Many expect Melbourne to roll through Canberra in Saturday's NRL elimination final, but Raiders coach Ricky Stuart says his side is ready for the challenge.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has argued the finals series draw is fair after Canberra complained about travelling to Melbourne on a six-day turnaround.
Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has labelled her state a "safe pair of hands" as Brisbane firms as the favourite to host this year's NRL grand final.
The NRL has stood by its decision not to award St George Illawarra a penalty in the dying seconds of the loss that officially ended their finals hopes.
