Canberra five-eighth Michael Monaghan reckons keeping the Green Machine's momentum going with a win over premiers Sydney Roosters this weekend is more important than claiming the minor premiership.

Monaghan has replaced veteran Jason Croker, who hopes to return from a broken leg if Canberra make the National Rugby League grand final on October 5.

The Raiders can win the minor premiership if they beat the Roosters at home and Penrith lose to Parramatta on Sunday.

But following last Friday night's gutsy 21-16 victory over premiership favourites the Bulldogs, Monaghan believes another confidence-boosting triumph over quality opposition will have more meaning than topping the table going into the finals.

Asked whether Sunday's clash was the most important of the regular season, Monaghan replied: "I think so.

"Not so much for finishing first or fourth but more so for continuing to build the momentum we've got going.

"The momentum we built after that good win on Friday is something we need to keep going into the semi-finals.

"Semi-finals are the type of games where you may be travelling well but one loss and your season's over."

The 23-year-old Monaghan said the Raiders were yet to review NZ Warriors' narrow victory over the Roosters, who beat his side 20-16 early last month.

But he warned it would be foolish to target Brad Fittler's suspect shoulder after the former Test skipper was again named in coach Ricky Stuart's team.

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