Raiders v Sharks: Green Machine unchanged; Hazelton races clock

The question at hand is whether the Raiders can rebound from their disappointing loss to the Broncos on Sunday, or if the Sharks will continue their pursuit of a first premiership since 2016.

In Canberra, an intriguing contest is set to unfold between a team riding high after surviving an elimination final and another team feeling deflated after a narrow golden point loss in a match they led 28-12.

The Raiders undoubtedly possess the firepower to generate significant points, and when their offense is firing, they can be nearly unstoppable.

The Sharks are expected to adopt a more methodical strategy, with Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall orchestrating the game plan, supported by a strong pack led by Addin Fonua-Blake.

The last encounter between these teams in a final was during the COVID-impacted 2020 season, which saw only 9,000 fans in attendance at GIO Stadium for a 32-20 Raiders win.

This weekend, however, will present a markedly different atmosphere, as a full house is anticipated, with the minor premiers eager to avoid the embarrassment of an early exit in the finals.