Former Newcastle hooker Danny Buderus has backed Canberra Raiders recruit Josh Hodgson to shine in the NRL, but warned the Englishman not to expect the same space he enjoyed in Super League.

England Four Nations star Hodgson will make his Raiders debut against the Knights at Seiffert Oval on Saturday after his shift from Hull KR.

Former NSW skipper Buderus finished his career with Leeds Rhinos, and after playing against Hodgson believes the Raiders have pulled the right string in signing the 25-year-old dummy half.

"I've played against him a couple of times and I think Canberra has a real asset for their club there," Buderus said.

"He can play a lot of minutes and is aggressive in what he does. He's going to be a big player for them.

"He's real efficient with his passing and has got a great long pass, works really hard and competes.

"They're the big boxes you need to tick as a hooker and he's got most of them covered."

Buderus, an assistant coach at Newcastle, said Hodgson's biggest challenge is adjusting to the greater emphasis on defence in Australia, and less chances for hookers to make an impact.

"The ruck seems really slow here compared to the Super League. There's more emphasis on defence and slowing that ruck down. It's a shame. He'll probably soon realise over in the Super League it's a lot more free-flowing and more onus on attack.

"The opportunities you get are limited in the NRL. The ones you do get, you have to make the most of. When he does get that clear room to run, he has to take it."

Buderus said he expects Canberra to be one of the NRL's big improvers. He has worked with the likes of Jack Wighton, Paul Vaughan and Josh McCrone through his role with Country.

"They've got a really exciting team. I think they're in for a very good year," he said.

"Frank Paul [Nuuausala] has plenty of leg speed and Jack Wighton, who I've had a bit to do with at Country, has Origin written all over him.

"I think Vaughany's a great front-rower and has a great future ahead of him. He's similar to one of our guys, Jake Stockwell, I'm looking forward to seeing those two young players on Saturday."