We love the mighty Canberra Raiders
Canberra Raiders coach for nine years, Ricky Stuart has spent much of his time in charge fighting for the recognition his team deserves.
So often overlooked away from the Sydney spotlight, the coach is no stranger to feeling his side has drawn the short straw while the glamour clubs enjoy favourable treatment.
So when the schedule for week one of the finals was released, Stuart was not shocked to see his side forced into a six-day turnaround.
After his team blew the Wests Tigers off the park, Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart sent a warning shot to the rest of the top eight - they're not just making up the numbers.
It comes after the Green Machine smashed the Wests Tigers 56-10 at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, with a blistering first half setting up the win.
That's despite Stuart opting to rest two of his stars, Jack Wighton and Elliott Whitehead, to freshen them up for their trip to Melbourne to face the Storm next Saturday.
Canberra rubber stamped their return to the finals in style by smashing Wests Tigers 56-10 at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday to lock up eighth spot on the NRL ladder.
The victory in front of 10,041 fans means the Raiders travel to Melbourne for an elimination final next Saturday 10 September.
Canberra have enjoyed seven wins from their last eight games and go to Melbourne knowing they have beaten the Storm at AAMI Park on four successive visits.