Final Four: Canberra Raiders
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An underwhelming performance against the Panthers has left the Green Machines needing to bounce back straight away with a must-win game against the Dragons up next.
Having struggled with consistency throughout the season, Canberra will need to be able to string together several impressive performances if they are to make a return to the finals after missing out last year, with the Raiders heading into Round 21 two points adrift of the top eight with a points differential of -33.
Use the NRL’s ladder predictor tool to see for yourself where your team can finish this year!
The final four games
- Round 22 v Dragons (H)
- Round 23 v Knights (A)
- Round 24 v Sea Eagles (H)
- Round 25 v Wests Tigers (A)
The Raiders have matches to come against the Dragons, Knights, Sea Eagles and Tigers and, with plenty of teams in the fight, they will have to be clinical from here on out to make a return to finals footy.
There's plenty like about the way the Raiders are playing their footy at the moment but they will be aware they need to go up another couple of notches to beat sides like the Dragons and Sea Eagles, who will also be fighting hard for their chance to sneak into the bottom of the top eight.
Home, sweet home
The Raiders two of their remaining four matches at GIO Stadium, where they have won six from nine games this year. If they can't get the job done this week against the Dragons and the Roosters score a big win over the Cowboys, it could be tough going for Canberra in their bid to climb back up the ladder.
On the road
Just two trips remain for the Green Machine – one to McDonald Jones Stadium and another to Leichhardt Oval. Playing on the road has been a big issue for the Raiders this season, with only four wins in 10 games away from home.
An interesting trip for Canberra side will be to McDonald Jones Stadium where they haven’t played for five years. Jack Wighton, Nick Cotric, Jordan Rapana, Elliot Whitehead and Joseph Tapine are the only current Raiders who featured in the 2017 game.
Must-watch game
Match: Raiders v Dragons
Round 22 -
home Team
Raiders
9th Position
away Team
Dragons
11th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
The ninth-placed Raiders will still be stinging for revenge against the Dragons after a last second penalty controversy denied the Raiders a chance at two points when they met earlier in the year. If the Raiders had of left WIN Stadium that day with the extra two points they also would sit neck-and-neck with the Roosters in eighth position with a favourable run home compared to their Sydney rivals. Instead, they'll come into this week two points behind and they'll need to do something special to overturn their current fortunes and fight their way back into the eight.
- Best case finish: 4th
- Worst case finish: 14th
Use the NRL’s ladder predictor tool to see for yourself where your team can finish this year!
