Palmerston Raiders know they’re in for a challenge when they take on top side Nightcliff Dragons

Palmerston Raiders pulled off their best win of the season last week, but know they will need to take their game up another level when they face top side Nightcliff in NRL NT round 13 action.

Raiders Brad Hansen scored a try in the win over Darwin Brothers. Picture: Glenn Campbell

PALMERSTON Raiders pulled off their best win of the season last week, but know they will need to take their game up another level when they face top side Nightcliff in NRL NT round 13 action.

After incurring competition-point penalties the Raiders were in fifth position, but following a 44-6 win over Brothers they find themselves back in the top four.

Coach Merg Mikaelian was impressed with his side’s showing, but expressed that their work was far from done.

“The guys probably put together their best win of the season against Brothers, working out a number of issues we had earlier in the season,” Mikaelian said.

“The team played for themselves and it showed in their energy levels and attitude, and that’s something we really needed.

“Though in the end it was just another home-and-away game for us. We’re not there yet and know we have to win every game if we want to secure a spot in finals.”

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Top-of-the-table side Nightcliff is another challenge for a Raiders side planning a bolt up the table.

The Dragons didn’t play in round 12 following forfeits from South Darwin.

And they will be looking to unleash some rested bodies against Palmerston.

The Raiders will once again look to their leadership group of Ed Murphy, Tom Murphy and Alex Johnson to lead the charge.

And with their guidance, the likes of Joel Turaga and Tevita Kanalagi could have free reign to bust through for some tries as they did against Brothers.

“This game is a huge test. It will be the biggest of the season,” Mikaelian said.

“They’re a well-coached side by Reg Rose and they have a great roster of players this year.

“We’re expecting to be playing a grand final side.

“Everyone knows our biggest strengths are up front and we’re not going to go away from that.

“We know we need our forward power through the middle.

“If we complete most of our sets we should stay in the game while building on the attitude that we showed in defence this week to put us in a good position.”

Meanwhile, South Darwin Rabbitohs will host Litchfield Bears at Warren Park.

And Northern Sharks played Darwin Brothers on Friday night.