But he believes Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has created an environment where a handful of his teammates could also wear the captain's armband, including England international Josh Hodgson.

The bushy haired lock was expecting Stuart would let the team know who would lead the team before the pre-season trial against Newcastle at Seiffert Oval on Saturday.

Soliola, along with a handful of fellow Raiders, visited Canberra Hospital on Thursday to hand out show bags to sick children who wouldn't be able to go to next week's Royal Canberra Show.

As a parent, he said it was nice to "put a smile" on the children's faces who were doing it tough.

Soliola said Hodgson had developed his leadership since he first arrived in Canberra two years ago.

But the 30-year-old added there were a number of other Raiders players who could also fill the role until the fifth or sixth round of the NRL season when Croker is due back.

Soliola's one of the most experienced players in a young Raiders side, having played in both the NRL and England Super League, as well as grand finals and on the international stage.

But he said the fact Hodgson spent more time on the field tipped the scales in the hooker's favour.

Soliola credited Stuart for the way he's helped "grow" the whole playing group, with leadership one aspect of that.

"I think a few of us are up for that role. We're still yet to speak to Ricky about that. A handful of us would suit the role and I'm pretty sure the team will respect whatever decision Ricky goes with," he said.

"[I've got] a little bit more experience than a few of the other boys, probably a little bit more vocal, probably don't play as many minutes as someone like Hodgo would probably play.

"He would probably add a little bit more influence in the team. He's definitely someone who has stepped up to the leadership role in that as well, and a few other guys as well.

"Whoever it is - me, Hodgo, or even Joey Leilua, even Josh Papalii, there's guys there that we're all quite comfortable to have up there as captain."

Soliola said Croker would be a big loss twofold.

Not only will they miss his "numbers" - Croker is a try and point-scoring machine - but Soliola said he'd also grown as a leader over the last couple of years.

He said the Raiders captain was a lot more vocal these days and his clutch kicking would also be missed - although he backed halfback Aidan Sezer to fill that role.

In terms of covering him as the left-edge centre, Soliola felt it would either be 18-year-old Nick Cotric or recruit Jordan Turner - although he did throw his own hat into the ring, having started his career at centre with the Sydney Roosters.

"We've got a couple of options there, there's young Nick and Jordie Turner as well that have really trained well and really stood out for mine," Soliola said.

"You never know, they might chuck me out there - I've played a few games out there, we might have to wind back the clock.

"We've been training really hard this off-season and really polished up a few areas, but it's nice to have that depth in the backline as well as what we've got in the forwards as well."

NRL PRE-SEASON TRIAL

Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights at Seiffert Oval, 6.30pm. Tickets available from raiders.com.au.

Raiders squad: Eddie Aiono, Blake Austin, Luke Bateman, Shannon Boyd, Adam Clydsdale, Nick Cotric, Lachlan Croker, Thomas Cronan, Shaun Fensom, Josh Hodgson, Edrick Lee, Joey Leilua, Jeff Lima, Dunamis Lui, Makahesi Makatoa, Mark McCormack, Anthony Moraitis, Brent Naden, Josh Papalii, Junior Paulo, Clay Priest, Jordan Rapana, Zac Santo, Aidan Sezer, Sia Soliola, Scott Sorensen, Joseph Tapine, Topi Taufa, Dave Taylor, Jordan Turner, Elliott Whitehead, Jack Wighton.

Newcastle squad: 1. Dylan Phythian, 2. Ken Sio, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Peter Mata'utia, 5. Nathan Ross, 6. Brock Lamb, 7. Trent Hodkinson, 8. Daniel Saifiti, 9. Danny Levi, 10. Josh Starling, 11. Sione Mata'utia, 12. Jamie Buhrer, 13. Mitch Barnett. Interchange: 14. Luke Yates, 15. Jack Stockwell, 16. Sam Stone, 17. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 18. Brendan Elliot, 19. Will Pearsall, 22. Josh King, 23. Jacob Saifiti, 24. Chanel Mata'utia.