By Murray Wenzel in Brisbane

RICKY Stuart has readied his Canberra side for the NRL’s newest cauldron, the coach expecting Dolphins fans to be “right on top of them” in the club’s Redcliffe debut.

Wayne Bennett’s men pulled off a stunning first act to down the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium last Sunday.

Players have since vowed to show it was no one-off.

A return to their base just north of the Queensland capital city to play at the sold-out 10,000-seat Kayo Stadium for the first time should help.

The Raiders have experienced the buzz first-hand, camped on the Sunshine Coast all week after a narrow one-point loss to begin their season against North Queensland in Townsville.

“It was always on the cards and they’ll turn up and they’ll do the same this week at Redcliffe on their home ground,” Stuart said.

“It’s good, it makes the event, makes the game.

“We played the Warriors there last year; the crowd’s right on top of you … it’s why you like playing the game when you get those big atmospheres.”

The Dolphins were inspired by their experienced forward pack, in particular the physicality of Queensland State of Origin backrower Felise Kaufusi.

His bone-crunching defence turned the tide but Stuart saw enough last week to think they can handle it.

And heading straight to the Sunshine Coast, instead of back to ACT and then north again, has added to that.

“These boys are prepared,” he said.

“What they had to endure in the first half (against the Cowboys) was pretty unique in regards to the amount of time without the footy.

“I was happy we got back into the game, traded sets with them and played really well.

“There’s something to work with there.”