Canberra hooker Josh Hodgson says the Raiders have the belief to come back from anywhere, but their focus is on ensuring they don't need to.
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In his first NRL game against his former club, back-up hooker Kurt Baptiste said the Raiders could not afford another slow start against the second-placed Brisbane Broncos at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.
Victims of second-half fadeouts early in the season, the Raiders are now making a habit of starting poorly before finishing strongly.
The Raiders had to come from 26-0 down after just 20 minutes to challenge the Bulldogs last weekend, while the Raiders beat the Tigers after giving them a 22-point headstart.
Hodgson credited Canberra's bench forwards, particularly veteran prop David Shillington, for initiating the fightback against the Bulldogs. Off contract at the end of the year, Shillington has been promoted to start for the first time this season.
"We've got the belief that we can come back and win the game, but at the same time we do want to be starting games a lot better and create a lead rather than be chasing," Hodgson said.
"I thought Shillo was fantastic in only his second game back for us after breaking his thumb. He came on and really lifted the speed and the tempo of the game."
Baptiste has also provided spark from the bench as a back-up to Hodgson. His introduction this season coincided with a three-game winning streak.
While the focus has been on Anthony Milford's first game in Canberra since defecting to the Raiders, Baptiste is a Broncos junior and will play Brisbane for the first time.
"Kurt's been coming on and doing a great job for us, he's been coming on and lifting the speed of the game," Hodgson said. "He's a tough little fellow as well, he's a great asset to the side."
Baptiste deflected praise to Canberra's props.
"The bench forwards have been good for us the last couple of weeks and they've been bringing an impact there and once I get on I feel like they've been going forward and it's easier for me."
Hodgson said the return of halfback Sam Williams from a collapsed lung would boost the side.
"He's an experienced bloke, even though he's still only young. He knows where we need to be on the field, he marshals us around and gets us to the right points. It'll be a big boost for us."
NRL ROUND 12
Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos at Canberra Stadium, 5.30pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.
