Canberra halfback Aidan Sezer expects prop Shannon Boyd and captain Jarrod Croker to recover from injuries which kept them out of representative round in time to face Newcastle.

The Raiders go up against the Knights in the NRL at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday, as they look turn the tide on an underwhelming start to the season which has left them outside the top eight despite being touted as premiership contenders in the off-season.

Boyd didn’t play for Australia against New Zealand on Friday night due to a leg injury he suffered in the Raiders’ loss to Canterbury, while Croker, who had an arm complaint, was made unavailable for the NSW City-Country game along with the rest of the squad.

“I have no doubt those boys will run out ready to play on Sunday,” Sezer said on Tuesday.

“It’s round 10 and everyone’s getting knocks and bruises and I guess that’s accumulating over the weeks now so hopefully we can stay in good nick and keep a healthy squad.”

Jordan Rapana, Joey Leilua and Junior Paulo were the only Canberra players involved in representative round, giving the majority of the squad a well-timed break after defeats to the Bulldogs and Manly.

“We came off the back of two tight losses and we were thoroughly disappointed with it, but it was good to get off the legs and freshen up mentally and physically and ready to fight back this week,” Sezer said.

“We’ve been assessing out last two games and where we’ve gone wrong.

“It hasn’t been up to the Raiders standard we pride ourselves on.”

Josh Papalii will complete his suspension over a drink-driving conviction against the Knights, with Sezer admitting the star forward’s absence will hurt the side.

“In my opinion Papa is the best back-rower in the competition,” Sezer said.

“It’s big shoes to fill. We probably won’t have someone that can do the job Papa does each week but that’s paying respect to the player he is.”

Struggling Newcastle have won three games in two NRL seasons, but a draw and a four-point win to the Raiders last year will give them hope of an upset.

“Last year they finished wooden spooners and both times we played them they sent us to golden point,” Canberra forward Luke Bateman said.

“We’re definitely not expecting it to be an easy game. They’re always tough especially at home.”