Canberra Raiders forward Elliott Whitehead believes the next few NRL rounds will "make or break" the Green Machine's campaign as they grapple with a mounting injury toll.
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The Raiders have been dealt injury blow after injury blow leading into their round-11 clash with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, leaving coach Ricky Stuart a selection dilemma in the centres.
Their gutsy 24-20 win over the Sydney Roosters may have proved the doubters wrong, but Whitehead says the coming fortnight will be crucial to their season.
After South Sydney, the depleted Green Machine will meet the North Queensland Cowboys and ladder-leading Penrith Panthers.
"I believe the next few games are probably the ones that are going to make or break our season, so we need some wins," Whitehead said.
"Coming off that win against the Roosters is going to be a big confidence boost.
"We've got a lot of injuries but we showed the depth in the squad is capable of beating any team."
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It's likely the crowd capacity at Canberra Stadium will remain capped at 1500 people when the Raiders return home on Saturday.
A limited number of tickets are on sale and the Raiders will release more if they get clearance from the ACT government on Thursday.
A Raiders-Rabbitohs showdown in front of 1500 people would be a stark contrast to the last time they met at Canberra Stadium.
They beat South Sydney 16-10 in front of a 26,567-strong crowd in last year's preliminary final, a loss Wayne Bennett will be eager to rectify.
"It's always good to play [at Canberra Stadium]. I'm not too sure how many people they'll have, but it's always good to have fans behind us," Whitehead said.
"It's going to be a big game, [the Rabbitohs] are playing some good rugby at the moment as well. I'm sure Wayne will have that side ready to go and rearing for a win. We'll have to be at our best against them.
"They've got some quality players with Damien Cook at hooker, he's one of the best in the competition. So they'll be coming here with an attitude they can get the win but like I said, we have to be at our best."
NRL ROUND 11
Saturday: Canberra Raiders v South Sydney Rabbitohs at Canberra Stadium, 7.35pm.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
