Canberra Raiders Cup: Round One Wrap
The Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup kicked off with a bang, delivering four thrilling games that offered a glimpse of what’s to come in 2025.
Woden Valley Rams 16 draw West Belconnen Warriors 16
The Woden Valley Rams and West Belconnen Warriors couldn't be split in a gripping 16-all draw at Boomanulla Oval on Saturday.
The sides went try-for-try in a fiercely contested 80 minutes, with Woden fullback Daine Spencer once again proving a handful, bagging a double.
West Belconnen’s Kirren Roughley, Brandon Withers, and Calab Edwards all found the line, but Rams lock Jesse Martin crashed over in the dying moments to level the scores.
With both clubs tipped to be premiership contenders in 2025, this early-season clash delivered a taste of what's to come.
Gungahlin Bulls 40 defeated Tuggeranong Bushrangers 16
The Gungahlin Bulls sent a strong message in their season opener following last year’s wooden spoon with a convincing 40-16 win over Tuggeranong.
It was an arm-wrestle for the majority, with the Bulls leading 14-10 at the break and clinging to a 20-16 advantage until the final third, where they ran in four unanswered tries to blow the game open.
Bulls wingers Jesse Croker and Tui Georgievski were unstoppable out wide, Croker crossing for four tries while Georgievski added a double.
Tuggeranong kept pace early with tries to Wez Alexander-McCarthy, Darby Medlyn, and Marcus Malaetasi, but couldn’t sustain the pressure for the full 80.
Queanbeyan Blues 28 defeated Queanbeyan Kangaroos 22
The Queanbeyan derby delivered once again, with the Blues holding off a late Kangaroos surge to claim a 28-22 win in a thrilling grand final rematch.
The Blues exploded out of the gates to lead 28-6 before the Roos clawed their way back in the second half, nearly snatching a draw.
Try-scoring machine Connor Williams picked up where he left off with a double, while Allan Wratten, Wairua Jackson-Williams, and John Suli also got on the scoresheet.
The Roos responded with tries to Lucas Thompson, Jesse Dent, Kain Anderson, and Jared Cook, but the Blues’ defence held firm late to seal the win and avoid another opening round stalemate.
Goulburn City Bulldogs 32 defeated Yass Magpies 18
The Goulburn City Bulldogs impressed their home crowd with a strong 32-18 win over the Yass Magpies at Workers Arena.
Yass started on top with two early tries, but the Bulldogs quickly found their rhythm, piling on five consecutive tries to take control of the contest.
Mitch Cornish made a strong return to footy, setting up multiple tries and grabbing one himself in a standout display.
Byron Pinkerton and Max Flack both crossed twice in a dominant showing from the Goulburn backline.
Yass had a crack with tries to Waisale Nayavucere, Lekani Mpaso, Cody Bell, and captain-coach Luke Berkrey, but couldn’t keep pace with the Bulldogs' momentum.
