Canberra's NRLW finals campaign remains alive after the Raiders defeated Wests Tigers 6-0 at Campbelltown Stadium.
Zahara Temara supplied the decisive moments, throwing a cut-out pass for Isabella Waterman's try before kicking a second-half penalty.
The former Queensland State of Origin player also forced two dropouts and controlled territory with accurate game management.
Temara won a premiership with the Sydney Roosters in 2021 and could meet them next Saturday in a grand-final qualifier.
Canberra will face the Roosters if Brisbane defeat Newcastle, but will play Gold Coast if the Knights advance.
The Raiders dominated possession and field position, while prop Chloe Saunders made 173 metres, including 73 after contact.
Wests Tigers were forced to make 85 more tackles as Canberra repeatedly attacked their line during the opening half.
Coach Craig Sandercock blamed a 10-5 penalty count for his side's narrow defeat.
"It was really frustrating," Sandercock said.
"I felt for the players. In a final to lose a penalty count 10-5 and not be rewarded for generating ruck speed with the ball, I am surprised it was close."
"We couldn't win a play the ball or win a penalty. Full credit to them, they slowed the ruck down."
Raiders coach Darrin Borthwick praised his team's resolve and the quality of the only primetime Friday night NRLW match of the year.
The loss ended the Tigers' fairytale 2026 season, after three consecutive defeats ruined their top-two hopes and ended their first finals campaign in 15 years.
Canberra's wins over Brisbane and strong performances against Gold Coast and the Roosters make them a serious threat in the remaining fortnight.