Canberra has secured its first appearance in the NRLW finals following a 24-10 victory against Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Friday night.
With a top-six finish on the line, the Raiders approached the match with urgency, achieving a decisive win that marked their fourth straight triumph over Wests Tigers.
The opening points of the game took 20 minutes to emerge, showcasing the anticipation both teams felt early on.
Mackenzie Wiki, a winger for the Raiders, ignited the scoring with a remarkable 30-meter run, followed closely by another 30-meter effort that resulted in a try in the 20th minute.
Shortly after, Leianne Tufuga celebrated her 50th NRLW match by outmaneuvering defenders to score, placing Canberra ahead 10-0 by halftime.
Wests Tigers attempted to shift momentum in the second half, with Shenai Lendill marking her season debut and scoring a try shortly after entering the game.
However, the Raiders responded swiftly, increasing their advantage when Isabella Waterman scored and Zahara Temara converted, bringing her total NRLW points to over 200 for the club.
Salma Nour of the Tigers nearly shifted the game's tide, but her try was overturned after a video review.
Although Nour scored again later, Jordyn Preston's effective run right through the Tigers' defense ensured Canberra's victory was secure.
Both teams will now watch for the results of upcoming matches involving the Broncos, Warriors, and the Titans, as they prepare for the finals.
Discipline is expected to be a critical focus area, given that referee Kasey Badger issued 21 penalties during the match, with five players reported for infractions.