Canberra Raiders Cup 2024: Round Two Preview

Following a first round washout, the opening games of the Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup will kick off this weekend with four thrilling rivaled match ups. 

Queanbeyan Blues vs Queanbeyan Kangaroos, 3:00pm Saturday at Seiffert Oval

This weekend’s match of the round sees the derby between the Queanbeyan Blues and the Queanbeyan Kangaroos at Seiffert Oval, with the town expected to be buzzing come Saturday afternoon. 

After struggling last season only claiming three victories, the Blues will be excited about the opportunity to face the defending premiers in their first game of the season. 

The test of the Kangaroos will be a baptism of fire for new head coach Jeremy Braun, however a strong presence around the squad has provided confidence amongst the Blues players that they will be able to return to the side that qualified for a grand final in 2022. 

Entering the season as defending premiers, the Kangaroos are aware that each team will be hunting them throughout the 2024 season. 

After a perfect year in 2023, Captain-coach Sam Williams acknowledges last year’s success will be difficult to replicate. 

Despite this the reigning McIntyre medalist is confident that his squad, which doesn’t include Harry Quinlan and Steven Numambo among others, will be pushing to claim back to back premierships. 

Tuggeranong Bushrangers vs Woden Valley Rams, 3:00pm Saturday at Greenway Oval 

The Tuggeranong Bushrangers at home against rivals the Woden Valley Rams, a win for either side resulting in bragging rights and a crucial two points to start the season. 

Last year’s grand finalist, the Tuggeranong Bushrangers will be aiming to go one better and claim the club’s first premiership. 

Establishing a reputation as a tough and gritty footy side in the 2023 campaign, the Bushrangers will be looking to have this return in the opening rounds of the season. 

The club over the off season has been excited with the blend of youth and experience in their current squad, with this being instrumental in their quest to claim the club’s maiden premiership. 

After missing finals in 2023, the Rams will be looking to return to their form from 2022 which saw the club qualify for the finals in second position. 

The Rams have suffered a high turnover of players in the offseason with the new outfit looking to improve on last year with the start of the season an instrumental element to achieving the side's goal of qualifying for finals. 

Gungahlin Bulls vs Belconnen United Sharks, 3:00pm Saturday at Jamison Enclosed Oval

The Belconnen United Sharks travel to Jamison Enclosed Oval to take on the Gungahlin Bulls. 

After only claiming three wins in the 2023 season the Gungahlin Bulls will be looking to start their season with a strong performance in front of their home fans. 

The Bulls have placed a heavy emphasis on their defiance in the 2024 season after last year saw them struggle in this department, conceding the second most amount of points in the competition. 

A strong start to the season will help the Bulls on their journey to playing finals with this being a clear goal within the camp, with anything more being a bonus. 

The Sharks enter the 2024 season off the back of a successful season for the club which saw the side qualify for finals for the first time in a decade. 

The preliminary final exit has placed a fire throughout the squad, with Captain-coach Zac Patch excited with the club's recruitment drive, as well as the unity of the squad being key to returning to finals.

Goulburn City Bulldogs vs Yass Magpies, 3:00pm Saturday at Workers Arena

The Goulburn City Bulldogs begin their 2024 campaign at home with the Yass Magpies travelling to Workers Arena looking to claim victory in the first game of the season. 

Fans attending the matchup this week with the two sides previously meeting in an attacking shootout, the Magpies claiming a 38-30 victory. 

A strong season for the Bulldogs last year saw the side narrowly miss out finals, finishing the season in fifth position. 

The Bulldogs have identified the ability to do the simple things well as the blueprint to becoming a final team once again. 

A disappointing season saw the Magpies claim the wooden spoon, however a strong offseason has the club confident of being able to overturn the disappointment of last year. 

Yass have identified the importance of their forward pack laying a platform for their new exciting outside backs as an area which will assist in their ascent from the bottom of the ladder.