IT was an iconic round of applause that convinced Canberra legend Gary Belcher that the Raiders were back.

Before their Round 24 clash with Parramatta at Canberra Stadium, more than 18,000 Raiders fans inspired their team with a local version of the “Thunderclap” war chant made famous by Iceland’s national soccer team during the Euro 2016 tournament earlier this year.

Known as the “Viking clap”, Iceland’s inspiring celebration has found a fitting home in Canberra, where Victor the Viking is the club’s mascot.

The way the Raiders fans not only packed the grandstands but so passionately supported their team was proof positive that the mythical Green Machine is back in action.

“I was at the ground that day and up in the commentary box, and we saw it, and I was like ‘Woah! What was that?’ It was amazing,” Belcher said.

“It was such a wonderful moment, to have so many fans there who were right behind them and really enjoying having a team that is not only successful but playing a great style of footy at the same time.”

You can hear the delight in Belcher’s voice talking about the Raiders being among the contenders for this year’s premiership after some lean times since their last title in 1994.

“I was telling all and sundry at the start of the year that I thought they were on the edge of something special and that their time would come in the next couple of years,” he said.

“But things have just been fast-tracked.

“I don’t want to be going crazy with predictions, because they have fallen down in finals before. But they are a good footy side.

“I really admire the way that they play. I do get annoyed with teams that are stuck in their ways tactically, or even worse, just copycats of what other teams are doing.

“But Canberra don’t play that way. They do things their own way, play what is in front of them and back themselves.”

There is even a tinge of Maroon in the lime green this year.

Origin wrecking ball Josh Papalii and electric winger Edrick Lee – who has been an 18th man for Queensland and an Emerging Origin camp regular – have joined names like Belcher, Meninga, Walters, Jackson, Backo and Coyne as famous Queensland Raiders.

“It is great to see a few Queenslanders at the Raiders, but really the strength of Canberra’s team is that they have achieved success without a true superstar in the ranks,” Belcher said.

“They have some really good players, and some guys that could develop into stars over time, but they just have an amazing balance to their team and it works so well for them.

“There is something really likeable about the Raiders. I’ve just stepped out of the surf, and while I was out there I had two blokes come up to me and go ‘Mate, how good are the Raiders going?’

“There is a real buzz about them, and I just love that, because I think you need those teams in the finals that you just want to see do well.

“Penrith are another team like that. They are unpredictable, young, exciting and just prepared to back themselves and do something a little out of the box.”