The Canberra Raiders sent one long-serving prop out a winner at home last year and will want to do likewise for David Shillington against Penrith on Monday night.
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But former Raiders skipper Alan Tongue has urged them not to let the emotional farewell of departing players override their chances of finishing the season strongly.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart admitted his side "didn't have much to play for" in their disappointing 28-12 loss on the Gold Coast on Sunday.
However Shillington's last hurrah at Canberra Stadium means there should be enough inspiration to lift against the Panthers.
The Gold Coast Titans-bound forward has played 129 of his 202 NRL games for the Raiders, and will likely be the only departing player to feature against Penrith.
It has already been confirmed halfback Mitch Cornish and prop Mark Nicholls will move to other clubs next year, and Raiders officials are still confirming the full list of departures.
Canberra sent Brett White out as a winner with a 33-20 victory over Parramatta in the final round at Canberra last year, with Stuart admitting afterwards "it was our responsibility to send him out that way".
Tongue said "doing it for Shillo" will be discussed but insisted finishing the season well and improving a miserable 2-9 home record should be motivation enough.
Although they've improved markedly on last year, the Raiders have lost their past four games with several close defeats costing them a top eight berth.
"Teams try not to base their motivation on sending players out on a high but it's definitely in the back of your mind, especially a guy like Shillo who's been at the club for so long," Tongue said.
"There's no doubt there'll be some motivation for the players there with that, but it should just add to the emotion of wanting to put in a really good performance at home.
"They really lifted for Whitey and it was great to see. I think it will be the same for Shillo."
Tongue also played his last home game against Penrith in 2013, where the Panthers spoiled the party with a 19-18 win.
"You never want to try and make it about yourself, there was a few others also departing the club that day," Tongue said.
"They'll be disappointed with their record at Canberra Stadium, it's something really special to be cheered off by fans and see the smiles on their faces.
"We haven't had that feeling this year and it takes an emotional toll on you as a player.
"There's disappointment because I think they had the potential to play semi-final football, every club aims for that.
"There's half a dozen games they could easily have won had things gone their way, or they took smarter options.
"They probably don't deserve to be on the ladder where they are, but everyone feels the club is going forward and moving in the right direction."
The Raiders are likely to be without centre Joey Leilua, who faces a two-week ban after he was cited for a grade-one shoulder charge on Gold Coast's Kane Elgey.
Canberra will review footage of the incident before deciding on Tuesday whether to risk a three-week suspension, or take the early guilty plea.
It could pave the way for young centre Brenko Lee to play his first NRL game of the year after scoring a hat-trick in NSW Cup last week, with Jeremy Hawkins another option.
MONDAY
NRL round 25: Canberra Raiders v Penrith Panthers at Canberra Stadium, 7pm
Tickets available from Ticketek
RAIDERS DEFINITELY LEAVING
David Shillington: Signed two-year deal with Gold Coast Titans.
Mark Nicholls: Interest from Melbourne and the Warriors after struggling to cement first-grade spot at Raiders.
Mitch Cornish: Interest from Parramatta and Wakefield after falling behind Sam Williams in the halfback pecking order.
ALREADY DEPARTED
Dane Tilse (Hull KR)
Bill Tupou (Wakefield Wildcats)
OTHERS OFF CONTRACT END OF YEAR
Jack Ahearn, Glen Buttriss, Mitch Cronin, Jeff Lynch, Kyle O'Donnell, Joey Leilua
