The final countdown

So, it what seemed like a far step from reality, the Raiders have charged into the NRL finals. Five wins in a row, 8 from 9 with just a loss to the illegal Storm outfit, the Raiders have gained momentum at the right time.

Sack the coach, sack the halfback. You don't hear these calls so much anymore. So this evening, we'll hit the highway bound for CUA Stadium in Penrith. The Canberra Times is full of Raiders articles this morning, a great way to begin the day. The question everyone wonders is will it be a '90 grand final repeat, or a '91.

For the Green Machine, a loss is an early exit. A win will be the first since 2000. Of all teams, they beat Penrith. These teams have a long history of various results. The teams are actually locked on the same win/loss against each other.

A loss for Penrith will see them playing again next week, possibly away from Sydney, and sombre times at Panthers after the match. For the Raiders, that would mean a home final next week and plenty of tooting horns heading back down the Hume.

So here's hoping for a Green Machine victory tonight. Looks like a lot of Raiders supporters will be congregating on the Southern Hill. See you there!