Stuart breathes easy as Bateman prepares to cover for Tapine

The Canberra Raiders have received good news regarding backrower Joe Tapine's thumb injury with scans showing he will only miss 1-2 weeks.

The loss of the 24-year-old for any time is a blow for Canberra, but coach Ricky Stuart said compared to Tapine's previous hand injuries the latest incident is only minor.

"We've got the injury concern with Taps (Tapine) but we had a good session yesterday and another today so we're looking okay," Stuart said.

"He's out for probably 1-2 weeks from the medical opinion so we'll just hope and wait it's only the one.

"He's had some bad luck early in the season the last few years. He's had a couple of surgeries on his hands, so it's been a slow start for him again. Thankfully it's not as bad as it's been previously."

The loss of an international quality right edge forward would be more acutely felt by almost every other team in the Telstra Premiership apart from the Raiders.

Off-season recruit John Bateman is set to become Canberra's latest 'Mr Fix It', with the English international likely to shift to the right side for Friday night's clash with Newcastle at GIO Stadium.

"It's what you strive for with an NRL squad to have the depth and young guys pushing for positions and putting pressure on the guys in their position," Stuart said.

"That versatility has been shown already with guys like John Bateman, who had to fill in on the edge last week."

The 25-year-old has looked right at home in lime green this season, selflessly offering to play any role needed of him.

"I have probably played most of my career in the back-row and on the right side so I'm excited by the chance," Bateman said.

"Obviously it's a loss for Joe being out but I'm looking forward to playing that position."

Canberra's first 30 minutes in their loss to Melbourne last week ensured they had a mountain to climb for the remainder of the contest.

Bateman said the forwards in the middle know they have to set the platform, especially against the hulking and skilful Knights pack.

"Especially with how we started last week we'll be on our toes a bit more because we didn't start well and that's what gave Melbourne the upper-hand," he said.

"You can't go into any game and be scared. If you do then you've already lost the battle and you need to go in and win your individual battles.

"They have got some great individual players but if we can do that it will take us through the rest of the game."

Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was told by Stuart to try and enjoy his game more as he looks to continue to adjust to being the Raiders' defensive general at the back.

"There are a few things I had to pick up on my game that I will be looking to work on this week so hopefully we can get the job done on Friday," he said.

"We started a bit slow and made a few errors and made it hard on ourselves, so we have to improve that this week."