Canberra Raiders Cup: Round One Preview

The 2025 Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup kicks off this Saturday, highlighted by a grand final rematch between cross-town rivals, the Queanbeyan Blues and Queanbeyan Kangaroos. 

Queanbeyan Blues vs Queanbeyan Kangaroos 

3:00pm, Saturday at Seiffert Oval

A grand final rematch between cross-town rivals kicks off the 2025 Canberra Raiders Cup season with a bang.

In last season’s opening round, this matchup ended in a 32-all draw, with Sam Williams slotting a sideline conversion after the full-time siren. The rivalry continued to captivate, drawing again 24-all in round 11 before the Roos claimed victory in both finals fixtures when it mattered most.

Blues skipper and last year’s McIntyre Medalist Dylan McLachlan reflected on his side’s finals shortcomings and expressed his excitement for round one.

“I definitely didn’t save the best for last – we fell short in the semi and the final – it definitely wasn’t my best 80 minutes,” McLachlan said.

“We left a lot out there and we can learn from that. We’re looking to improve and set a good platform to build on throughout the year.

“The community gets up for it, the cross-town rivalry, and what happened last year adds to that. It’s the perfect way to see where we’re at for round one – there’s no better test than the Roos.”

The Kangaroos enter the season as two-time defending premiers, aiming for a third straight title in 2025. Captain-coach Sam Williams spoke about their round one preparations and the value of facing the Blues.

“Not a lot changes – we’ve had a bit of success over the last couple of years, so there’s always that fine balance of freshening things up without changing what’s been working,” Williams said.

“The beauty is we’ll know exactly where we stand after round one. I’m sure the Blues will be at the top-end of the table, so playing them gives us a clear picture of where we are, whether that’s good or bad.”

With both teams retaining their core players from last year’s top-two finish and adding key recruits, expect a tightly contested battle at a high standard.

Woden Valley Rams vs West Belconnen Warriors

3:00pm, Saturday at Boomanulla Oval

Two teams expected to be in the finals mix go head-to-head this Saturday at Boomanulla Oval.

The Woden Valley Rams have strengthened an already strong roster, retaining their core while adding key pieces.

Former Queanbeyan Blues powerhouses John Papalii and Atu Tupou bolster their forward pack, making it one of the most intimidating in the competition this year.

West Belconnen enters its 50th season eager to celebrate with on-field success. After an uncharacteristic sixth-place finish last year, the Ryan McQueen-led side is determined to re-establish itself as a title contender.

This clash is a crucial early test in a highly competitive season, with both teams eager to start 2025 with a statement victory.

Gungahlin Bulls vs Tuggeranong Bushrangers

3:00pm, Saturday at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval

The Gungahlin Bulls are out to bounce back from a tough 2024, while the Tuggeranong Bushrangers look to build on last season and return to finals contention, setting the stage for a fierce clash on Saturday.

After finishing with the wooden spoon, Gungahlin is determined to prove they can compete in 2025. Under coach Ben Flynn and assistants Jason Croker and Josh Hardy, along with key signings, the Bulls are tipped to improve.

Tuggeranong welcomes back their inspirational leader Darby Medlyn, who returns from injury as captain-coach alongside co-coach Brendan Bradley.

Medlyn previously led the Bushrangers to the 2023 grand final, and they’ll be hungry to reclaim a finals spot after missing out last year.

With both teams eager to make a strong start, expect an intense and hard-fought battle.

Goulburn City Bulldogs vs Yass Magpies 

3:00pm, Saturday at Workers Arena

The Goulburn City Bulldogs and Yass Magpies are both aiming for significant improvements after disappointing 2024 campaigns, making a round one win crucial for both sides.

The Bulldogs are strengthened by Mitch Cornish's return from injury and the addition of experienced coach Brian Gray, making them a potential dark horse in 2025.

Yass welcomes Luke Berkrey as captain-coach, a three-time Group 9 premiership winner, hoping his winning habit will inspire the Magpies to bounce back.

With Goulburn finishing seventh and Yass in eighth in last year's Canberra Raiders Cup, both teams have been busy in the off-season, reshaping their coaching staff and adding key signings as they aim to turn things around this year.