Raiders back-rower John Bateman is set to miss at least the first six rounds of the season as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
Canberra on Thursday revealed their star Englishman is not expected to return before round seven or eight having gone under the knife earlier this month to repair an ongoing issue.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has named a strong squad for the club's only trial of the pre-season, this Saturday's clash with Canterbury in Port Macquarie, with 13 members of last year's grand final side taking part.
Former Storm centre Curtis Scott is set to make his club debut after getting back to full fitness following ankle surgery, while Jack Wighton and George Williams will link in the halves for the first time.
Hudson Young, who is suspended until round six due to an eye-gouging charge from last season, is able to play this weekend as his ban only applies to premiership games.
