The Dragons host the Raiders on Saturday at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium — and remarkably the winner could still be in the mix to play finals.
But it will all come down to Sunday’s clash between the Knights and Dolphins. If that game finishes in a draw, the winner of this Dragons-Raiders clash will sneak into the top eight.
MATCH CENTRE: Dragons vs Raiders live score, stats, video
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The Dragons looked to be in the box seat to play finals until they were humiliated by the Eels last week in a horror 44-40 loss.
It’s important that they bounce back to, at the very least, restore some pride in the jersey.
They’ll be buoyed by the return of powerhouse centre Moses Suli from injury and Jacob Liddle from personal reasons.
However the backline has been forced into a reshuffle following the withdrawal of Jack Bird due to a back injury. Savelio Tamale replaces Bird for what will be his NRL debut — ironically against the club he’ll join next season.
Meanwhile, Lykhan King-Togia will get his first NRL start after being named at five-eighth and Blake Lawrie and Raymond Faitala-Mariner have been recalled to the 17 after being dropped last week.
For the Raiders, Ethan Strange returns from a calf strain at five-eighth and halfbacl Jamal Fogarty is back on deck after missing last week.
Jordan Rapana (cheekbone) and Elliott Whitehead (suspension) are at which means Kaeo Weekes shifts to fullback and Simi Sasagi will start in the second row.
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