Oldfield determined to fill Rapana's boots and play for NRL future

He's been 18th man so many times he's lost count and Canberra Raiders winger Michael Oldfield admits it's been tough having limited opportunities since joining the Green Machine.

But the 27-year-old's determined to play for his future and fill wounded flyer Jordan Rapana's big boots ahead of the Raiders' season-defining game against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

Oldfield's played just three games in lime green since moving to Canberra early last season, scoring in two of them.

He's shown in those limited opportunities he's a more-than-capable finisher and also willing to do the work coming out of his own half that Rapana's made an art form.

Oldfield will again team up with Joey Leilua on the Raiders right edge as they prepare to take on the Broncos.

Canberra needs to win or they'll slip six points behind eighth-placed Brisbane.

"It's good to be back playing. It's been a while, but that's just footy," Oldfield said.

"We've got a star-studded team and I just had to bide my time, do my best for Mounties and when the opportunity came try and play well.

"It's not [easy], especially when you're just sitting on the fringe and you're warming up as 18th man every week it is pretty tough, I'm not going to lie. But that's just footy and life."

Rapana injured his hamstring against the Penrith Panthers, opening the door for Oldfield to get an extended run for the Green Machine.

Initially, he was diagnosed to be out for at least eight weeks, but Raiders coach Ricky Stuart was hopeful he might be back sooner.

Eight weeks would see him return against the Panthers at Penrith in round 21, but the Raiders have listed him due to return for their round 23 home game against the Sydney Roosters.

Oldfield's off-contract at the end of the season, but discussions have begun about keeping him in Canberra for another two years.

While he would like to stay, he was unsure what would happen and was determined to make the most of his opportunity over the coming weeks.

"I don't know how long Rapa's out for, but I don't think it will be that long," Oldfield said.

"But as long as he's out and if I'm that next choice I'm just going to do my best and see how it plays out. I've just got to fill the big shoes of Rapa."

The Raiders haven't enjoyed their time against the Broncos in recent years, especially at Suncorp.

They've lost their last five games against Brisbane and have only won once up north since 2004.

But Oldfield goes in without any scarring in lime green and has only played one NRL game at Suncorp during his career.

"That's news to me. It is pretty confronting playing up there," he said of the Raiders' record.

"They've got a really big fan base there and they get a lot of numbers, but in saying that it's a big atmosphere and I think that brings the best out of people ... I'm looking forward to getting up there and playing."

NRL ROUND 16

Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium, 7.35pm. Live on Fox League.

Raiders squad: 1. Jack Wighton, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Jarrod Croker (c), 4. Joey Leilua, 5. Michael Oldfield, 6. Blake Austin, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Sia Soliola, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Shannon Boyd, 11. Joe Tapine, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Josh Papalii. Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Junior Paulo, 16. Dunamis Lui, 17. Liam Knight, 18. Jack Murchie, 19. Charlie Gubb, 20. Craig Garvey, 21. Brad Abbey.

Broncos squad: 1. Darius Boyd (c), 2. Corey Oates, 3. James Roberts, 4. Jordan Kahu, 5. Jamayne Isaako, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Kodi Nikorima, 8. Matthew Lodge, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Sam Thaiday, 11. Tevita Pangai jnr, 12. Jaydn Su'A, 13. Josh McGuire. Interchange: 14. Patrick Mago, 15. Joe Ofahengaue, 16. Tom Opacic, 17. Alex Glenn, 18. Korbin Sims, 19. Troy Dargan, 20. Sam Tagataese, 21. David Fifita, 22. Kotoni Staggs, 23. Gehamat Shibasaki.