Canberra’s Joel Thompson has been named to replace injured centre Jarrod Croker for the Raiders’ do-or-die NRL semi-final battle with South Sydney on Saturday.

The high-flying Raiders were dealt a huge blow in their 34-16 victory over Cronulla on the weekend when Croker was carried off the field with a fractured cheekbone.

Coach David Furner named an extended 20-man squad on Tuesday with Thompson shifted from the back row to the No.3 jersey, saying the forward was a more than capable replacement.

But Furner is yet to make a decision about who will take over the all-important goalkicking duties from Croker, who headed the NRL points-scoring tally for 2012.

Fullback Josh Dugan flubbed three chances at goal and winger Blake Ferguson another against the Sharks after Croker went off.

The duo, plus Reece Robinson, will fight it out in a kicking session on Wednesday before Furner makes his pick.

Joe Picker will take Thompson’s place in the second row while Jack Wighton has been named in the first-grade squad for the first time since breaking his toe two months ago.

Raiders: Josh Dugan, Sandor Earl, Joel Thompson, Blake Ferguson, Reece Robinson, Josh McCrone, Sam Williams, David Shillington (capt), Glen Buttriss, Dane Tilse, Josh Papalii, Joe Picker, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Shaun Berrigan, Jack Wighton, Mark Nicholls, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Jarrad Kennedy, Travis Waddell, Dimitri Pelo (three to be omitted).