Canberra co-captain Josh Hodgson says the Raiders are “desperate” to finish in the NRL top four and as they prepare for a tough run into finals.
The Green Machine have won six of their past seven games heading into the Warriors in Auckland on Friday, and are vying for their second finals berth in seven years.
Canberra are one win from clinching a final spot and are looking to snap a 25-year title drought, dating back to coach Ricky Stuart’s playing days.
They’ve been in the top four almost all season but are yet to beat a team above them, dropping games against top-three sides; Melbourne Storm, South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters.
The Raiders (fourth) face the Warriors (12th), Roosters (third), Storm (first), Manly (fifth) and Sharks (10th), before finishing against the Warriors again.
Hodgson said it was crucial to hold their spot and earn a double chance in finals. Top four sides play each other first and therefore cannot be eliminated in week one.
“It’s obviously a big help if you can get in that top four because if things don’t quite go your way you get a second chance and if they do you get a week off to rest up and you’re one win away from a grand final,” Hodgson said.
“It’s hugely important you get that top four. It doesn’t mean it’s not doable, we’ve seen teams make the grand final from outside the four but it certainly makes it harder.
“Everyone wants to get in the top eight but considering where we want to head and the things we want to do, it’s going to be massive to get in that top four.
“We’ve got a few teams coming up that are in and around us so it’s going to be a big few weeks for us but I think we’ve been playing our best because we’ve been concentrating on us.
“When you play semis it’s a different kettle of fish, it’s a lot more high speed and up-tempo and there’s a lot more on the line. So it’s about being good in these next few weeks against the good teams to make sure we’re faring well for the back end.”
Stuart admitted his team wasn’t yet one the competition’s best three after beating Penrith last week, but Hodgson said they would be soon.
“Consistency, it sounds a bit boring but it’s true. That’s why Melbourne are clear by a long way because they’re very consistent and even when they get beat it’s never by very much,” Hodgson said.
“That’s our biggest thing and something we’ve been striving towards for a few years and we’ve been pretty good at it this year, but still had some games that weren’t great.
“There’s going to be a hiccup in the road at some point or another, you’re not going to keep winning every game forever, but it’s about making sure that when we’re off, we’re not too far off our best day.”