THE BIG MATCH
Canberra v Newcastle
Sunday, Canberra Stadium, 2pm.

What the Raiders say


They are up to sixth after a tremendous run of form, but captain Alan Tongue is trying to keep a lid on expectations. "The reality is that if we drop a couple of games, we're not going to be there [in the finals]."

What the Knights say


Coach Brian Smith says that while Canberra can score points, he is just as wary of their power up front. "I think they pride themselves on their forward pack. And our forward pack will need to be right on their game."

What Prichard says


The Raiders are on a roll because they have become so good at quickly taking the ball away from the war zone - the centre of the field, where the wrestle is king - to out wide, where there are not as many gang tackles and where, if defenders making one-on-one tackles want to delay the play-the-ball, they are bound to concede penalties. When the passes stick and they support in numbers they can overwhelm an opposition, like they did Penrith last weekend. I'm tipping Newcastle. They won't fold like the Panthers did, for a start.

For the Raiders to win


They have got to stay true to their attacking roots, but not at the risk of thinking it's going to happen every time they touch the ball. They have still got to be prepared to do the hard work first.

For the Knights to win


They must come up with a plan specifically designed to counter what the Raiders are bringing to the table, but their coach will do that. Smith has had success in formulating plans to keep dangerous attacking teams at bay.

The X-factor


Newcastle back-rowers Cory Paterson and Chris Houston have played in every game this season and the energy levels they bring are tremendous. They have the ability to put on moves and also finish them, with 13 tries between them.

What the bookies say


The Raiders are naturally favourites at home, where they have a 7-3 record, but the Knights are being kept safe. Sportsbook.com.au has the Raiders at $1.60 and the Knights $2.35, with the points start in the handicap betting a flat four.

The late mail


Ben Cross, Jesse Royal, Danny Wicks, Keith Lulia and Wes Naiqama, none of whom were named in Newcastle's 17, are all available. Cooper Vuna is tipped to start in the centres, for the suspended Adam MacDougall, and Cross for either of the nominated props. Mark Taufua will drop off the bench. The Raiders have one player to cut from their reserves.

The teams


RAIDERS: D Milne, A Purtell, C Best, J Monaghan, J Carney, T Campese, M Herbert, T Thompson, A Tongue (c), D Tilse, T Thurling, J Miller, J Picker. Res: (from) M Chalk, , N Costigan, N Plum,, T Learoyd-Lahrs, S Logan.

KNIGHTS: K Gidley, J McManus, J Sau, C Vuna, A Uate, J Mullen, S Dureau, D Tolar, D Buderus (c), B Cross, S Simpson, C Paterson, C Houston. Res: (from) R Fa'aoso, , M Hilder, C Ciraldo,M White, J Royal, D Wicks, W Naiqama.
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