The Canberra Raiders have revived their NRL finals hopes after putting together four consecutive wins, climbing to 11th on the ladder after sitting near the bottom only a month earlier.

With five regular-season matches remaining, plus a bye, the Raiders are four competition points behind the eighth-placed North Queensland Cowboys and are likely to require at least three more victories to secure a place in the top eight.

Their run home will be demanding, beginning with a clash against the competition-leading Penrith Panthers in Mudgee before facing the Newcastle Knights, Cronulla Sharks, Brisbane Broncos and Cowboys.

Despite the difficult schedule, Canberra enters this period in strong attacking form, having scored at least 34 points in each of its past three matches.However, the club has been hit by significant injury setbacks.

Star forward Hudson Young has already been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon, while promising back-rower Noah Martin is awaiting scan results on a quad injury that could sideline him for several weeks.

The Raiders have received some positive news with Matty Nicholson returning from injury at an important time, while hooker Owen Pattie is available again after serving a one-match suspension.Off the field, uncertainty also surrounds forward Morgan Smithies following reports linking him with a move to the Perth Bears.

Coach Ricky Stuart's side will name its squad before Saturday's Round 22 meeting with Penrith, knowing that a strong finish to the regular season could still earn the Raiders an unlikely finals berth.