The Raiders are out to recreate last year's 'Mudgee Miracle' as they look to continue a late-season charge to the finals when they face Penrith on Saturday night
Kaeo Weekes scored a stunning golden point try when the sides faced off in the central-west town 12 months ago and the fullback enters the game in top form.
Weekes has scored three tries in the past two matches, with last year's match-winner sure to be fresh in his mind when the Raiders arrive at Glen Willow Oval for a crucial clash with the competition leaders.
Canberra have won four in a row to rocket into finals contention and are now just four points outside the eight with six games remaining.
The face a tough task to keep the momentum rolling against a Penrith side sitting at the top of the table.
It hasn't all been smooth sailing for the Panthers in recent weeks but they steadied the ship somewhat with a gritty six-point win over the Eels last Thursday.
It was Nathan Cleary's field goal that clattered into the post before Weekes' iconic try 12 months ago and the halfback has vowed to deliver in the clutch if called upon on Saturday night.
Match: Panthers v Raiders
Round 22 -
home Team
Panthers
1st Position
away Team
Raiders
11th Position
Venue: Glen Willow Oval, Mudgee
Team News
Panthers: Penrith will line up 1-19 after coach Ivan Cleary confirmed his side 90 minutes before kick-off. Dylan Edwards remains sidelined with a shoulder injury so Jaxen Edgar lines up at fullback again in his second career game. Youngster Blaize Talagi has been overlooked after some defensive lapses in recent weeks so Jack Cogger gets the nod to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves.
Raiders: No further changes on gameday after Simi Sasagi dropped out with a hamstring strain in the 24-hour update, his place taken by Seb Kris. Youngster Savelio Tamale has been added to the six-man bench. Owen Pattie is back from suspension to start at hooker so Tom Starling goes back to the bench. Ata Mariota has been named to start in the second row after he was called up late last week to replace Noah Martin (quad). The Raiders have scored 154 points in four consecutive wins.
Match: Panthers v Raiders
Round 22 -
home Team
Panthers
away Team
Raiders
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Jaxen EdgarFullback for Raiders is number 1 Kaeo Weekes
-
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Thomas JenkinsWinger for Raiders is number 2 Jed Stuart
-
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Paul AlamotiCentre for Raiders is number 4 Matthew Timoko
-
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Casey McLeanCentre for Raiders is number 18 Sebastian Kris
-
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier Savage
-
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jack CoggerFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan Strange
-
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan ClearyHalfback for Raiders is number 7 Ethan Sanders
Forwards
-
Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Raiders is number 8 Corey Horsburgh
-
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Freddy LussickHooker for Raiders is number 9 Owen Pattie
-
Prop for Panthers is number 10 Lindsay SmithProp for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Zac Hosking
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Ata Mariota
-
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah YeoLock for Raiders is number 13 Morgan Smithies
Interchange
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Scott SorensenInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom Starling
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Liam HenryInterchange for Raiders is number 15 Matty Nicholson
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Billy PhillipsInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Josh Papalii
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 18 Izack TagoInterchange for Raiders is number 17 Daine Laurie
-
Reserve for Panthers is number 14 Billy ScottReserve for Raiders is number 19 Joe Roddy
-
Reserve for Panthers is number 19 Jack ColeReserve for Raiders is number 21 Savelio Tamale
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Panthers have won six of their last eight games against the Raiders.
- The Raiders have scored 154 points in four consecutive wins.
- Panthers centre Casey McLean has scored three tries in his last two games against the Raiders.
- Raiders winger Xavier Savage has scored five tries in his last five games.
- Panthers winger Brian To’o will make his 150th NRL appearance.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
