Canberra Raiders co-captain Jarrod Croker not getting off Curtis Scott free

Croker has been a mainstay on the Green Machine's left edge, forming a deadly combination with young gun Nick Cotric.

But the fact Scott can play either right or left centre means he'll push both Croker and Joey Leilua throughout the pre-season.

Scott was part of NSW coach Brad Fittler's Emerging Blues camp last week and played in two NRL grand finals during his four seasons with the Melbourne Storm.

He only played nine games this year due to a foot injury, but was starting to get into full work with the Raiders squad.

"Curtis has played both sides so I've got to be on my toes," Croker said.

"It's no different to any other year with anyone else coming through.

"He's a quality player. He was obviously in the Blues emerging squad for a reason. He's a talented footballer and he's signed here long term.

"It's great to have him on board. It's great to have that added depth in the backline.

"Obviously we lost [Jordan Rapana] so we needed a little bit of extra depth and Curtis provides that."

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Croker admitted there was already a different feel around the club following the departures of winger Rapana to Japanese rugby and Aidan Sezer to the English Super League - especially given Rapana's role as the Raiders' serial pest.

Scott and half Matt Frawley have already joined the group, while England international George Williams will arrive early January.

Croker felt Bailey Simonsson was the natural Rapana replacement on the right wing, but said there were several young players staking their claim during the pre-season.

Plus, there's the ever reliable Michael Oldfield, who's scored 12 tries in his 18 Canberra appearances.

"Obviously Bailey had an outstanding year last year. He could've played anywhere in the backline, 'Bails'," he said.

"When you've got Bails and Nick [Cotric] there you're spoiled for choice between those two and 'Oldie'.

"Young Harley [Smith-Shields] and Matty Timoko are training really well. The way they've come on since last year's been unreal.

"The depth's there, the competition for spots is there again and that's what we need."

Croker said because of the short pre-season - thanks to the Raiders making it to the grand final - it was important for everyone to come back in good shape.

He said most had and was expecting those who return in the New Year - the England internationals, plus Josh Papalii, Joey Leilua and Joe Tapine - to also come back fit.

Croker said after the Christmas break they'd have eight weeks to get ready for the 2020 campaign.

"You've got to come back in good enough shape to get fit quicker," he said.

"And most of the boys have done that. It's a positive there.

"You don't have to spend as much time getting fit and getting flogged - you can spend a lot more time on footy.

"We're expecting those guys to come back in January fit enough and ready to get into the footy side of things as well as get their conditioning done."