LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
The Canberra Raiders will take the field at a sold-out GIO Stadium this Saturday afternoon as they aim to solidify their position at the top of the ladder against the Wests Tigers.
With only two rounds left before the finals, the Raiders currently lead the ladder. The Melbourne Storm are closely following, so a win this week would secure the Raiders their first minor premiership since 1990, provided they avoid any slip-ups.
The Tigers, on the other hand, suffered a 34-28 defeat to the Cowboys last round, effectively ending their finals aspirations. They will be eager to conclude their season on a positive note by challenging Canberra's momentum.
In their previous encounter, the Raiders edged out the Tigers with a narrow 16-12 victory in round 16 this season.
Both teams feature strong props who have delivered impressive performances throughout the season. For the Raiders, Tapine stands out as a significant member of the forward pack and serves as an inspirational captain. He excels in work rate and makes crucial defensive plays under pressure, contributing to the Raiders' success with 1156 post-contact metres, highlighting his attacking prowess.