Already depleted by NSW State of Origin selection, the Bulldogs copped another huge blow with Graham ruled out after he was concussed attempting a tackle in his comeback from suspension last week.

The Canterbury skipper has previously insisted decisions about whether to play on should be up to individual players, but Croker said it could not be left in their hands.

The Bulldogs were fined $20,000 for flouting the concussion laws early last year when forward Josh Jackson stayed on the field.

Last year the Raiders ruled out Edwards for a week after he was carried off with a severe head knock during their round five loss at Penrith.

"It's something you need to take seriously," Croker said.

"We saw Joel a few times last year, it was a little bit scary at Penrith last year when he was unconscious.

"You've got to put the players' health first and that's where it ends.

"[James Graham] is a tough competitor and a tough player and I have no doubt he'd want to play, but if it's taken out of our hands it's easier.

"No player ever says they don't want to play."

Graham's absence creates an even bigger hole in Canterbury's pack, with Jackson and David Klemmer already missing through Origin duty. Halfback Trent Hodkinson and centre Josh Morris are also away with the Blues.

Graham's ball playing and leadership would have been invaluable to take pressure off dumped NSW playmaker Josh Reynolds.

"Not only is he a tough and fearless front rower, he's a ball player so they'll miss him there," Croker said.

"They'll miss a bit of leadership with him but I"m sure he'll be ready to go."

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has drilled into his side to avoid complacency against the 14th-placed Bulldogs, who have lost five of their last six games.

Sixth-placed Canberra has no Origin representatives and is a $1.40 favourite. But the Raiders have struggled at times in games they're expected to win in recent years and are looking to bounce back from last week's loss to St George Illawarra.

"I know about the personnel they've still got there, Josh Reynolds and Tony Williams were Origin players last year and will be out to prove a point," Croker said.

"In the Origin period there's a lot of teams who lift with young players getting opportunities, we can't afford to go into games like these thinking about what players they have out.

"It's good and bad we don't have any Origin players in there. It's good for us, but the boys who have missed out will want to prove themselves."

SUNDAY

NRL round 11: Canberra Raiders v Canterbury Bulldogs at Canberra Stadium, 4pm

Tickets available from Ticketek

TV: Live on WIN