Beloved Canberra Raiders skipper Jarrod Croker will play his first NRL game this season after being recalled for the club’s match against the Bulldogs on Friday night.

Croker has been made to earn his spot in the team, spending the start of the year in NSW Cup after recovering from knee surgery over the off season.

This will be NRL game number 292 as the fan favourite heads towards what would be a well deserved 300 game milestone.

The Raiders have sorely missed his leadership and experience, with the club slumping to 14th on the ladder after five straight losses.

“The boys were pumped to have him back,” Jordan Rapana said.

“We know what he has done for this club. The amount of games he is on, he’s not far from 300.

“To have his old head or old legs back in the team is awesome.”

Croker’s inclusion is one of a number of changes to the Raiders side blew yet another lead to fall 21-20 to the Warriors last weekend.

Semi Valemei has made way for Croker and is expected to miss 1-2 weeks with a corked knee, while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has returned to fullback.

Jordan Rapana is back on the wing with Xavier Savage dropping to the extended bench.

With Jack Wighton missing the next two weeks due to suspension, Matt Frawley will partner Brad Schneider in the halves.

Canberra’s other co-captain Elliott Whitehead has also been named to return in the second row after missing the last two weeks with a facial injury.

“I went out there with mouthguard in (at training) and I didn’t think about it,” Whitehead said.

“I’ll probably get a few knocks on it but the adrenaline of the game will get me through.”

Adam Elliott has been named as the starting hooker after his surprising start in the role last week, with Tom Starling moving to the bench.

Sebastian Kris has come onto the bench with Harry Rushton moving to the reserves.

Raiders and Bulldogs team lists