Canberra halfback Josh McCrone says he's not worried about the club's search for another No.7 as he prepares for the Raiders' must-win NRL match against Newcastle on Sunday.

The club has been in the market for the likes of Brett Kimmorley, Trent Barrett and Brett Finch to act as an experienced help for five-eighth Terry Campese.

While Barrett almost certain to retire and Finch likely to go to England, Canberra appear to be in a three-horse race with Canterbury and Parramatta for Kimmorley's signature.

McCrone has been in and out of David Furner's side this year, and has played just 12 matches - being consistently swapped with Marc Herbert and Adam Mogg.

However, the 23-year-old from Temora had one of the best matches of his career in last week's win over Manly and he's determined to prove he's the right man to wear the lime-green No.7 jersey.

"I'm not too worried about that. I'm halfback (this week), so that's all I'm worried about," McCrone said.

"If I keep playing well that talk will cease to happen, won't it?"

With his confidence up after a strong kicking game against the Sea Eagles, McCrone said he needs to become more assertive in taking pressure off Campese.

"I've probably got to take more control and gain a bit of confidence to over-call Campo," he admitted.

"He likes the ball all the time and that's not necessarily good for him and the team so I've got to take control.

"(Playing halfback) is something I'm comfortable with, I think it's a thing where the team's got to be comfortable with me being there and I think that will happen."

Campese, who has taken over as club captain in Alan Tongue's absence, was also very dominant in a possibly season-turning win over Manly at Brookvale last Saturday night.

Canberra must beat the Knights to keep their finals hopes alive, but if they do, they will be greeted by an achievable run home - and they will level with Newcastle, one of their chief rivals for a top-eight spot.

After an indifferent season in his own words, Campese realises it's up to him to take command and show his young side the way.

"In the position I'm playing in the halves, and at the moment being skipper, I've got to try and be upbeat," he said.

"Even when things aren't going the way you want them to, you've still got to try and be positive."

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