LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Las Vegas: When there's this much hype surrounding a game, it creates opportunity.
The opportunity to make a name for yourself.
canberratimes.com.au are reporting it was one of Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart's final messages to his players ahead of their blockbuster season opener against the New Zealand Warriors at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.
The Canberra Times listened in on Stuart's final team meeting before their walk-through the mind-blowing Allegiant and the following captain's run - out at James Regional Sports Park on Saturday.
During his pre-game press conference, Stuart also said the hype - which has had a similar feel to an NRL grand final - would be an excellent grounding for big games - finals, State of Origins and representative football.
Stuart and his coaching staff reinforced the messages they've given the Green Machine throughout the week in the build-up to the Warriors.
That included the positive points from their final intense training session on Friday, with the feeling in the camp they had hit the ground running from their very first session of the week on Tuesday.
The Raiders players were provided with a run sheet with detailed notes on each Warriors player, as well as four focuses for the game - whether that's specific areas of attack or defence.
It was a brilliant insight into the fine detail the Green Machine puts into every game.