help of a Jack Wighton 40-20 and tries from English duo John Bateman and Ryan Sutton, landed the knockout blows.
Stuart praises 'more mature' Raiders squad
"They played well, the Broncos, and exactly as I said last week, they would be here to turn their season around," Stuart said
"That was a massive effort from the boys to control the game and to get to a lead like that was really healthy.
"Then getting two points behind, defending it, and getting back into it was a credit to them."
The Raiders were just two for and against points away from taking top spot on the ladder, for what would have been the first time since round six in 2005.
Stuart said such achievements weren't important at this stage in the season, but rather the person growth from a side that couldn't win close games just a season ago despite a team brimming with talent.
"Confidence in each other is something I am feeling from where I sit," Stuart said when asked what he saw from the side at GIO Stadium.
"They're a lot more mature group this season, they're an easier team to coach because I feel there's individuals that have grown up.
"When that happens, you don't have to baby blokes as much, when you’ve got a little bit of depth you don't have to pat blokes on the back you can be a little bit more honest with them."
Stuart said Wighton's 40-20 was a turning point in the clash that allowed his side to turn the screws on the valiant but ultimately defeated Broncos side.
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"There's a couple of things as a half you have to have the courage to do and we're trying to create those in Jack's game," Stuart said.
"There's certain skills we want to incorporate into his game and it's case of slowly, slowly with Jack who's in a completely different position and the responsibility of the game is completely different to when he was at one [fullback]."
Stuart hinted at managing the training load of his players as they prepare for another desperate side in the Sea Eagles next Sunday.
