The Mole: Why Raiders have been 'waiting' all year for spiteful clash with Panthers
Canberra are planning an ambush on premiers Penrith in the ACT on Saturday night, fuelled by simmering bad blood between the two clubs.
The Raiders don't like the Panthers as a result of incidents on and off the field over the past two seasons.
Both last year and this year, the Penrith home crowd has mocked the iconic Raiders 'Viking Clap', in which fans slowly clap their hands above their heads as the team takes the field.
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The Raiders also haven't forgotten an incident in which the Panthers scored a try and Panthers centre Stephen Crichton attempted to include Raiders prop Joe Tapine in the celebrations, prompting an ugly push and shove between more than half the players on the field.
"We don't like their attitude - plain and simple," a senior Raiders officials told me.
"We have been waiting for this game and are planning an ambush.
Joseph Tapine and Stephen Crichton. NRL
"They are arrogant and we aim to bring them down a few pegs."
Missing star halves Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, the premiers are vulnerable against a Raiders team desperate for a win to keep its finals hopes alive.
Canberra currently sit ninth on the table, behind the Roosters for that coveted finals spot due to an inferior for and against.
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