Raiders seek test of finals credentials20 August 2012, 7:43 pmRaiders seek test of finals credentials Updated: 19:43, Monday August 20, 2012
Canberra coach David Furner says his young side are keen to prove their NRL finals credentials by ending Canterbury's stunning 12-game winning streak on Friday night.
The Raiders take on the Bulldogs in round 25 in Canberra in their sternest test of the season to date, in a game they must win to keep their finals hopes alive.
On a three-match winning streak themselves, a buoyant Furner believes the Raiders are building to a season defining performance as they host a rare Friday night game.
'We see this as a challenge, we have to keep building,' Furner said on Monday.
'I think some of the young blokes will be excited as it is a Friday night game and we are hoping for a big crowd.
'It is a blockbuster game.'
The Raiders have won seven of their last 11 games to mount an unexpected late season charge at the finals.
They remain outside the top eight on percentages but with the struggling Warriors to play in the final round, a win over premiership frontrunners the Bulldogs could put them in a great position to snare the final playoff spot.
'What I like is that we have come from behind in three games and that shows you about building pressure, it is good for us to get into that grinding style of play,' Furner said.
'On the weekend we invited them (Sydney Roosters) back in, we need to sustain the pressure on the good teams. We have to get it right. I thought we were quite good against the Roosters (in limiting their attack) they are No.2 in offloads and I think the Dogs are No.1 so we have to get that right.'
Furner said star fullback Josh Dugan would be right to play despite suffering from a high shot that resulted in Roosters fullback Anthony Minichiello being sent off in the Raiders' round 24 win.
'He has a few bumps and bruises and a couple of stitches but he is fine,' Furner said.
Source: Sky News Australia
Topic: Raiders seek test of finals credentials
