Canberra Raiders a Sterling NRL title threat

The Raiders might not have been at their attacking best in their 20-12 victory over the Wests Tigers at Canberra Stadium on Saturday, but their defence was excellent - especially some of their scrambling efforts.

They've had a raft of players out over the past two months due to injury, suspension and State of Origin duty, but the players that have come in have more than done their job.

Joey Leilua's potentially season-ending neck injury helped open the door for Bailey Simonsson to string together a run of nine straight games, during which time he's scored four tries.

Sterling praised the former All Blacks sevens player's efforts, which included him forming a left-edge partnership with Raiders co-captain Jarrod Croker.

The Raiders have a big month ahead, starting with a trip to Penrith to face a Panthers team on a seven-game winning streak.

Then they head to Auckland to play the New Zealand Warriors, before facing fellow top-four teams Sydney Roosters and Melbourne Storm.

"I wouldn't want to be playing them," Sterling said on Nine's Sunday Footy Show.

"They're a really consistent football side that has a lot of talent there.

"They've covered Leilua well. A guy like Simonsson has come in and done a great job. They're a threat."

Brisbane Broncos legend Darren Lockyer said the Raiders' defence would stand them in good stead come finals time.

The Raiders have 24 competition points and, given 28 is generally the mark needed to play finals, they only need two wins from the final seven rounds.

But a top-four finish, which is generally needed to be a title chance, will be the aim given their strong season.

Their revamped defence has been the foundation on which they've built their campaign.

Only the Melbourne Storm have conceded fewer points than the Green Machine.

"We're saying defence wins championships. They're one of the better defending teams in the competition," Lockyer said.

"At the back end that's what will put them in good stead.

"They'll defend well which means they don't have to chase as many points.

"[Star hooker Josh] Hodgson's the key in attack because he gets out and brings all those forwards onto the footy."

NRL ROUND 19

Sunday: Canberra Raiders v Penrith Panthers at Panthers Stadium, 4.05pm.