Canberra's victory boosts hopes for a grand final against Penrith after Raiders' impressive performance.
The tantalising prospect of a retro Canberra-versus-Penrith grand final is gathering speed following the Raiders' rapid-fire return to the top of the NRL ladder.
Coach Ricky Stuart glowingly compared Ethan Strange to Raiders legend Laurie Daley after the 20-year-old's try-scoring hat-trick helped the hosts repel a Manly ambush and add to the Sea Eagles' woes with a 28-12 win in chilly Canberra on Friday night.
Rebounding from a shock first defeat in 10 starts last week against St George Illawarra, the Raiders' pivotal win knocked Melbourne off a perch the Storm only enjoyed for 24 hours after Thursday night's 22-2 triumph over Brisbane.