Canberra Raiders Cup 2022: Round 12 Preview
The Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup returns this weekend for a huge round of matchups, headlined by our match of the round featuring the Woden Valley Rams and Queanbeyan Kangaroos.
Woden Valley Rams v Queanbeyan Kangaroos, Phillip Oval, 3pm Saturday 9th July
The Woden Valley Rams will play host to the Queanbeyan Roos on Saturday afternoon in what shapes up to be a thriller.
The Rams have had a very consistent season, currently sitting third on the competition ladder without suffering back to back losses all year.
The Roos on the other hand have had a completely different story, not recording their first win until round six against Yass.
Since then, the Roos have won four of their last six and the inclusion of former Raider Sam Williams has been a masterstroke for the side, knocking off Tuggeranong and Belconnen United who both sat above them on the ladder.
The forwards battle looks to be the most exciting, with both sides adopting a big, mobile pack which can blow sides off the park.
This game may well come down to who wins the ruck and can look to strike out-wide and score points.
Gungahlin Bulls v Yass Magpies, Gungahlin Enclosed Arena, 3pm Saturday 9th July
The Gungahlin Bulls will host the Yass Magpies this weekend with both sides hungry for a win to move off the bottom of the ladder.
The Bulls and Magpies are tied on two points, both registering one win each on the season, with the Bulls having a for & against advantage.
The Magpies stole the show last time these teams battled it out, putting on a second half clinic to win 32-16 at Walker Park back in round four.
Although the Bulls may be the unluckiest team in the Canberra Raiders Cup, losing seven games by a margin of ten points or less.
Gungahlin will be able to take some confidence away from these tough losses and look to get one back on the Yass side who continue to struggle this year.
Belconnen United Sharks v Tuggeranong Bushrangers, NSWRL HQ Bruce, 3pm Saturday 9th July
The Belconnen United Sharks return to Bruce this weekend with a huge clash to keep their season alive against the top four Bushrangers.
The Sharks have found some form of late, recording their first back to back wins of the season against Yass and Goulburn before falling to the Roos last weekend.
The inclusion of Q-Cup recruits Zac Patch and Jake Hawkins have had an incredible impact on the side, bringing plenty of experience to the young squad of the Sharks.
The Bushies have had a tough couple of weeks, suffering back to back losses to both the Queanbeyan Roos and Blues.
Fortunately for the Bushrangers, they will welcome back star forward Zac Saddler who was absent last weekend and experienced winger Jayden Pollard who is a great finisher on the right edge.
The Sharks know how important this match is and will look to edge closer to the top five with a win this weekend.
Goulburn City Bulldogs v West Belconnen Warriors, Workers Arena, 3pm Sunday 10th July
To wrap-up round 12 of the competition, the Goulburn City Bulldogs will host the West Belconnen Warriors in a Sunday afternoon showdown.
The Bulldogs came away with an important two points last weekend, defeating the Gungahlin Bulls 12-8 in a close one on the road.
Last weekend's victory was crucial given the competition ladder with the Roos and Sharks right on the tail to sneak into the top five.
The Warriors would've enjoyed the week off after only conceding one loss through their first round of games.
The Warriors first half of the season has well and truly set them up for a cruisy run home.
They sit comfortably in second position with a game in hand over the Blues with the minor premiership in the sights of the West Belconnen side.
The Bulldogs only have a two point cushion over the Roos and Sharks who are eager to leapfrog them on the ladder.
An upset win this weekend in-front of a packed Goulburn crowd could be crucial as we move into the final phase of the season.
