Canberra Raiders Cup: Washout Round Preview
As we circle back to the rescheduled round one fixtures of the Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup, the competition points at stake are more crucial than ever.
Belconnen United Sharks vs Queanbeyan Kangaroos, 3:00pm, Saturday at NSWRL HQ Bruce
The Queanbeyan Kangaroos travel to the home of the Belconnen United Sharks for a top four contest which will have finals ramifications.
The Kangaroos quest to finish in the top two continues this weekend, with the defending premiers looking to claim their fourth win in a row and place pressure on the Rams and Blues.
"We've got a big game tomorrow and if we can win that tomorrow, it gives us a real shot at the top two, if we don't, it's going to make things a little bit difficult", Roos captain-coach Sam Williams said.
"We're under no illusions how tough a task it is to go over there and play on their home turf, but we obviously go into games confident as well."
Meanwhile, the Sharks enter the round fresh off a strong 4-0 victory at home against the Woden Valley Rams and have created a strong gap between fourth and fifth.
"It was a good win for us, we finally played close to an 80 minute performance," Sharks back rower Sonny Tupuola said.
"It'll be good for us to knock these guys [Kangaroos] off, they're the defending champions, so we've been training good all week."
The finals preview will be instrumental in determining the make up of this year's top four with a win for either side keeping their top two ambitions alive.
Queanbeyan Blues vs Gungahlin Bulls, 3:00pm, Saturday at Seiffert Oval
The Gungahlin Bulls face a tough trip to Seiffert Oval this Saturday for a clash against the ladder leading Blues.
The Blues secured a strong win over the Goulburn City Bulldogs last week, with the win ensuring they returned to the top of the Canberra Raiders Cup ladder after the Rams suffered defeat.
Whilst, the Bulls suffered a comprehensive defeat at the hands of the Kangaroos with the loss sinking them to the bottom of the competition with four rounds to go.
The Blues will be aiming for their 10th win of the season this weekend and the Bulls will be looking to cause a massive upset and secure their third win.
Yass Magpies vs Tuggeranong Bushrangers, 3:00pm, Saturday at Walker Park
The Yass Magpies welcome the Tuggeranong Bushrangers to Walker Park this weekend, with the Bushrangers needing a win to keep their faint finals hopes alive.
The Magpies enter the makeup round off the back of a strong 14-8 win over the West Belconnen Warriors last week which saw them rise from the bottom of the ladder.
Meanwhile, the Bushrangers had the weekend off to freshen up and mount their charge to the finals, with a win on Saturday the first step, as they need to win all their games and rely on other results.
Last year's grand finalists will be desperate for the win, however the Magpies will be looking to sink their finals hopes with back to back wins.
Woden Valley Rams vs West Belconnen Warriors, 3:00pm, Sunday at Phillip Oval
The Woden Valley Rams face the West Belconnen Warriors at Phillip Oval on Sunday afternoon with both sides looking to bounce back after disappointing losses.
The Rams dropped to second position last week, after a four-nil defeat at the hands of the Sharks in a tight physical matchup and will be looking to return to form this weekend.
Whilst, the Warriors finals chances took a massive hit after a shock defeat at the hands of the Magpies last weekend, needing results to go their way if they are to play finals footy this season.
After disappointing losses last week, both teams will be striving for the much needed two points for different reasons with the Rams looking to cement a top two finish, whilst the Warriors will look to keep their season alive.
