Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has challenged his big men to step up in the likely absence of star John Bateman as they enter a critical stage of the NRL season.
Bateman was rushed to hospital during the game on Saturday after suffering a suspected fractured eye socket in their romp over Penrith.
The Englishman has been a revelation in his first season in the NRL, ranking among the team leaders in metres, tackles, and tackle busts.
And while Stuart is hopeful the injury isn't long-term, he urged the rest of the Raiders forwards to carry the load.
"Yeah well he's not going to be there every game through his time here. So we've got to stand up like they did (Saturday)," Stuart said.
"They've got to individually stand up and take some responsibility there. There were some guys there, I thought that stood up and made a presence (Saturday).
"Elliott Whitehead was one of them, Josh Papalii and Ryan Sutton, they really stood up and took their game to another level because they knew Batty was off."
Bateman injury comes as the third-placed Raiders enter a challenging fortnight that includes matches with the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney.
The Roosters, the reigning premiers and ladder leaders, and the Rabbitohs in second spot, are the only two teams with seven wins from eight matches.
Centre Joseph Leilua is expected to return for Canberra after withdrawing hours before the game due to a neck issue.
"The next month is going to be a big month of football for all the clubs, not just the Raiders, because we're at a period of time now where there's a bit of separation between the bottom four and top four," Stuart said.
"It's just important to keep doing everything you possibly can to win."
