It's not just coach Ricky Stuart who will have something extra on the line when the Raiders host a desperate Eels side trying to scrape into the finals at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night.

Papalii signed with the Eels last year before taking advantage of the June 30 deadline to put pen to paper with the Raiders for another three seasons until the end of 2016.

"As soon as we kicked off this year, that sat at the back of my mind and we left that behind," Papalii said.

"I just carried on with the Raiders.

"Once again, this weekend will be focused on us and what we do instead of what Parra has to achieve."

The 22-year-old Australian Kangaroos forward struggled for form at the start of this season as a result of a World Cup hangover, but has improved in recent weeks during back-to-back victories against the Sharks and Tigers.

Stuart was in charge of the Eels when they signed Papalii before he left Parramatta to take over the Raiders.

The Eels sit 10th on the ladder going into this weekend's last round of the home and away season, but can move into the top eight if they beat the Raiders and both the Broncos and Warriors lose against the Storm and Panthers respectively.

The Raiders (7-16) were in danger of collecting the dreaded wooden spoon for the first time in more than 30 years before their late resurgence.

"If we can get three in a row that could be the boost we need for next year," Papalii said.

"We're not too worried about the off-field stuff.

"It's been a while since we've got three in a row, and hopefully we can do it this weekend."