Jarrod Croker

Croker underwent revolutionary stem-cell surgery on his knee this off-season in a bid to save his rugby league career.

The 31-year-old centre barely missed a game in his first 12 NRL seasons but the past 18 months have been plagued by injuries.

A shoulder reconstruction after the 2020 season was followed by debilitating knee pain which led to several minor surgeries on his meniscus, and platelet-rich plasma injections.

But those solutions proved temporary and Croker went under the knife last October in a bid to fend off medical retirement.

And that’s why Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has enlisted the help of multi-premiership winning Raiders legend Mal Meninga this year.

Stuart revealed in November he had spoken to his fellow club legend about a consultancy role with the Raiders, designed specifically to help Croker develop as a leader.

And while Croker played down Meninga’s job when asked about his work, he revealed he regularly meets with the current Australian coach who has become a mentor of sorts.

Initial diagnosis following scans today forecast a six week recovery for Croker, as a result of a disloacted knee cap. 

Raiders medical staff will reassess the injury when he returns to Canberra from Newcastle on Monday.