The Canberra Raiders have put their friendly rivalry with the ACT Brumbies aside to write letters of support to their cross town cousins before Saturday’s final against the Waikato Chiefs.
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Raiders coach David Furner and skipper Terry Campese have sent Brumbies counterparts Jake White and Ben Mowen messages congratulating them on the achievement.
Furner, who played rugby union as a teenager before shifting to rugby league, urged White and the Brumbies to bring home their third Super Rugby title.
‘‘On behalf of the Canberra Raiders I would like to congratulate you, your staff and your squad on securing a place in the final,’’ Furner wrote.
‘‘As a proud local it’s fantastic to see a Canberra team punching well above their weight on a world stage, especially in Canberra’s centenary year.
‘‘You have the chance to create your own history for the club, and all of us here at the Raiders hope you bring back the title for the people of Canberra.’’
Campese praised Mowen, in just his second season as captain, for guiding the Brumbies into the decider.
‘‘It’s a huge achievement for the Brumbies to make the final, and caps off what has been a great year for you guys,’’ Campese wrote.
‘‘It’s not only great for the Brumbies but the people of Canberra, who have the chance to see one of their teams play in a final in the city’s centenary year.’’
Campese indicated the Raiders plan to use the Brumbies fairytale run as motivation to spark their own finals charge and help celebrate the city’s 100th birthday.
They are in seventh spot on the NRL ladder after three straight wins before Sunday’s home clash against Melbourne.
‘‘Hopefully we can follow in your footsteps and work our way into the finals and a grand final in the NRL to as well to show the passion and love for the region,’’ Campese wrote.
‘‘Good luck on the weekend, and best wishes from the Raiders.’’
