Hartwig was expected to miss the rest of the season after undergoing thumb surgery, but the tough full-back returns to the team for his first game since the round 11 loss to Wodonga.

He’s likely to play on Jake Goldsmith, or one of the Heta brothers, Hayden or Dean.

“It’s massive to have him back,” fellow co-captain Shane Gaston said.

“He’s probably one of the best (defenders) in the league.

“The surgeon says he’s right to go and he’s trained the last couple of weeks.

“It more just came down to how it heeled and the rehab, but if he puts the jumper on, he’s right to go.”

The Rovers, who are second from bottom, will be given little chance of victory against third-placed Raiders.

But try telling that to the club’s young guns, such as Alex Marklew, Dylan Wilson and Dale Martin.