Canberra Raiders Cup: Round 15 Preview

Vital points are up for grabs in round 15 of the Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup as we enter the business end of the season.

Belconnen United Sharks vs Woden Valley Rams, 3:00pm, Saturday at NSWRL HQ Bruce

The Belconnen United Sharks are gearing up to face the Woden Valley Rams this Saturday at NSWRL HQ Bruce.

After a crucial 24-18 victory over the Goulburn City Bulldogs, the Sharks are riding high with confidence as they roll into round 15 with their top four spot further solidified.

"I thought it was a very good win," Sharks backrower Harrison Leadbitter said. 

"I thought we showed a lot of character to fight our way back, even with the silly errors." 

Unable to beat the teams above them on the ladder so far this year, they'll face a tough test this weekend against the first-placed Woden Valley Rams.

"We see it as an opportunity to knock-off one of those top four sides, and cement a spot there moving forward into finals," Leadbitter added.

"We're timing our run a little bit for those top sides, we've been close every time we've been there, we just have to get rid of the lapses in concentration." 

The Rams reclaimed the top position with a hard-fought 26-16 win over the Queanbeyan Blues last weekend.

"It was a big win for the boys, we lost the week before that against the Roos, and we spoke about it during the week, just bouncing back," Rams fullback Daine Spencer said. 

"We're still yet to nail an 80 minute performance but we're looking to do that this weekend."

Rams five-eighth Brendan Jimenez went down with injury against the Blues, but Spencer says they have the "next man up mentality." 

He's [Jimenez] been one of, if not our best throughout the whole year," Spencer said. 

"We've got a next man up mentality with the boys coming through and I know they'll do the same job." 

This clash promises to be an exciting match as the Sharks aim to prove their finals credentials against the competition leaders.

Gungahlin Bulls vs Queanbeyan Kangaroos, 3:00pm, Saturday at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval

The Gungahlin Bulls will be playing host this Saturday to the Queanbeyan Kangaroos at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval.

Following a narrow 18-16 loss to the Tuggeranong Bushrangers, the Gungahlin Bulls will be looking to rebound this weekend.  

Meanwhile, the high-flying Kangaroos are coming off a dominant 56-6 victory over the West Belconnen Warriors.

Kangaroos captain-coach Sam Williams and second-rower Jesse Dent both notched two tries last week, and they'll be important again on Saturday as they push towards a top-two finish.

Currently sitting second last on the ladder, and hoping to finish the season strongly, Gungahlin will look to cause an upset against the third-placed Kangaroos.

Yass Magpies vs West Belconnen Warriors, 3:00pm, Saturday at Walker Park

The West Belconnen Warriors will be travelling this weekend as they face the Yass Magpies at Walker Park.

The Magpies will be looking to take advantage of a struggling West Belconnen Warriors side, who suffered a heavy 56-6 defeat at the hands of the Queanbeyan Kangaroos last weekend.

The Warriors finals hopes took a hit, as they now find themselves in sixth place on the ladder.

Well rested from a bye last week, and currently sitting at the bottom of the ladder, Yass will be looking to capitalise on this opportunity to boost their position and have a stronger finish to the season.

Goulburn City Bulldogs vs Queanbeyan Blues , 3:00pm, Saturday at Workers Arena

The Queanbeyan Blues will be travelling this Saturday as they prepare to battle it out with the Goulburn City Bulldogs at Workers Arena.

After a close 24-18 defeat to the Belconnen United Sharks, the Goulburn City Bulldogs’ will be desperate to bounce back this weekend at home in order to stay in touch with the title contenders.

Despite the loss, last week’s clash saw strong efforts from second-rower Matthew Sherer, who crossed to score twice.

The Bulldogs face a tough challenge against the Queanbeyan Blues, who are eager to bounce back from their 26-16 loss to the Woden Valley Rams.

The Bulldogs will need a standout performance to keep their slim finals hopes alive against a determined Blues side.

Tuggeranong Bushrangers vs Bye