The Raiders are targeting a hat-trick of wins for the first time this year when they clash against the Warriors at Canberra Stadium.

They boast an imposing record in Canberra against their Kiwi rivals, losing just three of 14 games in the city since 1996.

The Raiders won a golden-point thriller last year, but expect the Warriors to return as a more powerful beast after the addition of controversial playmaker Foran.

The Warriors are also chasing three straight wins for the first time this season and their form turnaround has coincided with the injection of Foran.

The premiership-winning five-eighth has taken the pressure of Shaun Johnson and the Raiders are wary of the duo's star power.

"Both sides are going pretty similar. We've been pretty consistent in the first six weeks with a couple of really tough losses which doesn't show up on the ladder," said Raiders skipper Jarrod Croker.

"With the Warriors, they've got Kieran Foran back and that's taking a lot of pressure off Johnson, [Roger] Tuivasa-Sheck and Isaac Luke.

"That's the spine of the team ... I think the Warriors are starting to really gel and Foran has been good since his return. They're certainly a dangerous team."

The Warriors won back to back games in Canberra in 2014 and 2015, but they lost nine games in a row in the capital from 1999-2013.

Veteran Warriors forward Ryan Hoffman, whose dad Jay played for the Raiders, said: "Canberra is a tough place to play. They've created a bit of a reputation for themsevles there.

"They're quite a passionate fan base. I used to live down there and spent a lot of time with the Raiders. They love their rugby league and and are trying to create an intimidating place to go.

"I think it's one of the toughest [places to play] in rugby league so it's a great opportunity and a challenge we're looking forward to."

Croker says he has overcome a nagging hip problem and hopes to resume the goal-kicking duties against the Warriors after handing the reins to Aidan Sezer last week.

Croker's start to the year has been hampered by a dislocated knee, which required physio six times per day before making his comeback.

He spent time with medical staff this week in the hope of minimising the pain in his hip as he closes in on his 200th NRL game.

Local hero: Foran celebrates with teammates after scoring a try. Photo: Getty Images

Croker, 26, has already scored 100 tries and is the Raiders' all-time leading points scorer.

"I had some really good rest this week, [the hip injury] was a bit annoying last weekend," Croker said on ABC Canberra.

"I was a bit quiet by my own standards [against the Gold Coast] and the [injury] certainly wasn't helping.

"But it's getting better, I've been getting plenty of treatment and I'm sure it will be fine by this weekend.

"I've done a lot of recovery and went to an [osteopath] and got my back and neck loosened up and cracked. That's certainly helped.

"I'll probably see them again before the game, but it's all fine."

NRL ROUND SEVEN

Saturday: Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors at Canberra Stadium, 5.30pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.

Raiders squad: 1. Jack Wighton, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Jarrod Croker, 4. Joey Leilua, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Blake Austin, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Junior Paulo, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Shannon Boyd, 11. Josh Papalii, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Joe Tapine. Interchange: 14. Adam Clydsdale, 15. Luke Bateman, 16. Clay Priest, 17. Sia Soliola. Reserves: 18. Dunamis Lui, 19. Jordan Turner, 20. Makahesi Makatoa. 21. Lachlan Croker.

Warriors squad: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), 2. Blake Ayshford, 3. David Fusitu'a, 4. Solomone Kata, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. James Gavet, 9. Issac Luke, 10. Jacob Lillyman, 11. Bodene Thompson, 12. Ryan Hoffman, 13. Simon Mannering. Interchange: 14. Nathaniel Roache, 15. Charlie Gubb, 16. Ligi Sao, 17. Sam Lisone. Reserves: 18. Albert Vete, 20. Bunty Afoa, 21. Mafoa'aeata Hingano, 22. Mason Lino.