Canberra will need to stop Penrith's new-found five-eighth Matt Moylan to seal a crucial NRL win, says skipper Jarrod Croker.
Moylan's switch to the halves was an instant hit in the Panthers' 38-0 demolition of Canterbury last round.
He'll be one of Penrith's main strike weapons when they face the Raiders in Bathurst on Saturday, a game in which both sides will be desperate to shake off their inconsistent seasons.
"We're just going to have to work out how we can nullify him in attack," Croker said.
"They've got a pretty potent backline as well, so it's not just him, but we'll have to work on a few ways of trying to shut him down."
The Raiders are coming off a golden-point loss to Manly on Sunday, the Green Machine's fifth defeat decided by six points or less this season.
Last season's trip to Bathurst to play the Panthers also ended in heartbreak with a Peter Wallace field goal sinking the Raiders in the 79th minute.
Canberra are in ninth spot on the ladder, one rung ahead of a resurgent Penrith who are hunting a fourth-straight win.
While both teams were touted as premiership fancies in the off-season, the Panthers have taken almost half the season to find some form and the Raiders are desperately searching for momentum ahead of four consecutive home fixtures.
"It's a must-win," Croker said.
"We want to keep in touch with that top eight."
Prop Shannon Boyd is out with a knee injury, putting an increased toll on the Raiders' forward pack.
Veteran Sia Soliola shifts into the middle, Luke Bateman returns from injury at lock and the named bench includes forwards Clay Priest, Joe Tapine and possible debutant Royce Hart.
Croker says it will be difficult for Canberra's other big bopper Junior Paulo to shoulder more of the workload.
"It's hard to ask for much more out of Junior," Croker said.
"He's playing massive, massive minutes for a big boy and he's been one of our best.
"I think guys like Priesty and Joey can really step it up a bit."
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