Canberra forward Elliott Whitehead says their NRL season will be defined by how they respond with seven of their best players sidelined.
The Raiders are without State of Origin players Jack Wighton, Nick Cotric and Josh Papalii for their clash against the Bulldogs on Saturday.
The trio's omission is compounded by a growing injury ward that includes co-captain Josh Hodgson (thumb), Jordan Rapana (knee), John Bateman (knee) and Joey Leilua (neck).
All four are internationals which makes Whitehead and New Zealanders Joe Tapine and Sia Soliola the only Test-capped players left in Canberra's side.
Whitehead admitted the Raiders "didn't turn up" in their loss to the Cowboys last week and said the Origin period would define their season.
"We definitely need a big response and it starts this week against Canterbury, they have a tough side and always seem to turn up against us," Whitehead said.
"They've got some good players and they've showed that in some games this year and it's our job to stop them getting a roll on, we really need to turn up this week.
"We just need to play like we know we can play and we've showed over the 11 rounds what we are capable of.
"It doesn't matter who is in the squad, the structures are the same so as long as we bring them we know we can get the job done."
Tapine returned from an ankle injury last week and said he was ready to step up as a leader to help the Raiders snap a three-game losing streak.
"It's really important with all the injuries," Tapine said.
"We want to show we're a tough team and can back up when we've got key players out so it's going to be a big couple of weeks but I feel the boys are up for the challenge.
"Every team goes through these kind of patches, we just have to man up and deal with it."
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