The title favourites and competition leaders face Souths and Parramatta in the final two rounds, and Cooper said it would create a big-game atmosphere to take on teams potentially playing to keep their season alive.

"It's good for us that we're playing Souths and Parra before the semis," Cooper said.

"It will be a good test going into the semis because they've been in great form - they've had a great run. It's chaos down there to make the eight - I'd hate to be down there as a team.

"We've played well all year. We deserve our spot where we are now, but there's still a long way to go and each game is going to be tough. The Eels are playing great football."

Parramatta surged into top-eight contention with a 40-8 rout of Newcastle on Sunday, while the Tigers snuck into the top eight by beating the Roosters.

But it was South Sydney which created the biggest shockwave of the weekend, downing premiers Manly at Brookvale Oval to keep their title hopes alive.

St George Illawarra were in a similar fight for play-off positions last season, winning seven consecutive games on their way to seventh, but bowed out to eventual premiers Manly.

Canberra, the Dragons' opponents on Saturday night, may have bowed out of the finals race but will be a threat after losing 23-20 to the second-placed Bulldogs last Saturday night.

"(Canberra) probably should have won the game, so it will be a good test for us down there," Cooper said. "I can't remember the last time I won down there."

The Dragons haven't won in Canberra since 2000, losing their past six games.

Cooper admitted he couldn't identify exactly why the Raiders have had a hold on the Dragons in the national capital.

"I wish I knew," Cooper said.