Stuart says it's silly to ignore the opportunities their start to the NRL season has created as they prepare to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the Green Machine's maiden premiership.

But Stuart also knows how important it is to get the two points against the Wests Tigers to ensure they remain in the NRL top four and give themselves the best chance to emulate the feats of 1989.

The Raiders will be buoyed by the presence of 89 former players attending the game at Canberra Stadium on Saturday as part of a weekend-long celebration of the club's history, which began with their hall of fame dinner on Friday.

Each Raider will have the name of the 1989 premiership player who wore their number in the win over the Balmain Tigers 30 years ago embroidered on their chest.

That means Sezer will bear the name of one of the great's of the game.

Stuart hasn't had any special words with Sezer this week, but will enjoy the moment before he runs out against the Tigers.

"Probably a pat on the back and half a hug [on Saturday] before he runs on will be something. He will get it, he'll understand," Stuart said.

"It's not about me on his jumper, it's about Aidan playing Aidan's game.

"I thought he played one of his best games for the club last Sunday and it's another performance we need from him.

"We need everyone to back up that type of performance, we can't just leave it there [in Wollongong]."

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With the current Green Machine on an upward trajectory towards the finals, they have an opportunity to make the celebration extra special.

They face the Tigers on the back of their most "clinical" performance during Stuart's tenure.

"We're working on other areas to keep improving in the back end of the season," he said.

"But it's still a long way to go and it's such a tight eight you can't look too far ahead.

"You'd be silly not to think about what could happen if you get the opportunity, but we're working to get the opportunity."

Raiders legend Mal Meninga is one of the past players in town for the celebrations.

He said it was important to acknowledge the past and everyone who'd played before you.

Meninga said learning from history also allowed you to make decisions about the future.

The Australia coach agreed the Raiders had put themselves in a strong position.

"They're going very well, but there's still a long way to go. You want to be in the top four ... to give yourself the best chance," Meninga said.

"They've certainly got the footy team to go all the way, there's no doubt about that."

The Raiders have beaten Wests in five of their past six meetings by an average margin of 40 points.

Given how important the weekend is for Canberra, Stuart said getting the job done against the Tigers was crucial.

"The two points is really important. We don't lose sight of what our goal is this week," he said.

"For us to make our past players proud is to win. So we're solely focussed to make sure we can win for ourselves too."

The current Raiders have embraced the club's history, with football assistant Brett Dickson testing them on their knowledge of the class of '89.

Stuart's favourite recollection of Canberra's first premiership was the sound of the final hooter.

He was looking forward to reliving it again over the weekend.

"We respect what they've done for the club, their contribution and all the energy they put into the jersey has not gone unrecognised and that's something the players will definitely be playing for," Stuart said.

"The players are playing for ourselves but also the number on their back.

"I think it's important from a respect point of view that the boys know their history.

"But I appreciate the way the boys buy into it, because they really do ... they've jumped into it."

NRL ROUND 18

Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers at Canberra Stadium, 5.30pm.

Raiders squad: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Bailey Simonsson, 3. Jarrod Croker (c), 4. Michael Oldfield, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson (c), 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. John Bateman, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Joe Tapine. Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Corey Horsburgh, 16. Sia Soliola, 17. Emre Guler. Reserves: 18. Sam Williams, 21. JJ Collins.

Tigers squad: 3. Moses Mbye, 2. Paul Momirovski, 17. Michael Chee-Kam, 4. Esan Marsters, 5. David Nofoaluma, 6. Benji Marshall, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Josh Aloiai, 9. Robbie Farah, 10. Alex Twal, 11. Ryan Matterson, 12. Chris Lawrence, 13. Matt Eisenhuth. Interchange: 14. Jacob Liddle, 15. Thomas Mikaele, 16. Elijah Taylor, 20. Luke Garner. Reserves: 18. Tommy Talau, 19. Chris McQueen.