‘Good for the game’: Penrith Panthers revel in bitter Canberra Raiders rivalry

In the wake of the sides’ clash, Matt Eisenhuth said the Penrith Panthers’ rivalry with the Canberra Raiders was “good for the game”.

The Panthers defeated the Raiders 36-6. Picture: Matt Blyth/Getty Images

Penrith Panthers forward Matt Eisenhuth says his side’s rivalry with the Canberra Raiders is “good for the game” amid calls Panthers fans crossed the line by imitating the Viking clap in their team’s round 7 win.

During Ricky Stuart’s coaching tenure, Canberra’s home crowd has adopted the Viking clap as a means to intimidate opposition teams and show support for the Raiders.

But on Sunday, fans of the ladder-leading Panthers repurposed the Viking clap to mock the Raiders after an error in play. Penrith home fans did the same in the Raiders’ visit to the foot of the mountains last season.

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Retired NRL star Issac Luke led criticism of the crowd’s behaviour on social media.

“Just seen the Panthers fans doing the Viking Clap. Are they sweet? #BeHumble,” he wrote on Twitter.

Penrith fans performing the Viking clap. Picture: Matt Blyth/Getty Images

Penrith’s rivalry with the Raiders dates back to the early 1990s when the sides met in consecutive grand finals but has flared up in the past two seasons.

In their clash early last year, Penrith centre Stephen Crichton was fined for pulling Raiders forward Joe Tapine from the sideline and into a Panthers try celebration.

On Sunday, a scuffle erupted after Crichton and stand-in Raiders captain Jack Wighton exchanged words at full-time.

Eisenhuth said he saw nothing wrong with the intensity of the rivalry, suggesting that it was a way to involve fans in the game.

“Last year there was a bit of heat and rivalry,” Eisenhuth said.

“I guess it’s just building. It’s just something between the two clubs. Both have got a rich history, both have a history against each other.

“It’s probably good for the game, rivalry. Fans love it, the crowds love it. It’s good for the game. It can only be a good thing.”

Tensions boiled over at full-time. Picture: Matt Blyth/Getty Images

Panthers winger Charlie Staines said the Raiders never shied away from the challenge of facing his side and the rivalry was indicative of their passion.

“A lot of teams want to play their best footy against us,” he said.

“Every time we verse them, they always turn up, play hard and they always come out physically.

“It’s always a good rivalry.”

Breakout Penrith star Izack Tago said the rivalry was nothing more than “healthy competition”.

“You can definitely feel the tension between the teams. I think it’s healthy competition. It’s pretty cool,” he said.

The Panthers will hope to continue their unbeaten start to the season when they face the Gold Coast Titans on Friday.

The Raiders, meanwhile, risk falling to the bottom of the ladder if they can’t defeat the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday.

Originally published as ‘Good for the game’: Penrith Panthers revel in bitter Canberra Raiders rivalry