The Raiders have now entered desperate times, after yet another loss on their own turf. Brisbane, with plenty of players backing up from Origin, with their two top attacking weapons sitting in the stands, did the job in the capital.

Canberra now sits two wins outside of the finals spots, and a loss here would see them fall four wins behind the Cowboys, in seventh.

The list of Canberra players not living up to expectations is almost as long as another famous list from Stuart's time in charge of the Eels, and if he cannot turn his side's fortunes around quickly, they face an early exit, again much like Stuart's time at the Eels.

As for the Cowboys, they found a way to win without their master halfback, something they're going to have to master as Thurston was ruled out for the season.

The 'other JT' Jason Taumalolo is again proving why is the game's most damaging forward after leading the way against the Panthers.

The Raiders have it all to lose on Saturday night. Simply put, they can't afford to lose.

Raiders by 10.