Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has put his senior players on notice, throwing down the gauntlet for the youngsters to go after their NRL spots.

Stuart returned to Raiders HQ this week after a short break as the players began their second week of pre-season.

Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has put his players on notice. Credit:AAP

He has "nearly a full deck", excluding the World Cup players, as the Raiders begin their push to return to the NRL finals after finishing a disappointing 10th this year.

With Dave Taylor leaving for Toronto and Clay Priest joining Canterbury, Stuart said it was up to the their young forwards to fill the void.