Depth is a feature the Canberra Raiders will be pleased to reclaim for the upcoming NRL season, although playmaker Josh McCrone concedes it could very well come at his expense.

The 24-year-old says he’s no certainty to pair with returned five-eighth Terry Campese in the halves this year and will be pushing hard for selection in the Raiders’ opening trials.

The absence of Campese and star recruit Matt Orford to injury left McCrone and Sam Williams to fill the breach last season – a partnership that was largely a highlight in an otherwise dire year for the Raiders.

But with Campese back in the mix, it has the team-mates fighting it out for the halfback spot.

“Someone’s got to miss out – and hopefully it’s not me – but I’ve still got a lot to prove,” he told AAP on Wednesday.

“There are still plenty of spots up for grabs at the trials.

“I’ve only got two trials to push for it.”

McCrone concedes to a headstart over Williams given he’s already been tested in combination with Campese but said the spot was far from decided.

“Sam is a first grade halfback, so I suppose the club’s in a good situation where they’ve got three or four first grade halves to pick from,” he said.

“Depth is always good, but yeah, it means I might not get a crack.”

Coach David Furner will announce his trial squad early next week, ahead of the opening trial in Albury next Saturday against the Storm, in what is a prelude to their round one clash on March 3.

McCrone said the team is desperate for the hit-out after months of pre-season training that kicked off in early November – and to also start the year with a clean slate.

“Before Christmas we got a lot of running and after Christmas things sort of settled down a bit we got to chase a bit of ball and there was a bit more game stuff (but) this time of year seems to drag out forever,” McCrone said.

“We’re all biting at the bit to get a game.”