Canberra Raiders half Ata Hingano will be unavailable for six months and will undergo shoulder surgery this week to repair a dislocation suffered playing for Tonga earlier this month.

Hingano dislocated his shoulder in the opening minutes of the test match, with the Tongan halfback forced from the field in Tonga's loss to the Kangaroos.

Scans have revealed surgery is the only option available for Hingano to make a full recovery from the injury and it comes with a six month recovery period. Based on surgery this week, the earliest Hingano would be available for the Raiders would be round 6-8 in 2019.

It's been a tough year for Hingano who has already sustained two long-term injuries to his ankle and knee.

In some good news for Raiders fans, Jarrod Croker will commence running with the main squad for the beginning of the pre-season, with the Skipper set to recommence full training post-Christmas.

At this stage, the rest of the squad will commence pre-season training as usual.

Injuries/Suspension

WHO: Ata Hingano

WHAT: Shoulder

EXPECTED RETURN: Round 6-8, 2019

NOTE: Hingano will undergo surgery this week to repair a right shoulder dislocation.

WHO: Jarrod Croker

WHAT: Knee

EXPECTED RETURN: Commence full-training post-Christmas

NOTE: Croker will start the pre-season running with the NRL squad but will not begin contact until post-Christmas.