The Raiders are chasing four straight wins for the second time this NRL season when they face Parramatta in Darwin on Saturday.

Hooker Josh Hodgson returns which means NSW winger Nick Cotric is the only player still to come back from Canberra's best 17. Star centre BJ Leilua is out for the season.

Stuart praised the depth of his squad for keeping the Raiders in the top four throughout their injury-ravaged campaign.

"We really should be crediting the young guys in regards to holding the fort while we've had a number of players out," Stuart said.

"We've been taking it one week at a time practically all season but we're really focused on that when we had seven starting players out.

"The senior players this year, probably in all my time at the club, have been the most excited about playing with a number of these debutants and that's a big difference.

"The younger blokes have won the trust of the senior boys through buying in and all their hard work. But that also comes with ability, these kids have got some talent as well.

"They've taken their opportunity in first grade with both hands."

Stuart said he was preparing for a "smart" Eels side but added there was no excuse to fall short against the club he coached in 2013.

"It's all well and good people are back and things are back on deck there but we have to go away and win now," Stuart said.

"Josh coming back now gives us one of our leaders and so much experience, he's a world-class player and brings back that talent and capability and makes us a better footy team.

"Parramatta played very well last start. They have a very smart attacking team and have some real talent which they showed last week when they dusted up Brisbane."

Australian Associated Press