Canberra forward Josh Papalii is confident the Raiders can overpower a "massive" Sydney Roosters pack when they clash in the NRL, even without England international John Bateman.
Papalii and Bateman have been Canberra's best forwards this season but the latter will miss at least six weeks with a fractured eye socket.
The third-placed Raiders face the premiers and competition pacesetters in the showpiece match of Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
Queensland star Papalii admits Bateman unavailability leaves a hole in Canberra's mobile pack but believes they have the personnel to upset the Roosters.
"It's a massive blow losing Batey. He's been a massive part of why we've had such a successful start to the year," Papalii said.
"But everyone just stepped up without being asked (when he went off last weekend) and we've got some good young kids that can get the job done.
"They (Roosters) have obviously got a massive pack with Jared (Waerea-Hargreaves) leading the way, it's going to be a tough ask but something we're looking forward to."
This time last year, Papalii was returning to first-grade for the Raiders after being dropped by coach Ricky Stuart.
He went on to play State of Origin and win the club's best-and-fairest award.
The 26-year-old said he has taken on more responsibility this season afetr the departures of Junior Paulo (Parramatta) and Shannon Boyd (Gold Coast).
"I can only be myself which is not that serious a person but I've tried to take on that leadership role a bit more this year," Papalii said.
"I just didn't want to be in that position again and I really felt like I let the boys down that time I got dropped, and when I came back I was more hungry.
"I just wanted to played some footy and get some wins with the boys and that kept me hungry for this year.
"We should be doing more than just trying to make the top eight, we should be top four, and that's where we see ourselves now.
"I've got my own style and hopefully the boys jump on the back of what I'm trying to do and I lead them in the right direction."
