The Raiders NYC side is aiming to lift their intensity on Saturday when they play the top of the table Panthers in Bathurst.
The clash on Saturday will be the second between the two teams this year. The Raiders won in round one, coming from behind to beat the reigning premiers 36-34 in dramatic fashion.
That loss has been the only blemish for the Panthers this season, who have been dominating teams since and currently sit at the top of the ladder.
After three consecutive losses, Raiders NYC stand-in captain, Daniel Dole, said the team has been working hard during the week to prepare for the match on Saturday.
“[We’ve practiced] doing everything with intent. Really putting your body on the line and doing everything 100% and just put in the hard yards for your mates,” said Dole.
“[In previous games there has been] a lack of intensity. We need to be known for getting fired up when we are going out there but we’re looking a bit fatigued, to be honest, a bit tired. I think it’s all a mental thing and we need to lift our intensity.”
Despite slipping down the ladder, Dole is confident the side can beat the Panthers again.
“It’s a bit tough losing some players to injury and obviously Zac Woolford, our captain and probably our most in-form player all year,” said Dole. “But we’ve beat them once and I’m sure we can match them again if we have a go.”
The Raiders v Panthers game kicks off at 10:40 am at Carrington Park, Bathurst on Saturday. The game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Channel 501. Live updates from the game will be posted on the Raiders Twitter account @RaidersCanberra.
