Canberra Raiders co-captain Jarrod Croker is set to start the 2022 season in the NSW Cup after reportedly being left out of the club’s round one side to face Cronulla on Friday night.

Croker struggled last year with form and injury issues, playing just 12 games before undergoing stem cell surgery on his knee during the off-season.

The 31-year-old played over half a game in Canberra’s first trial against the Roosters before coming on for the final 20 minutes in their second trial against Manly.

Croker sits second on Canberra’s games played list with 291 matches for the club since debuting in 2009, but is now in a fight to reach the magical 300 game milestone.

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart told News Corp that the veteran would be left out of the side with the club wanting to give him more time to recover from his surgery.

“Jarrod is doing a lot more than he could do at training last year after the stem cell surgery,” Stuart said.

“I am really happy that he is progressing well. At this stage we would just like to give him a bit more time.”

The news is even more surprising given the Raiders are missing outside backs Harley Smith-Shields (ACL – season) and Jordan Rapana (suspension – round 3).

Matt Timoko lined up on Croker’s usual left edge in Canberra’s trial against Manly and looked the goods, while Semi Valemei struggled on the right side.

Seb Kris could play on a wing or fill in at centre after spending time there last season with Xavier Savage also a chance to line up on the wing.

The Raiders will already be without off-season signing Jamal Fogarty for four months after picking up a knee injury, with Stuart confirming young gun Brad Schneider will play halfback in his place.

NRL teams for round one will be announced tomorrow afternoon at 4pm.

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