With the game on the line in the second half, Shillington threw an errant offload that was pounced on by Cowboy Antonio Winterstein for a try.

In the next set he missed a tackle on Scott Bolton, which resulted in a Jake Granville four-pointer, effectively putting the match out of Canberra's reach.

Shillington shouldered much of the blame for the loss and is desperate to ensure he remembers his milestone on Monday night for better reasons.

Back-rower Josh Papalii will also play his 100th game for the club and young forward Mitch Barnett will make his NRL debut from the bench. 

Before the Cowboys game, Shillington - who will join the Gold Coast Titans on a two-year deal next year - had previously been in strong form since his return from a broken thumb in round 10.

The former Queensland Maroon said as an experienced player he needed to lead by example.

"I was pretty disappointed with my second half so I'm looking for some redemption this week," he said.

"I need a bigger performance, with my experience I shouldn't have come up with those errors.

"I was disappointed with that and looking forward to turning that around this week for sure."

Canberra are two points outside the top eight before the clash with the Tigers, who are coming off a strong win over Melbourne.

Four wins from the last five games should be enough for the Raiders to play finals, but Shillington said the injuries and suspension which had disrupted the line-up posed a major challenge.

Canberra has enjoyed a fortunate run with injury this year but will be without hooker Josh Hodgson (ankle), Sia Soliola (fractured cheekbone) and Edrick Lee (suspension) for the Tigers clash.

Hodgson and Soliola have been superb since joining the Raiders this year from the English Super League.

Shillington said he was inspired by Soliola's bravery in playing on against the Cowboys, with his injury later found to be potentially season ending.

The former New Zealand international's injury meant he was forced to drive the 2200km trip home from Townsville.

"He's a very tough character, Sia, I find him inspirational week to week for us," Shillington said.

"He talks well, he performs on the field and is very professional during the week.

"He's great to have around the club, for the young players and for myself.

"It's going to be a huge task for us this week, there's a few hurdles to get over before the game.

"Some of the players out like Hodgso and Soliola, they've been our best this year and by far, too.

"Every week they're putting in 100 per cent and have been crucial to our performances.

"They'll be hard to replace, but the guys coming in are very capable."

Shillington admitted he thought his NRL career could be over after he was overlooked for Canberra's round one team, before breaking his thumb in NSW Cup.

"I saw that milestone was coming up this year and then I was in reserve grade and injured. Part of me thought I might not reach it and head overseas," he said.

"I was obviously determined to fight for my spot and for my career. I've had to put in a lot of hard work to get back in the team."

Barnett joins a long list of young Raiders forwards to debut in recent years, headlined by Papalii, Paul Vaughan, Shannon Boyd and Luke Bateman.

Papalii backed the 21-year-old back-rower to also make an immediate impact and take his chance created by Soliola's injury.

"A good thing about our club is we let the young fellas have a go," Papalii said.

"Mitch Barnett, if you chuck his name around the club, the boys would tell you he's not going to take a backward step to anyone.

"I can't wait for him to play and he'll bring some energy off the bench."

Papalii said the team was aware of how significant Soliola's absence was. Since his arrival from St Helens he's been a father figure to many young players, particularly the Polynesian contingent.

"The boys were talking about how massive his loss is straight after the game in Townsville," Papalii said.

"I try and base my game around Sia and learn off him, he's definitely helped me this year."

MONDAY

NRL round 22: Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers at Canberra Stadium, 7pm

Tickets available from Ticketek