Canberra Raiders Cup: Week One Finals Preview

After a hard-fought season, it is finals time in the Canberra Raiders Cup. West Belconnen, Woden, Tuggeranong and Queanbeyan have done enough to secure a spot, all vying to be playing in the Grand Final.

The Warriors and Rams will line up in the Major Semi with a spot in the grand final up for grabs, whilst the Bushrangers and Blues will be vying to stay in the hunt in the minor semi-final.

Tuggeranong Bushrangers vs Queanbeyan Blues, Greenway Oval, 3pm Saturday 3rd September

After an incredibly close finish to the regular season, Tuggeranong and Queanbeyan’s losses in the final round will now see them face off in the minor semi-final.

Greenway Oval will expect a fair turnout, where both sides face elimination with a preliminary final on the line.

The teams have met twice in 2022, with the Blues coming away with the victory on both occasions.

The first meeting came in round two, with the Blues coming away 32-20 winners at Seiffert Oval. George Morseu would score a double that day, while Mathew Parsons would cross for the first of his 20 tries this season.

In the corresponding game in round 11, it was an even more convincing win for the Blues, running out 36-10 winners.

Both Campese and Parsons would again score, with the victory coming in the midst of Queanbeyan’s golden run of form during the middle of the season.

Since that loss Tuggeranong have been a far different side, defeating Woden, West Belconnen and recording a 52-point win over Goulburn.

Despite the good form for both sides heading into the back end of the season, round 18 saw the two teams drop points.

Queanbeyan was without McIntyre Medal winner Terry Campese against the Warriors and will look to return to the form that saw them score the most points this season.

Tuggeranong will instead be looking to forget a disappointing defeat to Gungahlin, keen to take inspiration from the four-match winning streak that they were on before that.

With the winner taking all in this match, the stakes cannot get much higher with both teams desperate to stay in the competition.

West Belconnen Warriors v Woden Valley Rams, Raiders Belconnen, 3pm Sunday 4th July

Following their minor premiership clenching win over Queanbeyan last weekend, the Warriors' eyes now turn to securing a grand final position.

In their way sit a rested Woden Valley Rams side, fresh off a round 18 bye and primed to have a deep run this finals series.

The sides have met twice this year, with the result sitting at one-all throughout the regular season. West Belconnen was able to defeat Woden in their round five clash at Phillip oval, coming away 36-20 victors.

It was a Robert Roberts masterclass that sealed the two points for the Warriors that afternoon, with the halfback’s well-renowned kicking game proving too much for the Rams.

That form has continued throughout the season, with Roberts finishing second in the McIntyre Medal voting. 

Woden was able to turn it around in round 14, handing the Warriors a 22-12 defeat at Raiders Belconnen.

In a close and bruising match, the Rams were able to prove that they are well and truly the real deal, grinding out an important result.

After a disappointing loss to Gungahlin in their last match of the season, Woden will be hoping that the week off will be just the thing they need as they aim to secure their first Canberra Raiders Cup since 2018.

West Belconnen on the other hand will be keen to continue the form that saw them defeat fellow heavyweights Queanbeyan Blues last Saturday.

With a grand final place on the line, it is guaranteed to be a classic this weekend.