The Raiders proved tenacious opponents on their home ground early this season, getting away to a flying 16-0 lead within the first half.

In the end coach Mick Quinn’s punishing early fitness regime paid off for the never-say-die Hawks.

They pushed back hard in the second half and eventually clawed back a memorable 28-26 win.

With half the season over now though the Raiders will have had plenty of time to catch up in the fitness stakes.

“We only just beat them away so they are going to be hard, no doubt,” Quinn said.

“We have to be on our game if we are going to achieve our goal of not losing at home this year.”

Both teams will be coming into the draw fresh as ADFA Blue forfeited to Harden last week.

Boomanulla had their clash with Bungendore postponed due to ground closure.

The biggest worry for the Hawks is the loss of Chris Beal to a serious knee injury during their brilliant 4-0 win over Bungendore.

Beal is still waiting for the verdict on his torn ligaments but it looks highly unlikely he will be back this season.

“It’s a massive blow,” Quinn admitted.

“He’s a good player and well respected, but that’s part of the game unfortunately.”

The jury is also still out on a timeframe for Adam Burns’ return from a broken thumb.

Thankfully the Hawks will welcome one new player to the fold this weekend in the form of Yass second-rower Rhett Foreman.

The big club day will kick off at 2pm on McLean Oval as the Hawkettes take on rivals Yass Girlpies.

Canberra Raiders legend Alan Tongue is also expected to make an appearance at the ground before his speaks at the club charity auction night this Saturday, June 27, at the Harden Country Club.