The 24-year-old says he’s no certainty to pair with returned five-eighth Terry Campese in the halves this year and will be pushing hard for selection in the Raiders’ opening trials.

The absence of Campese and star recruit Matt Orford to injury left McCrone and Sam Williams to fill the breach last season - a partnership that was largely a highlight in an otherwise dire year for the Raiders.

But with Campese back in the mix, it has the team-mates fighting it out for the halfback spot.

‘‘Someone’s got to miss out - and hopefully it’s not me - but I’ve still got a lot to prove,’’ he said yesterday.

‘‘There are still plenty of spots up for grabs at the trials. I’ve only got two trials to push for it.’’

McCrone conceded to a head start over Williams given he’s already been tested in combination with Campese but said the spot was far from decided.

‘‘Sam is a first grade halfback, so I suppose the club’s in a good situation where they’ve got three or four first grade halves to pick from,’’ he said.

‘‘Depth is always good, but yeah, it means I might not get a crack.’’

Coach David Furner will announce his trial squad early next week.