Raiders centre Joey Leilua will undergo surgery on a neck problem, with the club confirming on Friday he is likely to miss the rest of the season.

It's a major blow for the club, who sit in third place on the ladder after winning six of their first eight matches in 2019.

Leilua was a late withdrawal from last week's win over Penrith due to the injury, with the decision made to have surgery after he met with a specialist this week.

Leilua joins star forwards John Bateman (fractured eye socket) and Joe Tapine (ankle) in the casualty ward, with Jordan Rapana set to return from a ribs injury on Sunday when the Raiders face the Roosters.