West Belconnen Warrior Sam Finnegan hopes to stand tall with his teammates when they play against the undefeated Queanbeyan Blues on Saturday.
The 18-year-old hooker will be part of a depleted Warriors outfit, with some of the team's stars to play for the Monaro under-23s side in the country championship semi-finals.
Finnegan was thrown in the deep end last season and played in the grand final, which forced him to learn how to deal with more physical opponents.
"I'm grateful and lucky to get the experience, it was tough but there were a lot of boys helping me out making sure I did the right thing," Finnegan said.
The Warriors are third on the ladder, sitting behind the Blues and Queanbeyan Kangaroos. It makes the Warriors' grand final re-match against the Blues even more important as the defending premiers attempt to stay in touch with the top two.
West Belconnen coach Troy Thompson says his team must win the wrestling battle to topple the Blues.
"I think if we stick to own game which be did last week and get to the ground, anything can happen," Thompson said.
Finnegan knows he'll have to stand up this weekend and says he won't shy away from the contest, but is counting on his teammates to do the same.
The hooker is looking to draw on his two-try performance in a win against Tuggeranong last weekend.
"Yeah I am to a point but everyone knows their job and I'm just going to do the same thing. All the [reserve grade] boys have really stepped up," Finnegan said.
Thompson backed Finnegan to lead the Warriors into battle. "He is outstanding, his vision out of dummy half is great. He's a smaller lad but he adds a lot of punch for our team," Thompson said.
Finnegan, a Raiders under-20s player, hopes his form will give him a chance to get more game time in the national junior competition.
Finnegan knows he'll have to make the most of his opportunity having only played a single game with the under-20s.
"Yeah it definitely helps, they watch everything we do and they look pretty close at every game," Finnegan said.
"I debuted and played once this season and I'm just hopping to get more time on the field and get my name out there."
CANBERRA RAIDERS CUP
Saturday: West Belconnen Warriors v Queanbeyan Blues at Seiffert Oval; Gungahlin Bulls v Yass Magpies at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval; Belconnen United Sharks v Tuggeranong Bushrangers at O'Connor; Queanbeyan Kangaroos v Woden Valley Rams at Seears Workwear Oval. All games 3pm.
