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Raiders to rely on tried and true tactics over risky trick shots

Canberra will be at full strength for Sunday's grand final against the Roosters and the underdogs insist they don't need to change anything to beat the defending premiers.

Star Englishmen John Bateman and Josh Hodgson have shaken off the viruses that kept them away from a training session each earlier in the week.

Hulking centre Joey Leilua (calf) also completed Saturday's captain's run session at ANZ Stadium without any dramas.

"We're all fit and healthy, they're all happy and relaxed," Raiders assistant coach Andrew McFadden said, adding that Leilua would be "100 per cent" ready.

McFadden, who has been credited with inspiring Canberra's defensive resolve alongside fellow assistant coach Brett White, acknowledged the threats the Roosters pose.

However, he wholeheartedly believes the Green Machine have the fortitude to repel the Tricolours and secure their first premiership since 1994.

"It will probably come down to who defends better on the day. We've got a real challenge in front of us, they're very classy, they've got strike right across the board," McFadden said.

"We certainly know what we've got internally. And I'm not saying that just because we made the grand final. We've sort of known that for a while, it's just taken everyone else a bit longer to catch up."

While the Raiders haven't defeated the Roosters this year - going down 30-24 in round nine and 22-18 in round 21 - McFadden said the Green Machine won't alter the style that's got them this far.

Ricky Stuart's men have posted more points against the Chooks this year than any other team except Newcastle (who scored a big win when the Roosters were down on troops).

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"We've just got to do what we do. We're a different side; we're not trying to find something," McFadden said.

"We know our game and hopefully that's good enough tomorrow night."

Canberra are expected to line up as per the program but doubt still swirls around the status of Roosters co-captain Jake Friend, who is struggling with a calf injury.

Friend has managed just five matches in 2019 due to a cursed run with injury and hasn't played 80 minutes since round one.

Sam Verrills has owned the No.9 jersey in the latter half of the year in the veteran's absence.

"We've really put zero attention on it, to be honest with you. We hope they're full strength," McFadden said.

"We haven't beaten them this year and to win it, it would be great to get them when they're at full strength.

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"Jake is obviously very different to young Verrills. I think the kid's done a great job for them this year. He provides a very different sort of style.

"But I'm sure Friend, whether he starts or is off the bench, is going to have some sort of impact at some point."

Raiders fans are predicted to comfortably outnumber Roosters supporters at Homebush, with a mostly-clear night and temperatures around 23 degrees forecast.

"We know there's going to be a huge following here, we've had that all year," McFadden said.

"But it will come down to the moments in the game that we take."

Acknowledgement of Country

Canberra Raiders respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.