Raiders’ fans feared the worst when captain Jarrod Croker left the field with an injured shoulder late in the game against the Bulldogs, but the club legend is set to miss just 2-3 weeks with the injury.

Croker had scans yesterday with the club confirming the skipper will not require surgery and is expected to return in round 12 or 13.

Playing in his first NRL game of the year, Croker suffered the injury with a desperate lunge to save a try in the dying minutes of the club’s 14-4 victory.

His fellow co-captain Elliott Whitehead paid tribute to Croker’s work rate to get back and put his body on the line for the team.

“Jared never let anyone down … he always brings his leadership skills, having him alongside me really helps me with my leadership as well,” said Whitehead.

“Once again, he came in and did his job, I thought he was outstanding and there’s not many people in the 75th minute of a game who worked that hard to get back.

“It shows what this club means to him and the group as well … to have him back and to play like he did was outstanding.”

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad also exited the Bulldogs match early with a corked leg, but is set to resume training today and be available for the club’s Magic Round clash against the Sharks in Brisbane on Sunday.

Semi Valemei will be assessed to see if he can return from a knee injury and would likely replace Croker in the centres, otherwise Seb Kris may come into the starting spot.