"I believe that what our players have done, and the Canterbury players have done - especially with Adam Elliott being a local boy - has put a lot of smiles on peoples' faces, particularly the kids," Stuart said. 

"And that's what needs to be publicised - that is what is important about rugby league; bringing people together. 

"There has been some negativity over the last couple of months [surrounding NRL] but the positivity in regards to what we've generated in the last few weeks has been wonderful to be involved in.

"We have really enjoyed our time here over the last week."

On the field on Saturday, the Raiders swung a 16-point deficit to win against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in Bega.

The Bulldogs, led by home-town favourite Adam Elliott took a commanding 22-6 lead at the break in front of an estimated 5500-strong crowd at the Bega Rec Ground.

However, the Raiders bounced back in the second half creating overlaps on the fringes to score four tries to the Bulldogs' one, winning 28-22. 

Elliott had some great impact runs up the middle, but came off a little shy of half-time with a corked thigh, while prop Dylan Napa also watched from the sideline in the second half. 

Elliott said it was nothing serious and that the plan had been to play for the first half, while the Bulldogs got to trial an extended bench in the second half. 

READ MORE: Elliott gives back to home club 

Winning coach Ricky Stuart said the Bulldogs had been dominant in the first half, but a good talk during the break set things straight. 

"Canterbury were good in the first half, they were too quick around the ruck and got away from us a bit,"

"But we spoke about it at half-time and the boys came out and addressed it."

Kerrod Holland from the Bulldogs had done some early damage with a couple of left-edge opportunities, but it was the Canberra wingers who settled the score with three second-half tries between them. 

Stuart also praised the efforts of co-captain Jarrod Croker, who managed to slot three sideline conversions against a strong wind. 

"We didn't plan on being down by 20 at half-time, but fair play to both teams it was a good performance and it was good to finish that one off," Croker said. 

READ MORE: Full funding for sport master plans

Bulldogs coach Dean Pay was disappointed with the loss, but it had been a good learning experience for the Bulldogs who had a 30-strong squad for the day. 

Outside of a handful of penalties, play was largely uninterrupted, but at one point the Bulldogs were marched backwards for back-chatting, while another was binned for 10. 

Member for Bega Andrew Constance announced $8.5 million from the State Government to fully fund the sporting master plan for Bega and said it would go a long way to ensuring return visits from big clubs. 

Raiders CEO Don Furner said the Raiders were keen to invest in the Far South Coast and that upgraded facilities would be an incentive for visiting teams. 

He said the Raiders were eager to visit Bega on a biennial basis for trial games, but said the club was also hopeful to return in 2020. 

Instead of the National Anthem, locals and visitors were treated to a Welcome to Country by Michelle Scott on Saturday afternoon. 

Ms Scott sent a powerful message about unity and inclusion in sport that had helped bring people together over the centuries. 

She spoke of her father and grand fathers' involvement in rugby league that had also been passed on to the younger generation.

She also paid touching tribute to her ancestors, as well as future Aboriginal Elders, while acknowledging the long and proud history of the Djiringanj-Yuin Nation. 

Even the Canberra Raiders caught wind of local identity Ben Harrop's love of the Newcastle Knights. 

So in partnership with Bega Cheese - who have sponsorship ties to the Canberra club - a plan was hatched to stitch Benny up as the "number one Raiders fan" on the day. 

In a special presentation Benny was kitted out in a signed club jumper, but the ever-rebellious larrikin was having none of it - asked who he would back, Benny fired back "Go the Bulldogs". 

However, the Raiders' plan might have work and Ben almost appeared a Canberra-convert by the final siren.