Both teams are 3-5 and keen to turn their seasons around after a wretched run of form over the past month, and Kimmorley believes getting away from the heat at home could be just what they need.

The match is part of the EISS Super Regional Series and Kimmorley expects both teams to come armed with desperation.

The outside noise surrounding the Raiders this week has been intense with revelations Josh Hodgson has stood down from the co-captaincy, homesick half George Williams wants to return to England and social media posts questioning team decisions by the wives of two star players.

"They're being asked questions about what's going wrong but for both teams, it's a good chance to get away and come out with a win," Kimmorley said.

"That creates a bit of confidence, losing becomes a habit and so does winning.

"Both are struggling, but sometimes getting away and hanging out together does the world of good. It's like a little mini camp.

"I think the players will use the buzz of being at a suburban ground, they'll be well received when they arrive and will understand the appreciation the locals have for having NRL teams around."

Kimmorley said the struggles of the Raiders and Knights has come as a shock this year, especially given the number of experienced representative players in each squad.

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He said it's up to the big names to lead from the front in the tough times.

"There's a lot of rumours and dramas coming out of Canberra and the only way to stop those is to start winning," Kimmorley said.

"Both these sides have great rosters. How they're playing surprises you because of how good the rosters are.

"But you don't become a bad footy player overnight, sometimes you're just out of form or you try too hard.

"I thought Kurt Mann played really well for Newcastle the last couple of weeks, but he's not a person you expect to be the star for them regularly.

"You've got some big name players on each team, seasoned first graders, these are the guys who have to take on some responsibility.

"I thought Tyson Frizell would be a massive signing for the Knights and he would be really good for them, it hasn't quite worked out that way yet.

"They've had some big losses in key moments, like Mitch Pearce's 300^th you thought they would lift for, which is disappointing."

Kimmorley said each team should adopt an approach of backing their skill set to emerge from their rut, rather than go into their shells and be afraid of making a mistake.

"Sometimes when you're out of form you go back to lots of structure and control, but sometimes that can make you more out of form," Kimmorley said.

"You don't want to make mistakes, so you don't back yourself.

"With the side they (Raiders) have got if they just go out there and play some eyes-up football, they should be too creative for the Knights.

"The only creative spark for the Knights seems to be whatever Kalyn Ponga does. If you stop him, where is 20 points going to come from?"

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