Canberra NRL star Josh Dugan said players owe it to David Furner to improve after the coach stood down from his assistant's role with the Australian team to concentrate on lifting the Raiders out of the mire.

The outstanding fullback, who will represent NSW Country against City on Friday night, says the Raiders feel terrible that their woeful form has forced Furner's hand.

Canberra were flogged 49-12 by Wests Tigers on Sunday to leave them with just one win from eight rounds.

On Monday Furner confirmed he had withdrawn from his role as with the Kangaroos who play New Zealand on Friday night on the Gold Coast.

"I feel bad for David that he's had to give up such a big and prestigious job and we'll be doing everything we can as players to make it up to him," Dugan said.

"I think the boys need to get back to what we do best, and that's playing footy.

"Our confidence is down a bit at the moment and we're just struggling to stick to the game plan.

"You just can't afford to give sides like the Tigers the opportunities we gave them and they towelled us up because of that."

The Raiders face a tough couple of weeks, against Manly at Brookvale next Monday night before hosting Melbourne.

First-up for 20-year-old Dugan is Friday night's battle with City's Jarryd Hayne, trying out for the NSW fullback spot.

"This game is a real stepping-stone for Origin but I can't think too much about it being just me against him (Hayne)," Dugan said.

"There's a lot of us who are in contention for spots this year, so it's going to make it all the better to get a win and if we perform well as a team there'll be more Country players in the NSW side.

"It's been a dream of mine since I was a kid to play for NSW and hopefully I can do it this year.

"I think I've proven myself at the next level. I played for Country last year and then in the All-Stars game, so I think I'm ready and I know a big game Friday will help my cause."

Dugan was man-of-the-match for Country last year, scoring one try, setting up another and running for 209 metres in their 36-18 demolition of City.

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