The fire is lit within Canberra Raiders young gun Hudson Young

The Canberra Raiders young gun is counting down the days until his return to the NRL from a suspension that brought his rookie season to a premature end.

So it was fitting he found himself in Wagga Wagga on Thursday to promote the Raiders' return to the city in round six next season.

Because their April 18 clash against the Newcastle Knights marks the first week Young will be eligible to play following a suspension for dangerous contact to the face.

The 21-year-old has already kicked off his pre-season campaign alongside Luke Bateman, Jack Murchie and a host of under 20s players looking to make an impression.

The bulk of the NRL squad will report to club headquarters next week as they look to avenge a heartbreaking grand final defeat.

"I can't describe how keen I am," Young said.

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"At the back end of the year it was really tough to watch the boys play in a grand final and those big games, those big games are the ones you dream of playing in.

"To miss the grand final was heartbreaking, but it also lit a fire in my stomach that will probably drive me for the rest of my career.

"I just can't wait to crack back into the team at some point. I learnt a lot in a short amount of time.

"The coaches at the Raiders put a lot of time into me and I am very fortunate for that. The older boys helped me out a lot, Josh Hodgson was great when I got suspended that first time and in rehab.

"Being around the old boys, they teach you how to train and prepare for games. They're always there, with the leadership group we've got here at the Raiders, they always put their hand up to help you with video and any extra work you need.

"The standards and the values at the Raiders, they've set a very high standard. If you're not doing that sort of stuff, you fall behind.

"I just had to adapt to that straight away. I've tried to put a lot into that part of my game, doing video work and doing extra stuff, because at this level it just takes hard work and dedication.

"I'm looking forward to that side of it again and looking to get back into the team."

Young joined Bateman, who is on the comeback trail from a knee injury, in Wagga to launch Canberra's return to the regional area with a hospital visit and a day mixing with locals.

Rest assured Young is counting down the days until the Raiders return to Wagga for a game, because "I scored my first try out there."

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"It's good for the kids out in these bush areas that they can see Jack Wighton, John Bateman, Josh Papalii and your superstars like that," Young said.

"It's a different sort of buzz. The people in Canberra and Sydney are used to seeing a few NRL players getting around like that.

"But the people in these bush areas don't see them around too often. It's a good buzz around the town when you get out there.

"It's good to get out in the community out here. It's a good little complex they've got. We came down on the Thursday last year, and did a bit in the community and hung out with the kids at their gala days."