The Raiders' plans to "ambush" the Panthers has backfired in spectacular fashion, with the reigning premiers cruising to an easy win in a fiery contest between the two rivals.
Despite being without their first-choice halves pairing in Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, the Panthers' replacements filled in with aplomb in the 26-6 win at GIO Stadium.
There was plenty of byplay in the lead-up to the match, after a Raiders official told Wide World of Sports the team had "been waiting for this game"...