Canberra Raiders Cup: Round 17 Preview
With only two rounds left in the Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup, teams that are out of finals contention have the chance to shake up the top four.
Belconnen United Sharks vs Tuggeranong Bushrangers, 3:00pm, Saturday at NSWRL HQ Bruce
The Belconnen United Sharks welcome the Tuggeranong Bushrangers to NSWRL HQ Bruce this weekend for an interesting matchup.
The past two weeks haven't been ideal for the Sharks, as they've struggled defensively, conceding at least 30 points in their last two outings, with a 38-20 loss to the Roos and a 30-all draw with Yass.
Sharks lock Owen Hromow says they need to fix their attitude ahead of finals in the coming weeks.
"We've got the team and ability to beat those top teams, it's more about our mentality and focus going into the games, which everyone knows that we can change," Hromow said.
"The last couple weeks have been a bit tough, it's going to be massive, these next two games for us, just really building momentum, combinations, getting our full strength team back and really starting to roll into first week of finals."
Meanwhile, last year’s grand finalists are out of finals calculations for this season, however the Bushrangers will be aiming for a strong finish to the season with two games remaining, and potentially shake up the top four standings.
"There's definitely a standard to get these last two games, we've just got to keep competing," Bushrangers winger Jacob Haeata said.
The Sharks secured a four point victory earlier this season away from home against the Bushrangers, with Tuggeranong aiming to return the favour at the Sharks home ground.
"They [Sharks] have one of the best forward packs in the area, so we need to shut down their forwards, grind with them through the middle, and hit their edges out wide," Haeata said.
Gungahlin Bulls vs Woden Valley Rams, 3:00pm, Saturday at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval
The Woden Valley Rams will travel to Gugahlin Enclosed Oval for a danger game against the Bulls on Saturday afternoon.
Gungahlin secured an important win in their quest to avoid the wooden spoon last week against the Bulldogs which sees them one point behind the Magpies who sit in eighth.
Meanwhile, the Rams have dropped to third place on the competition ladder after having the bye last weekend and will be desperate for the two points as they attempt to secure the important top two finish.
The Bulls may be out of the finals picture for 2024, however they still have plenty to play for and the Rams will have to be wary of a Gungahlin side looking to avoid finishing in last position.
Yass Magpies vs Queanbeyan Kangaroos, 3:00pm, Saturday at Walker Park
The Queanbeyan Kangaroos face a tough road trip to Walker Park this weekend for a clash against the Yass Magpies on Saturday afternoon.
The Magpies last weekend, secured an important draw against the Sharks with a try in the dying stages ensuring an important point in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
Whilst, the Kangaroos secured a comprehensive 34-12 victory in last year's grand final rematch with the win seeing Queanbeyan ascend into the converted top two position with two games remaining.
In round eight, Yass suffered a comprehensive defeat at the hands of the Kangaroos, however the Magpies collected an impressive draw last round and Queanbeyan will need to be on edge for an ambush.
West Belconnen Warriors vs Goulburn City Bulldogs, 3:00pm, Sunday at Raiders Belconnen
The Goulburn City Bulldogs will travel to Raiders Belconnen to face the West Belconnen Warriors on Sunday.
The West Belconnen Warriors will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss last weekend against the Blues away from home which saw them fail to trouble scorers.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs also suffered defeat last weekend against the Bulls and will aim to secure a win in the final fortnight of the season.
In the previous matchup this season, the West Belconnen Warriors secured a four point victory against the Bulldogs away from home.
