We love the mighty Canberra Raiders
Wither on the vine? Wither from Channel 9 more like.
If the Canberra Raiders aren't opening their 2024 NRL season with a Thursday night blockbuster against the Newcastle Knights then coach Ricky Stuart would be within his rights to boycott the broadcaster.
Not only because of how passionate he is about the capital, but how angry he gets about Canberra constantly being given the rough end of the pineapple.
The Canberra Raiders face a tough start to the 2024 NRL season against three of last year's top eight, with three games on the road.
They're also set to play the Canterbury Bulldogs in Magic Round at Lang Park in round 11.
The Raiders' first home game is set to be against the Wests Tigers in round two in what's shaping as their easiest fixture in the opening five weeks.
The Parramatta Eels will be taking part in the NRL's 2024 Pre-Season Challenge, facing off against the Canberra Raiders and Gold Coast Titans in trial matches.
The Eels' pre-season campaign will begin with a match against the Raiders on Saturday, February 17 at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
Following this, they will travel to Queensland to take on the Titans on Sunday, February 25 in Ipswich.
These trial matches will provide the Eels with valuable game time and an opportunity to fine-tune their skills ahead of the upcoming NRL season.