Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has issued a Shaun Johnson high alert to his NRL side after the Warriors’ halfback’s week of being pilloried by the media.

Johnson has been under fire for what his coach Andrew McFadden has described as a disappointing performance in the Warriors’ 24-14 loss last weekend to Newcastle.

And that criticism has Stuart concerned ahead of Sunday’s clash at Canberra Stadium.

Stuart has no doubts the Golden Boot holder, as well as returning England fullback Sam Tomkins, will bounce back to the point where they’ll both need some extra special attention.

“Johnson has to be defensively marked up on. He’s an outstanding player and you can’t take your eye off Tomkins,” Stuart said.

“They’re just both great ad-lib football players, and (Johnson) burns the edges of defences with his speed.

“He didn’t win that award last year for no reason.

“He’s been heavily criticised during the week, so he’ll come out for a big game.”

Recent history between the two sides shows the Raiders will need to pay more than lip service to their defensive effort, though.

The Warriors have scored 50-plus points against the Raiders in their past three outings – only the second side to achieve the feat against any team.

But that stat is irrelevant, argues Stuart, as the Raiders are a brand new side on the up.

After last week’s 24-20 win over Cronulla, the Raiders have won four straight NRL games (including 2014).

“We are a better footy team today than we were this time last year,” Stuart said.

“(The 50-plus point losses) haven’t been mentioned once.”

The Raiders will be without impressive winger Jordan Rapana (hamstring), with Stuart confirming Jeremy Hawkins will come into the side.

Exciting fullback Jack Wighton will take to the field, however, after dodging suspension for punching last week.

And Stuart says he wants the club’s latest star fullback to keep playing his natural game after last week’s match-winning two-try performance.

“Absolutely – he’s a really good footy player. He’s a big part of our team on and off the field,” he said.

KEY STATS

* Manu “The Beast” Vatuvei has scored 12 tries in his past five matches against the Raiders

* The Raiders haven’t won their first two games of the season since 2005

* The combined score of the Warriors’ past three matches is 158-46

* The Warriors have won just three games in 13 visits to Canberra

* Raiders forward Dane Tilse will play his 200th NRL game