Season Preview 2025: Queanbeyan Blues

The Queanbeyan Blues are poised for another big season in the Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup following last year’s success.

In the Katrina Fanning Shield, the Blues are aiming for another finals push, while their League Tag side looks to build on a tough season that showed promise late in the year.

The Blues had a standout campaign in the 2024 Canberra Raiders Cup, reaching the grand final but falling short against cross-town rivals, the Queanbeyan Kangaroos, in an 18-10 thriller.

Coach Jeremy Braun and captain Dylan McLachlan were recognised with top accolades - Braun named Coach of the Year and McLachlan awarded the McIntyre Medal - capping off a remarkable turnaround from their equal-last finish in 2023.

New recruit Jamie Kotz, transitioning from Rugby Union, has already developed a strong connection with the club’s leaders.

“Brauny [Jeremy Braun] is amazing. Getting to talk to him, tapping into his expertise, and learning from one of the best is something I couldn’t pass up,” Kotz said.

“Dyl’s [Dylan McLachlan] a big presence at the club, at training, and on game day - he leads from the front. When Dylan speaks, you listen.”

Kotz is eagerly anticipating a blockbuster round one grand final rematch.

“There’s going to be fireworks - it’ll be exciting and a testament of what’s to come this season.”

Brooke Weber acknowledged that it hasn't been the ideal preseason for the Blues' Katrina Fanning Shield side after last year’s preliminary final run but believes they’re trending in the right direction.

“We faced a few challenges earlier this year but we’re definitely building our side back up and we’re looking forward to a good season ahead,” Weber said

“Confidence is always there with the girls - we’ve really just gone back to basics while rebuilding our side and finding our strengths.”

In League Tag, the Blues endured a tough season, but Bec Maher is optimistic about their progress.

“We had a lot of inexperienced players early on, which made things difficult, but we finished the season strong with some big wins and close losses against top teams,” Maher said.

“The best teams do the basics well so we’ve just been really focusing on our basics and hoping to build on that as the season goes along.”

In Reserve Grade, the Blues claimed the wooden spoon, but with improved depth, they’re set for a better 2025 campaign.

The club’s Under 19s made a strong run to the preliminary final, falling just 10 points short against the Rams. With a talented group of juniors stepping up, they’ll be contenders once again.