In the lead-up to Monday's clash, Canterbury coach Des Hasler anointed the Canberra Raiders the "sleeping giants" of the NRL.
They may have woken up after their young giants up front monstered their more decorated rivals in a 22-8 win at the Bulldogs' spiritual home, Belmore Sports Ground.
The Raiders' forwards were up for a dog fight and ran for over 350 metres more than the hosts in the first half alone to set up a boilover win and jump to third on the ladder.
The win was marred by more controversy from the Bulldogs crowd, with reports a Canterbury member had thrown a glass bottle at Raiders players on exercise bikes on the sideline during the second half.
Security raced quickly to the scene in an effort to pinpoint the culprits and there were reports NRL Bunker footage was being used to do so.
The incident was the last thing Canterbury needed after the ugly scenes against Souths on Good Friday last year where referees were pelted with bottles while walking off the field after a Rabbitohs win.
"The Bulldogs have dealt with it professionally and the police have done a great job, they'll handle it from there," Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said.
"Canterbury are a great club and they jumped on that well, you don't need those types of supporters at our game."
On the field the Raiders' young forwards were outstanding against Canterbury's representative standard pack, and this was where the match was won.
Canberra's win was soured by the loss of forward Sia Soliola to a broken arm in the first half, but even the veteran's absence couldn't halt their momentum.
"I was happy with a lot of our footy tonight, there was some improvement in areas we need to improve in," Stuart said.
"It's nice to have a full contingent of players to choose from, it makes for a good training week."
Stuart was pleased with the efforts of halves Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin after they returned from three weeks off with injury.
Sezer set up the first of skipper Jarrod Croker's two tries in the first half as Canberra raced to a 14-4 lead at the break.
A downpour just as the second half began played into Canberra's hands as Sezer's kicking game helped grind the Bulldogs down.
"They did well considering it was very physical, it was tough conditions and it was their first game back after a four-week layoff," Stuart said.
"They came back and handled 80 minutes well. It's a credit to how they train and prepared."
Centre Joey Leilua also impressed in his first match back from a two-week suspension as he limited NSW Origin star Josh Morris's opportunities in attack.
The Raiders boarded two 10-seater planes soon after full-time to return to Canberra as soon as possible, as they have just five days to prepare for Saturday's clash at Parramatta.
"It's only very early in the season, we're five games in," Stuart said.
"We've got a very short turnaround going into a very good football team in Parramatta.
"We've just got to get on with it and do it. It's tough but we knew it was there, and we've prepared for it."
Bulldogs forwards Tony Williams and Sam Kasiano were put on report for crusher tackle in the first half, while Williams may also have a case to answer for a trip and lifting tackle in an ugly period in the second half.
Canterbury centre Chase Stanley's 100th NRL game also wasn't one to remember after he limped off with a hamstring strain in the first half.
Canterbury's attack was limp for much of the game but Canberra's on-line defence improved dramatically from that which gave up a late 14-point lead at home against Gold Coast last week.
This was arguably the Raiders' toughest win under Stuart, in his third year at the helm.
He was eager to see how his young and developing team would handle such an intense and hostile stage, but he needn't have worried.
CANBERRA RAIDERS 22 (Jarrod Croker 2, Jack Wighton tries; Croker 5 goals) bt CANTERBURY BULLDOGS 8 (Josh Reynolds, Will Hopoate tries) at Belmore Sports Ground on Monday night. Crowd: 13,463. Referees: Ashley Klein, Adam Gee.