Canberra found one of the biggest wins of their NRL season on Thursday night, and they didn't even have to take the field.
Parramatta's 53-6 thumping of Brisbane means the Raiders will end the weekend in the top eight for the first time since round three should they take care of Manly at GIO Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Instead of going in needing a big win to try and chase a point-differential boost, the Broncos' capitulation means the Raiders already have the superior tie-breaker and can concentrate on simply beating the Sea Eagles for just the third time in their 11 meetings.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart admitted it was a huge boost for the team, and hoped his players used it as motivation for their final home game of the year.
"You guys have asked me every week some type of question or scenario about the competition ... rugby league is a funny game and there's still probably more twists and turns yet," he told reporters on Friday.
"Our players are mature enough to understand exactly what's required and we just know our season is in our control.
"That's the only thing we have to be concerned about ... it's a very narrow focus and it's a healthy, stable focus to just know it's in your hands now."
Equations of how they could make finals have been complex at times, but the Raiders must now simply beat Manly and the Wests Tigers by more then Brisbane beat St George Illawarra next weekend to reach the post-season.
While they've struggled to record big wins - just two of the Raiders' 12 wins this season have come by more than 12 points - they might fancy their chances against the Sea Eagles.
Manly have looked to throw in the towel on their campaign after their pride jersey fiasco, losing their past three games by a staggering combined 70 points.
It looks as if things might have opened up for the Raiders, but Stuart was adamant his side's hard work had put them in the position to succeed.
"You need an ounce of luck ... the harder you work, the more chance you are of getting some good luck," he said.
"We can't work any harder, we can't work any smarter and we've had our bad luck in spades this year.
"Manly are a bogey team for us ... they'll be a very tough opponent.
"We have to get to a consistent standard of play, and not 40 minutes like last week."
Albert Hopoate will fill in for injured winger Nick Cotric (groin) against his former club, while Manly will debut Ray Tuaimalo Vaega on a wing in place of Alfred Smalley.
