The Rebels advanced to the Country Championships Tier 1 grand final after getting past Canberra 28-6 at a cold and wet Caltex Park.

They will meet Illawarra in the decider following their dominant 30-6 win over Central Coast in the other semi.

Charles scored one of the Rebels' six tries on Saturday and was a constant thorn in the side of Canberra's defence with his powerful running.

"At left centre he was absolutely outstanding," Edwards said.

"I don't know if NRL scouts are here but some of the stuff he does with the football, it's not normal and he's a strong man."

Edwards also singled out two-try hero Ryan Walker for praise following the win, which was sweet revenge following Canberra's win in the corresponding fixture last year.

Walker, who is the older brother of South Sydney's Cody Walker and played three NRL matches of his own for Penrith in 2011, was in the thick of the action throughout and his second try with four minutes remaining was the icing on the cake.

In the Canberra camp, coach and former Raiders hooker Simon Woolford lamented his side's errors and ill-discipline at crucial times.

The Rebels led 8-0 at the break and while Canberra scored the first try of the second half they were always chasing the game.

"We had enough ball to put more points on but we lacked some smarts and that comes from not having a lead up game before today," he said.

"We were a bit all over the shop at times and as much as you'd like to come here first up and put it all together it's very hard to do so but the effort was there and that's all you can ask for."

The Raiders didn't play in last week's preliminary matches having been granted passage straight to the semis following an appearance in last season's Tier 1 grand final.

But Woolford didn't see it as a reward and Edwards agreed, stating his side's 62-0 win over the Greater Northern Tigers last weekend gave the Rebels a massive boost leading into the match at Dubbo.

"It makes a massive difference and we felt in last year," he said.

"We played Canberra down at Camden and they pulled our pants down and we were flat after they had a game two weeks before us and it showed."

The confidence and combinations were clear on Saturday as the Rebels withstood some early pressure before working their way into the game and opening the scoring through winger Cal Richardson after 26 minutes.

Rebels lock Blake Gallen was another of his side's best and he made it 8-0 when barging over four minutes later but Brad Murray's wayward kicking couldn't extend the lead.

Tre Williams scored for Canberra early in the second half following a barnstorming run by gargantuan forward Ben Sione but the Rebels hit back with tries to Richardson again and Walker.

Charles deservedly got his name on the scoresheet shortly after and then Walker wrapped up the win late on.

"There's a real good feel here," Edwards said.

"We know we're in for a tough one next week but you can't bottle what's out there.

"It's just a dream group. I've got another week to coach them and I love coaching them, it's an easy group to coach and let's hope we give ourselves a chance next week."

NEWCASTLE REBELS 28 (Cal Richardson 2, Ryan Walker 2, Blake Gallen, Ryan Charles tries; Brad Murray 2 goals) defeated CANBERRA 6 (Tre Williams try, Brent Crisp goal)