Canberra Raiders Cup: Round Seven Preview

The Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup is set for a massive weekend, as we see four inciting matchups spanning across Saturday and Sunday. 

Tuggeranong Bushrangers vs Queanbeyan Kangaroos, 3:00pm Saturday at Greenway Oval 

The Tuggeranong Bushrangers will host the Queanbeyan Kangaroos in a Grand Final rematch at Greenway Oval on Saturday. 

After losing their first two games of the year, the Bushrangers have started to find their stride as they secured back-to-back wins before heading into the bye last week.  

"It obviously wasn't a good start, but we're working, we're building, it's a whole new team," said Tuggeranong's recruit winger Jacob Haeata. 

Last year, Tuggeranong endured a 34-6 Grand Final loss to the Kangaroos, which Haeata believes will influence their mindset heading into the game. 

"Obviously losing in a Grand Final makes us want to win more and gives us more passion," said Haeata. 

"We just got to keep it calm and composed." 

Queanbeyan has picked up where they left off last year, remaining undefeated so far this season, and have already bested heavyweight competitors such as Woden and West Belconnen in previous rounds.

Expect a heated clash as Tuggeranong aims to be the bogey team for the Roos again this year, while the defending premiers strive to remain unbeaten.

Belconnen United Sharks vs Yass Magpies, 3:00pm Saturday at NSWRL HQ Bruce

The Yass Magpies will travel to town and face the Belconnen United Sharks at NSWRL HQ, Bruce. 

The Sharks are coming off a narrow six-point loss to the table topping Rams in what was a hard-fought wet weather battle. 

Similarly, Yass put up a strong fight against the Warriors, keeping the scores tight before West Belconnen pulled away for a 24-10 win.

The two points this weekend would be significant for both sides as Belconnen United aims to stay in touch with the top four, while the Magpies, with only one win so far, won't want to fall further behind.

Gungahlin Bulls vs Goulburn City Bulldogs, 3:00pm Saturday at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval 

Gungahlin Enclosed Oval is set for a fiery clash between Gungahlin Bulls and visiting Goulburn City Bulldogs. 

The Bulls have had a disappointing season so far, securing only one win and suffering several heavy defeats, including a 44-8 loss to the Roos last week.

Similarly, the Bulldogs are facing their own challenges in 2024, as they are yet to taste victory and occupy the bottom position on the ladder. 

Both sides will be desperate for the two points as they sit in eighth and ninth place respectively, hoping to turn their seasons around.

West Belconnen Warriors vs Queanbeyan Blues, 3:00pm Sunday at Raiders Belconnen

The West Belconnen Warriors and the Queanbeyan Blues promises to be an electrifying encounter, with both top-four teams looking to showcase their prowess.

Both West Belconnen and Queanbeyan managed to bounce back from previous round losses as the Warriors secured a 14-point win over Yass, and the Blues put on a clinic against Goulburn. 

Heading into round seven, both sides find themselves in similar positions with three wins and one loss each. However, it's a drawn match that places the Blues, who have yet to have a bye, one point ahead of the Warriors on the ladder.

Expect a closely contested matchup, as a win for either side will add security to their top four position.