Canberra Raiders continue their unlikely push towards a finals spot when they travel across the ditch to face the struggling New Zealand Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday in NRL Round 23 action.

Finally generating some momentum and consistency this season, is it a case of too little too late for the Raiders as they attempt to keep pace with the top eight on Sunday against the Warriors?

After surging to the preliminary finals last year, many predicted the Raiders as premiership favourites this season, but they just haven’t been able to get going, suffering multiple close losses.

But maybe there’s time for the Green Machine to make one final charge? They’ve picked up valuable wins over fellow finals contenders the Dragons and reigning premiers Cronulla in recent weeks, and now they face a team that’s all but given up for 2017.

Currently four points adrift of the eight, all Canberra can do is keep winning and hope other results fall their way.

Meanwhile, it’s been another disappointing and lacklustre season for the Warriors, who languish in 12th position on the ladder.

The Warriors are on a five-match losing streak, including a dire 26-10 loss to the bottom-placed Knights last week, with coach Stephen Kearney set to be under pressure to retain his job in the off-season.

With nothing to play for, the Warriors seen even more erratic than usual, and it will take a significantly improved performance if they are to topple Canberra on Sunday.

The Raiders have won their last three games against the Warriors, and although they don’t have the best record in New Zealand, Canberra – with their season on the line – should emerge triumphant.