Can the Raiders pick themselves up from the despair of Sunday’s loss to the Broncos or will the Sharks continue their charge towards a first premiership since 2016?

An intriguing battle looms in Canberra between one side on a high after coming through an elimination final and another side deflated by a golden point loss in a game they looked to have in their keeping at 28-12.

The Raiders certainly have the weapons to pile on plenty of points and when their attack clicks into gear they can be unstoppable.

The Sharks will be more methodical in their approach with Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall looking to control proceedings off the back of a powerhouse pack led by Addin Fonua-Blake.

The last time these sides met in a final was the COVID affected 2020 season when only 9000 fans were permitted at GIO Stadium to witness a 32-20 Raiders victory.

A vastly different atmosphere will prevail this weekend with the ‘house full’ sign sure to go up early as the minor premiers look to avoid the ignominy of going out in ‘straight sets’.

Team News

Raiders: No changes to the side that went down to the Broncos in a 94-minute epic last Sunday with forward leader Josh Papali’i ready to step up again despite suffering an ankle injury a fortnight ago that tested his resilience and ability to play with pain. “His professionalism towards getting that ankle right last week was second to none and that’s what got him onto field,” coach Ricky Stuart said on Friday. Englishman Matty Nicholson is again listed as 18th man. Five-eighth Ethan Strange will look to continue a hot streak that has seen him score six tries in his last four games. No changes in Friday’s team update, with Nicholson and Danny Levi still in the extended squad. 

Sharks: Prop Tom Hazelton missed the win over the Roosters due to an infection in his knee but looks to be on track to return for the sudden-death clash. “He has done a terrific job of getting himself healthy again off the back of last week and he’s got a good bank of hard work this week so we’ll see how he responds to a last hit-out today,” coach Craig Fitzgibbon said on Friday. The prop remained in the Sharks extended squad in the 24-hour team update, with Daniel Atkinson the other player to stay in the reserves. Briton Nikora returned from suspension via the bench last week and has again been named on the interchange but a move into the starting side seems likely. 

Stat Attack

The Raiders have won only one of their last five finals games.
The Sharks have won only one of their last six games at GIO Stadium.
The Raiders have scored 24 points or more in their last eight games at GIO Stadium.
Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored six tries in eight finals games.
Raiders five-eighth Ethan Strange has scored six tries in his last four games.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.