Set to kick-off at 2.30pm, the Newcastle Rebels will have their sights set on avenging their disappointing exit at Camden 12 months ago, going down 21-20 courtesy of a field-goal from former Canberra Raiders NRL halfback Marc Herbert.

Convincingly accounting for the Greater Northern Tigers 62-0 a fortnight ago, Newcastle head into the fixture buoyed by the confidence generated from scoring 12 tries in the rout at Wyong.

However, coach Todd Edwards will be wary of the threat posed by the Canberra representatives, as the Rebels are yet to have their defence tested against championship contenders.

Canberra will field a less experienced lineup from the side boasting several former NRL players in 2015, however the experience of coach Simon Woolford will see the side in good stead for Saturday's clash.

Captained by Queanbeyan Kangaroos five-eighth Brent Crisp, the side features a healthy mixture of emerging stars and seasoned veterans capable of upsetting the more fancied Newcastle outfit.

Having achieved considerable success in Wyong, Newcastle will be banking on the dual hooker combination of Chris Adams and Chad Redman to perform on Saturday.

With both players tasting NRL action with the Knights in the past, the pair has wreaked havoc for their respective clubs so far this season, through their ability to capitalise on opportunities presented out of dummy half.

Opting to utilise players from the Canberra Raiders Cup in favour of former NRL stars, the Canberra side will be hoping the experience of halfback Eko Malu comes to the fore.

Malu represented the Cook Islands at the 2013 World Cup and is a former New Zealand Warriors Under 20s player.

In the other Tier 1 clash, reigning champions Illawarra will face off against the Central Coast Centurions at 4.15pm.

The winners of both semi-finals will meet in the grand final next Saturday, the venue yet to be announced.