Canberra Raiders Cup 2021: Round 13 Preview

The Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup heads into round 13 this weekend, with Woden Valley Rams and West Belconnen Warriors headlining the round as the Rams celebrate Ladies Day.

Woden Valley Rams v West Belconnen Warriors, 3pm Saturday 24 July at TBC

In this weekend’s match of the round, the West Belconnen Warriors will be searching for a win over the Woden Valley Rams to secure their third position on the ladder for another week.

After a close 18-16 win over the Yass Magpies last Sunday, the Warriors will hope to have a more convincing win this Saturday. 

But Warriors hooker Logan Reis says they can’t underestimate any team heading into the back end of the competition.

“Playing out in Phillip is always a tough day, if we do the little things right we should be able to come away with the win,” Reis said.

“Attitude is everything on the day, as long as everyone can turn up on the day and do their job, we can stay positive and that’s all we need to do.”

Coming off a bye last weekend, the Woden Valley Rams will be looking to record just their second win of the season as they face the Warriors. 

The last time these two teams met was in round four where the Warriors had a convincing 30-12 win over the Rams.

The Rams last game was in round 11 where they were able to draw 28-all with Goulburn City Bulldogs. They will want to build on that performance and secure a win come Saturday at their home ground.

Rams captain Steve Ferry says they are looking good for the weekend as Raiders development players, second rower Clay Webb and fullback Albert Hopoate, join the side.

“They will give us a good boost in the side, they’re two strong powerful players which will be really good,” Ferry said.

As they celebrate their annual Ladies Day round, the Rams will be hoping to take the win for all the women who are involved in the club.

“We’ve got a lot of women that do a lot of work for our club and we always want to recognise them, hopefully they enjoy it and know we really appreciate all that they do for us,” the Rams captain said.

Yass Magpies v Gungahlin Bulls, 3pm Saturday 24 July at Walker Park

Early in the season, the Gungahlin Bulls were labelled the team to beat as they went through seven rounds undefeated, but as the competition progresses finals are becoming anyone’s game.

Last round saw the Bulls draw 22-all against Goulburn City Bulldogs is a gutsy fight as Goulburn scored right on the bell to equal the game, and this weekend is expected to be no different when they face the Yass Magpies, who are improving each round.

Coming off a 18-16 loss against the West Belconnen Warriors last Sunday, Yass will be fired up at their home ground with hopes to get their third win of the year.

The two teams last met in round four, where the Bulls just scrapped through in a 36-34 win over the Magpies.

The Magpies will look to use their edges for points, with wingers Bailey Timmer and Bayley Maher both crossing the line last weekend.

But Yass will need to shut down Bulls halves partners Tre Holten-Williams and Jordan Holten-Williams on Saturday if they want to walk away with the win.

The Bulls six and seven have been dominant all season, creating immense pressure on every oppositions defence.  

Queanbeyan Blues v Tuggeranong Bushrangers, 3pm Saturday 24 July at Seiffert Oval

The Queanbeyan Blues are becoming increasingly dangerous since player-coach Terry Campese returned to the side in round 11.

The spine combination of Campese at five-eighth, Josh Mitchell at hooker, Matthew Parsons in fullback and Blake Murray at halfback is becoming unstoppable, and they will be the key to maintaining their undefeated home ground streak on Saturday.

With a 44-12 local derby win last weekend, the Blues will be hunting for another victory over the Tuggeranong Bushrangers which could potentially see them claim the top of the table position.

The Bushrangers are another team who are seamlessly improving every week, and after claiming a thrilling 32-22 win over the Belconnen United Sharks they will be eager to back that up again this week.

Belconnen United Sharks v Queanbeyan Kangaroos, 3pm Saturday 24 July at NSWRL HQ Bruce

Both sides will be looking to re-join the winners circle this weekend, after suffering disappointing losses in round 12.

The Belconnen United Sharks went down 32-22 against the Tuggeranong Bushrangers, and the Queanbeyan Kangaroos had a heartbreaking 44-12 loss to their cross-town rivals the Queanbeyan Blues.

Looking to redeem themselves, each side will be hungry for the two points but it will be a game of discipline as the two sides go head-to-head.

Sharks five-eighth Matt Woolnough has been in excellent form over the last few games, as has his opposition five-eighth Thomas Casey. Both players will be crucial in helping their team to victory.

The Belconnen Sharks will host the Kangaroos at their home ground as they celebrate their Ladies Day round.