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.

> Ethan Strange has a hat-trick! 🤯 >  > Telstra Moment of the Match pic.twitter.com/AAGvE7owa1 >  > — NRL (@NRL) August 8, 2025

With the purring Panth

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