Tonight, the Canberra Raiders can get retribution for the treatment a Brisbane policeman handed out to their long-serving mascot as their NRL finals destiny goes on the line.

In a rare Friday night appearance, the red-hot Raiders can book their spot in the top eight in front of more than 40,000 rabid fans at the ground now known as Suncorp Stadium.

Even if the Raiders lose, they can still scrape into the finals providing the top-eight jigsaw falls their way. A defeat by 15 or more points means the Raiders are out. However, a loss by less than 15 points means Raiders fans will be left on tenterhooks until Sunday night, praying minor premiers St George Illawarra beat the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Wood doesn’t want to be left waiting. The NRL’s longest-serving mascot believes the Raiders – who have won seven of their past eight games to rocket into eighth spot – can make a serious charge at the club’s first premiership since 1994.

‘‘It’s been proven over the last eight weeks that we’re a force,’’ Wood said yesterday.

For the past 27 years,Wood has been a constant at Raiders home games. Once the Viking mask, foam body and oversized maroon shoes are in place, this mild-mannered 45-year-old from Queanbeyan is transformed into a one-man crowd-spruiking, excitement-generating machine.

Victor now only appears in the safe surrounds of Canberra Stadium. Which is a sound policy considering the ugly reception he received during Canberra’s first visit north of the border in 1988.

Wood was given his marching orders by the local constabulary for indulging in some over-exuberant encouragement. ‘‘I turn around and this Queensland copper says ‘You have to leave the field mate, inappropriate actions, your pelvis is moving incorrectly’,’’ he said. ‘‘I said, ‘You’re joking’. He chased me and removed me from the ground.’’

The on-field pelvic thrusts are no longer a part of Wood’s repertoire.

For more on this story, including details of a six-month exile in 1989 that saw Victor miss the club’s grand final win, see the print edition of today’s Canberra Times.