The Canberra Raiders are gearing up for the NRL finals, having secured the JJ Giltinan Shield as minor premiers. As the team prepares to chase the Provan-Summons Trophy, fans eagerly await the announcement of the finals schedule, expected after the final regular season match this weekend.
With only one round remaining in the regular season, the Raiders are poised to find out their playoff opponent. The final game between the Eels and Knights will not impact the top eight standings, allowing NRL officials to confirm the finals schedule on Sunday evening, immediately following Canberra’s match against the Dolphins.
Finals Schedule and Ticket Sales
Canberra’s preference is for a Sunday afternoon match to kick off their finals campaign, providing the team ample preparation time. A victory against the Dolphins could propel the Raiders straight into the preliminary finals, ensuring a week off due to their top position on the ladder.
Ticket sales for the finals will begin on Monday. Ticketed Raiders members will have the first chance to purchase tickets at 10:00 local time, followed by non-ticketed members at 16:00. Public sales will open the next day, offering fans a final opportunity to witness the Raiders’ pursuit of an end to their lengthy premiership drought.
Potential Opponents for the Raiders
The Raiders currently lead the NRL standings, but they will need to wait for the outcome of the last regular season matches to determine their first-round opponent. The teams currently vying for the fourth-place position are the Broncos, Sharks, and Warriors, all tied on 34 points. The Broncos, with a slight advantage in points difference, face a tough challenge against the Storm on Thursday, while the Sharks meet the Bulldogs and the Warriors take on Manly.
In the battle for the seventh and eighth playoff spots, the Panthers, Roosters, Dolphins, and Sea Eagles are all in contention. The Panthers are safe in the top eight, while the fate of the other teams hinges on this weekend’s results. The Roosters, currently in eighth place, can secure their position with a win against the Rabbitohs.
For the Dolphins, this weekend presents a crucial opportunity. They need to defeat the Raiders and rely on the Roosters losing to the Rabbitohs by a significant margin to keep their finals hopes alive.
The excitement is building as the Raiders prepare for their finals appearance, aiming to add to their history in the NRL and make a strong push towards the championship. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates on match schedules and ticket availability.
