The stage is set for a huge first week of finals, with the Raiders travelling to Newcastle where they will face off with the in-form Knights on Sunday.
It is do or die this week, with the season on the line both sides will put their all into this blockbuster clash as they fight to keep their season alive and make it through this elimination round.
The Raiders will need to stay locked in for the entire 80 minutes off footy this week as they look to bounce back from a 24-6 defeat to the Sharks, despite a dominant first half performance.
The Knights have peaked at the perfect time this season, after winning their last nine games they will aim to make it 10 in a row when they host the Raiders this Sunday.
Coach Ricky Stuart has made some changes to his side this week, with James Schiller stepping up to start on the wing to replace the suspended Sebastian Kris.
Off the back of his impressive debut, Hohepa Puru has earned himself a spot in the starting lineup as lock.
Meanwhile fullback Kalyn Ponga, halfback Jackson Hastings and back-rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon have all been named to return.
Match: Knights v Raiders
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Raiders
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Knights is number 1 Kalyn PongaFullback for Raiders is number 1 Jordan Rapana
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Winger for Knights is number 2 Dominic YoungWinger for Raiders is number 2 James Schiller
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Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane GagaiCentre for Raiders is number 3 Jack Wighton
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Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman BestCentre for Raiders is number 4 Matthew Timoko
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Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg MarzhewWinger for Raiders is number 5 Nick Cotric
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Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Tyson GambleFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Matt Frawley
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Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jackson HastingsHalfback for Raiders is number 7 Jamal Fogarty
Forwards
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Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob SaifitiProp for Raiders is number 8 Ata Mariota
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Hooker for Knights is number 9 Phoenix CrosslandHooker for Raiders is number 9 Zac Woolford
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Prop for Knights is number 10 Leo ThompsonProp for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine
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2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young
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2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Lachlan Fitzgibbon2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead
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Lock for Knights is number 13 Adam ElliottLock for Raiders is number 13 Hohepa Puru
Interchange
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Interchange for Knights is number 14 Kurt MannInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom Starling
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Interchange for Knights is number 15 Daniel SaifitiInterchange for Raiders is number 15 Emre Guler
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Interchange for Knights is number 16 Jack HetheringtonInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Pasami Saulo
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Interchange for Knights is number 17 Mat CrokerInterchange for Raiders is number 17 Trey Mooney
Reserves
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Replacement for Knights is number 20 Dylan LucasReplacement for Raiders is number 19 Albert Hopoate
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Adam Gee
Last updated:
Last time they met
The Knights defeated the Raiders 28-6 in round 22 earlier this season.
Key Match-Ups
Matt Timoko v Bradman Best
These two centres have had a breakout 2023 campaign, cementing themselves as two of the competitions biggest attacking threats with their elusive attack and shear strength proving difficult for the opposition to stop this season.
Timoko has been a standout player for the Raiders this season, with his pace, strength, and athleticism making him the complete centre.
Timoko has been pivotal in Canberra’s attack, recording 11 tries, 5 try assists, and a staggering 116 tackle breaks.
He is also a rock in defence as he holds the Raiders right edge together with his 87.4% tackle efficiency.
Best is also in career best form, with the Newcastle centre making his NSW debut earlier in the season off the back of his impressive form.
Best has stepped up to a different level this season, and will be on the Raider’s radar this week as he poses a huge attacking threat down the Knights left edge.
Best has shown he can do it all, scoring 13 tries in 23 games, whilst also assisting 14 tries this year.
This pair will face off opposite each other this weekend in a battle that will determine if their 2023 campaign comes to an end.
Jordan Rapana v Kalyn Ponga
Rapana and Ponga are two of the competition's most versatile and consistent players to date, who pose as a huge attacking threat to their competition each week whilst also being a crucial part of their sides defence.
Rapana has proved why he is so valuable this season, with the Raiders veteran stepping up into the fullback role with ease to help guide his side into the top eight.
Despite playing out of position for part of this year, Rapana has still had an impressive season, having 11 tries, eight try assists, and 81 tackle breaks.
He has also be a rock in defence out the back and on the wing with a noble 81.4% tackle efficiency.
It is no surprise that Ponga has the ability to open a game up with his smart attacking play and deceptive attack, he will be hard to contain this Sunday.
Ponga had a rough start to his 2023 campaign but has since found form returning to the fullback position, scoring eight tries and recording a remarkable 20 try assists.
The Knights captain has been a major factor in Newcastle’s success at the back end of this season, and he will look to carry his side to victory on Sunday.
These two both have the ability to flip the game on its head and take matters into their own hands as they fight to keep their season alive.
Hudson Young v Tyson Frizell
These two dynamic hard-running second rowers live for moments like this, and will be relishing the occasion on Sunday as they face off in this blockbuster do or die clash.
Young is currently in career best form this season, earning himself his NSW debut earlier in the year as a result of his incredible 2023 performance.
The Raiders second rower is built for the big stage and has been a great in attack and defence for the Raiders, scoring nine tries this season, and boasting an exceptional 89.1% tackle efficiency.
Frizell is also a decorated player, having also represented NSW he is no stranger to these important games.
Frizell has gelled his side together in defence this year, reporting an incredible 619 tackles with a 95.8% tackle efficiency.
Both of these powerhouses will look to break down their opposition on Sunday in a battle that will be their most important of the season thus far.
Head to Head
The two sides have played each other 45 times, with the Knights slightly ahead with 22 wins to the Raiders 21, with two draws.
