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While the next instalment of a modern day rivalry takes place between last year’s grand finalists on Friday night, this game between two exciting young clubs has the potential to outshine it.
Two of the most entertaining teams of 2016 will battle it out for a spot in a game which will leave one a win away from a grand final appearance.
On one side of the field, cheered on by that lime green viking clap we have one of the most dominant and exhilarating combos in recent years. Jordan Rapana and Joey Leilua have the potential to once again do something magical.
Led by their captain Jarrod Croker the Raiders will be out to bounce back from their week one loss the Sharks.
On the other side of GIO Stadium, the men from Penrith – well more like the boys – will look to continue their late-season winning streak.
Last week another talented duo stood up on the biggest stage of the year so far to help their team defeat the Bulldogs. Classy skipper Matt Moylan led with some sublime touches and moments, but not to be outdone was Josh Mansour.
His amazing performance showed why he should be in the Green and Gold come the end of season. Along with them were names like Tyrone Peachey and Nathan Cleary, showing that the pressure of finals does not stop this young team from playing the brand of football that has got them to this point.
As a neutral supporter this game is a salivating prospect. Two attacking teams who have showed they have what it takes to match it with the big guns – an array of young stars with the ability to create moments from nothing.
Over the week many people have seemed to write Canberra off. One loss though should not take away from their form and winning streak leading into the finals.
Before last Saturday night many were confident the Raiders could get to the big dance and take the trophy back to the capital.
The loss of Josh Hodgson was a key factor last week and does bring a challenge this weekend if he does not take the field. The possible return of Blake Austin though would be a major confidence boost for the green machine.
This is not a team based of one or two players though and Ricky Stuart has put together a well balanced squad.
He has the aforementioned combo on one side of the field, his skipper on the other, a bunch of big men in the middle and on the bench along with some experienced players to steer them around.
A week training without Hodgson should serve them well, it’s easier then losing him 20 mins into a game and having to restructure.
If the Raiders can bounce back and play like they did during their winning streak then they may well get the win and should be in premiership contention again.
They will go down to Melbourne to take on the Storm, a team that they dominated not too many weeks ago with confidence reinstalled and an extra week of rehab for their injured number 9.
There though is two sides playing on Saturday and you can’t help but get carried away with the Panthers. They have the ability to send the Raiders out in straight sets and have a plethora of stars to make it happen.
This is a team who has been building week by week and coming up with different plays. Last week their tactic not to kick on the last to tire the Dogs out worked a treat, they withstood early defensive pressure and then started to make their mark.
The great thing about the Panthers is they aren’t running or setting up block plays constantly like other more structured teams. They play their way and tire teams out along with keeping the defence on the back foot wondering what’s coming next.
Last week Moylan and Mansour caused dramas for the Dogs all day, the Raiders will need to limit their involvement but be aware of the other dangers present.
The Panthers have more then enough points in them to keep with the Raiders and this will give them a massive chance to continue on into next week.
This could be a memorable open game of finals football, the battle in the middle of the park will be great and every time the ball shifts to the edges fans will be waiting to see another magical moment.
As a football fan we want to see football like these teams play and one of these teams will continue this on for at least another week.
This one is a ripper and I can’t wait to kick off on Saturday! This is a tough one to tip, don’t be surprised if we see both teams score 20 + and still end up in golden point.
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