Canberra handed Brisbane their heaviest defeat in August and lost to Gold Coast by just six points, bolstering the Raiders' case as NRLW title contenders.
Gold Coast, winners of 10 consecutive games, face defending premiers Brisbane in Sunday's other preliminary final.
The Raiders meet Sydney Roosters on Saturday night at Allianz Stadium, where the visitors are favourites after a second straight unbeaten regular season.
Sydney have won 27 of their past 28 games since mid-2024, with Brisbane responsible for their only loss, in last year's decider.
Retiring veterans Millie Elliott and Corban Baxter are seeking one final trophy with the Roosters.
Canberra came closest to beating Sydney this season, losing 22-18 in round three.
Former Roosters premiership winner Zahara Temara told AAP the Raiders held a heart-to-heart before that match to confront any doubts about facing a dominant opponent.
"Sometimes the mindset of girls when they're playing these big teams or names, it actually defeats them before they even get on the field," Temara told AAP.
Temara controlled Canberra's elimination-final win over Wests Tigers last week. Suspended captain Simaima Taufa can return only for the grand final if the Raiders qualify.
After four years out of the finals since joining Canberra from the Roosters, Temara is relishing the chance to face her former club.
Temara said: "I love playing my old club and I love those Roosters girls deeply. But when we cross that white line, we're ready for battle."