The Canberra Raiders are set to host their last game of the regular season against the New Zealand Warriors at GIO Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Here are five things to look forward to:
Thank you members!
To celebrate reaching 20,121 members this year and smashing the membership record, the Raiders will host their annual member appreciation round this Saturday at GIO Stadium, for the final home match of the regular season against the New Zealand Warriors.
The players and coaching staff would like to thank each and every one of the 2019 members for their support this year.
This is going to be such a special day for 2019 members with plenty of fun activities for all ages, this is a game you don’t want to miss. Stay tuned, more details will come!
Specsavers Katrina Fanning Shield
This Saturday, GIO stadium will host the third Specsavers Katrina Fanning Shield.
This is a game you do not want to miss. Between the Yass Magpies and the Valley Dragons, this is the highest standard of women’s tackle rugby league in the region.
Yass Magpies have flown through the season undefeated and are desperately chasing the premiership after a loss last year. The Valley Dragons have been in superb form this year which has earnt them their first ever grand final.
The shield is named after Katrina Fanning, a proud Wiradjuri woman, who paved the way for women wanting to play rugby league after playing in the inaugural Jillaroos test in 1995 and making a total of 24 appearances for Australia.
Flying into finals on a high
The Raiders will be hoping to enter their finals campaign on a high off the back of a win with so much to play for.
In what feels like a finals test run, the Raiders have come up against some tough top four sides over the past few rounds including the Melbourne Storm, the Sydney Roosters, and the Manly Sea Eagles.
In a growing and improving side, the 2019 Raiders have gone from strength to strength this season.
A win this weekend will see the Raiders finish the regular season in third position on the ladder and no doubt continue to build the confidence of the Green Machine.
Last home game at GIO
This Saturday is the last game of the regular season and a perfect opportunity to cheer the Raiders boys on before the finals begin.
Saturday is shaping up to be a great afternoon of footy. Between the members appreciation round, the Katrina Fanning Shield and finals just around the corner, fans can expect an action packed day at GIO Stadium.
GIO has hosted some epic crowds this season, this Saturday is another opportunity for another packed stadium to cheer on the Green Machine into the finals.
Battle of the master and the apprentice
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will be up against reigning Dally M medallist, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck for the second time this season.
Tuivasa-Sheck has played one of his best seasons to date this year, following a Dally M season in 2018. Averaging 203 running metres a game and 21 runs, his fast pace and illusive foot work make him a danger with the ball.
The experienced fullback will be looking to finish his season with a dominant performance this weekend against good friend and former teammate Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.
Charnze may have less experience in the number one jersey, but the Canberra Raiders prodigy has been nothing short of spectacular for the Green Machine in 2019.
The young fullback will be hoping for a strong performance ahead of the finals series, and with 11 tries and three try assists to his name this season, Raiders fans will be hoping for magic every time he has the ball.
