The Raiders cemented a top-four finish with last week's comeback win over the Sharks but Ricky Stuart was quick to keep his team's position in perspective, saying "we haven't done anything yet".
The truth is the Raiders have done something - they've proved they can come from behind and beat good teams on the road - but Stuart's point isn't missed.
It'll be interesting to see if the Raiders rest any stars this weekend but Stuart will still be expecting nothing less than a win over the slumping Warriors.
After staying in the finals race with an upset of Manly in round 21, the Warriors have crashed to three straight losses, conceding 115 points and scoring just 32.
Match: Raiders v Warriors
Round 25 -
home Team
Raiders
4th Position
away Team
Warriors
13th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
The Rundown
Team news
Raiders: Corey Horsburgh has been called up to the starting lineup, with Ryan Sutton switching to the bench. Joseph Tapine (ribs) has been ruled out of returning against the Warriors with a focus on being for the finals. The Raiders' past four games have been decided by four points or less. Jordan Rapana and Tom Starling were cut an hour before kick-off, while Tapine and Sam Williams were the two players omitted on Saturday.
Warriors: David Fusitu'a is out, with Taane Milne elevated to the starting side and Adam Pompey shifting from centre to wing. Milne and Blake Ayshford form a new centre combination in place of injured duo Peta Hiku (shoulder) and Patrick Herbert (quad). Young playmaker Chanel Harris-Tavita suffered ligament damage in his left arm against the Rabbitohs and is expected to have surgery. Bunty Afoa was dropped from the bench and replaced by Josh Curran, while Hayze Perham and Leviaha Pulu were the two players left out on Friday.
Match: Raiders v Warriors
Round 25 -
home Team
Raiders
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Bailey SimonssonFullback for Warriors is number 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
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Winger for Raiders is number 2 Michael OldfieldWinger for Warriors is number 3 Adam Pompey
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Centre for Raiders is number 3 Jarrod CrokerCentre for Warriors is number 4 Blake Ayshford
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Centre for Raiders is number 4 Nick CotricCentre for Warriors is number 20 Taane Milne
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Winger for Raiders is number 5 Sebastian KrisWinger for Warriors is number 5 Ken Maumalo
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Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack WightonFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
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Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Aidan SezerHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Blake Green
Forwards
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Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papali'iProp for Warriors is number 8 Agnatius Paasi
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Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Josh HodgsonHooker for Warriors is number 9 Issac Luke
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Prop for Raiders is number 10 Dunamis LuiProp for Warriors is number 10 Leeson Ah Mau
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Adam Blair
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Isaiah Papali'i
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Lock for Raiders is number 16 Corey HorsburghLock for Warriors is number 13 Jazz Tevaga
Interchange
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Interchange for Raiders is number 13 Ryan SuttonInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Lachlan Burr
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Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Siliva HaviliInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Ligi Sao
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Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Emre GulerInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Adam Keighran
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Interchange for Raiders is number 17 JJ CollinsInterchange for Warriors is number 18 Josh Curran
Match Officials
- Referee: Matt Cecchin
- Touch Judge: Tim Roby
- Senior Review Official: Jared Maxwell
Last updated:
Key match-up
Issac Luke will be pumped for a big one in his final match as a Warrior and we've seen many times how dangerous 'Bully' can be when he is running on emotion. His rival hooker Josh Hodgson has enhanced his reputation as one of the game's finest No.9s in 2019 and he'll tear the Warriors to pieces if they allow him too much space around the ruck.
For the Raiders to win
Just stick to the processes and methods that have been pretty darn successful over the first 24 rounds. As long as they take the Warriors seriously and make sure they aren't looking ahead to the finals, the Raiders should have little trouble notching their 16th win for 2019.
For the Warriors to win
After giving up an average of 38.3 points over the past three games, it's all about defence. If the Warriors can get everyone on the same page defensively and also produce their best attacking performance of the year, maybe - just maybe - they can pull off an upset and finish a forgettable season on a high note.
Brett Kimmorley says
Winning a tight one against the Sharks will be good for Ricky Stuart and his men in terms of confidence. Aidan Sezer handled the game management really well. The big challenge for Ricky Stuart will be to emotionally getting the players back up after last week. The Warriors have been pretty poor for most of the last six-to-eight weeks and you wouldn’t think the Raiders will let this one slip. Raiders by 8
Stat Attack
Raiders fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad leads the NRL in kick return metres (1,602) and is also third in runs (418) and fourth in run metres (4,026). CNK is taking a rest this week ahead of the finals and that's a blessing for his former club who won't have to try and contain him.
And another thing ...
Records could tumble on Saturday in Canberra if the Round 20 clash between the Raiders and Warriors is any guide. The Green Machine were on fire that day at Mt Smart Stadium, racing to a 30-0 half-time lead en route to a 46-12 victory. The Raiders crossed for eight tries, while Chanel Harris-Tavita scored all his team's points from two tries and two conversions.
