Canberra skipper David Shillington believes the Raiders can still make the NRL finals, but it will take a big effort to get there.

The Raiders lie just two points outside the top eight following last weekend’s home win against Brisbane, one of four teams on 22 points with four matches left in the campaign.

Shillington says the Raiders’ run home gives them hope despite one of their final matches being a clash against ladder-leading Canterbury.

“Other than that, we’re playing teams that are below us or around us on the table,” Shillington said.

“We’ve probably got one of the best runs out of all the teams charging for the finals.”

Shillington believes the Raiders will need at least three wins to book a finals spot, though he’s aiming higher than that starting with this weekend’s clash with Penrith.

“If we won all four, that means we are in,” he said.

“If we won three, there’s a possibility we could be in.

“I’d like to play it safe and win all four.”

Shillington believes Josh Dugan’s return from injury in time for the team’s run home is a big plus.

He feels the star fullback brings a spark to the team’s attack which could prove the difference in their finals hunt.

“He’s a bit of an x-factor for us,” Shillington said.

“You can’t underestimate how much you miss people like him.”