Canberra fullback Josh Dugan is expected to return from injury as the Raiders desperately try to get their NRL season back on track in Saturday night's clash with Melbourne at AAMI Park.

Dugan was missing from the Raiders' line-up with an infection to a boil in his armpit as his team was soundly beaten 20-0 by Manly at Brookvale Oval on Monday night.

It was the Raiders' eighth consecutive loss, equalling the club record set 25 years ago, but Canberra medical staff say Dugan will be fit to take on the Storm.

Although Dugan played well for Country in their 18-12 win over City at Albury last Friday night, his latest absence may cost him a position in the Blues' line-up for the first State of Origin match on May 25.

Canberra prop Brett White said spirits at the Raiders are still high despite the poor season start.

"It's not the ideal situation ... but the boys are putting the effort in at training at the moment and into the games, but we're just not getting the results," he said.

Canberra: Josh Dugan, Blake Ferguson, Jarrod Croker, Joel Thompson, Reece Robinson, Josh McCrone, Matt Orford, Dane Tilse, Alan Tongue (c), Brett White, Danny Galea, Bronson Harrison, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Glen Buttriss, Josh Miller, Sam Mataora, Trevor Thurling.

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