Canberra Raiders Cup 2021: Round Six Preview

The Allan Family Shield clash between the Queanbeyan Blues and the Gungahlin Bulls kicks off round six of the Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup.

Match of the Round: Queanbeyan Blues v Gungahlin Bulls, 3:20pm Saturday May 22 at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval

The Gungahlin Bulls are holding their Indigenous round against the Queanbeyan Blues this weekend in the match of the round.

Both sides have made it this far in the competition undefeated, so it will be the game to watch.

The Gungahlin Bulls only just defeated Goulburn last round, with a four-point win to secure their undefeated streak.

The Queanbeyan Blues also had a close win against their cross-town rivals last round, defeating the Queanbeyan Roos 24-22.

Bulls halfback Jordan Williams says this weekend is going to be a tough game between the two undefeated sides.

“It’s going to be a good game they have some pretty big bodies, and some try scorers all across the park.”

But Williams knows his team has some improving to do, and defence will be crucial if they want to be successful on the weekend.

“The team that holds the points out on the weekend will be the team that will win.”

Queanbeyan Blues second rower Josh Baker knows how dangerous the Bulls and their attack can be but is confident in the Blues ability to hold them out.

“If we can control the ruck and read what they’re doing with their spine I think we should be alright.”

This weekend the Bulls will be playing in a specially designed Indigenous jersey by Bulls player Richie Allan Jnr, and there will be a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country before the first-grade match kicks off.

Yass Magpies v Woden Valley Rams, 3pm Saturday May 22 at Walker Park 

The Yass Magpies will be hoping to secure their second win of the season when they host the Woden Valley Rams this weekend.

After a tough 30-all draw against the West Belconnen Warriors in round five, the Magpies will be out to get the win.

Winger Bruce Barrie remains the side’s top try-scorer with seven tries, and he will look to add to that tally on Saturday

The Woden Valley Rams are also sitting on one win, so will be keen to get the job done against the Magpies

The Rams are coming off a two-week bye and will have plenty of energy and enthusiasm heading into the weekend.

Prop Brad Prior played in the Country v City Open Men’s match last weekend, a valuable experience for the forward.

Queanbeyan Kangaroos v West Belconnen Warriors, 3pm Saturday May 22 at Seears Workwear Oval

This is set to be a good match between the Warriors and Roos, with the sides in fourth and sixth place on the ladder respectively.  

The Queanbeyan Roos showed plenty of potential in their local derby clash against the Queanbeyan Blues last round when they suffered a narrow two-point loss.

With a sinbin and multiple penalties last round, the Roos will have to focus on their discipline if they want to win this weekend.

The West Belconnen Warriors came back against the Yass Magpies to finish the match locked in a 30-all draw in round five

Warriors back rower Josh Ayers had a tremendous performance scoring a hat-trick in the second half of the match and remains on top of the Best and Fairest ladder. 

It is expected to be an arm wrestle for the win on Saturday between these two sides as they try to fight their way up the ladder.

Belconnen United Sharks v Goulburn City Bulldogs, 3pm Saturday 22 May at NSWRL HQ Bruce

The Belconnen Sharks are yet to secure a win this season, but this weekend will give them another chance as they host the Goulburn City Bulldogs.

The Sharks are improving each week but have been unable to find their feet. Last round it was a six-point difference in conversions which had them defeated by Tuggeranong.

Goulburn started the season strong, winning their first two rounds of competition, but have been unable to secure a win since round two.

They will be hoping to re-join the winners circle again this round when they face the Sharks, and they will be hard to beat if they can recreate their opening round performances.

With both teams desperate for a win, this game will be extremely competitive.