Canberra have had their worst fears about Jarrod Croker confirmed, with the Raiders captain ruled out for the remainder of the NRL season.

Scans have revealed the star centre will need surgery after his left knee cap dislocated in the 38-12 victory over North Queensland on Saturday night.

Croker is scheduled to have surgery next week in a bid to start training again by the end of the year.

Even before the severity of the injury was confirmed the club were bracing themselves for the worst.

His absence is a bitter blow as the Raiders aim to keep their finals hopes alive, sitting two games outside of the top eight.

Croker has been one of the most durable players in the NRL since making his debut in 2009, playing 230 games for the Raiders.

The fewest amount of games he had played in a season before this year was 21.

Not only does Croker leave a centre and leadership hole, but he is the club’s designated kicker.

Halfback Aidan Sezer filled the kicking void when Croker left the field after 30 minutes against the Cowboys and made five of six conversion attempts.

“Losing your captain is like losing a limb really,” Raiders forward Luke Bateman said.

“He’s played over 200 games and everyone looks up to him.”

At 27, Croker is one of the older members of the Raiders squad and Bateman was sure to let him know about it.

“I was texting him yesterday and I said that’s what happens when you’re 45 and try to keep playing footy,” Bateman joked.

Canberra have already been hard hit with the NRL suspending fullback Jack Wighton for the rest of the season after he pleaded guilty to assault charges.

That’s on top of being without forward Shannon Boyd (calf) and Joseph Tapine (suspension).

But the Raiders should get Wighton’s replacement fullback Brad Abbey back for Friday night’s clash with Cronulla after missing the win against the Cowboys due to concussion.