Canberra Raiders Cup: Round Five Preview

Round five of the Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup features four big clashes this Saturday, headlined by the Gungahlin Bulls and Goulburn City Bulldogs in the Match of the Round.

Gungahlin Bulls vs Goulburn City Bulldogs

3:00PM, Saturday at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval

The Gungahlin Bulls host the Goulburn City Bulldogs this Saturday at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval, aiming for back-to-back wins.

The Bulldogs, coming off a bye, are aiming to bounce back after consecutive losses.

The Bulls have had an up and down start to their season, carrying two wins and two losses, but will be raring to go after a commanding 46-36 win against Yass last week.

Bulls halfback Kane Allan said despite the win, the points they conceded was an area for improvement.

“It wasn’t so much the 46 points we scored - it’s more that we conceded 36," Allan said.

"Averaging that high rate of tries conceded against us has actually been pretty frustrating.

“We’re keeping each other accountable and really pushing each other to really lower that number, so that’s been our goal so far.”

Although the Bulldogs have only secured one win this season, Allan said they’ve been playing well - luck just hasn’t been on their side.

"I have no doubt they’ve got their key players, and looking at their stats over the past couple of weeks, they’re not a side that’s losing by much." 

"They’re just getting a bit unlucky here and there and they have a lot of key players that will bring some massive things to the table.

"I think both teams will put on a solid show. I’m really proud of our boys and confident we’ll perform well, but I’ve no doubt they’ll come out firing too - it’s going to be an exciting contest."

The Match of the Round between the Bulls and Bulldogs will be streamed live and free on our Facebook page, courtesy of Bar TV.

Woden Valley Rams vs Tuggeranong Bushrangers

3:00PM, Saturday at Boomanulla Oval

The Woden Valley Rams will return to their interim home at Boomanulla Oval to face the Tuggeranong Bushrangers.

Despite a slow start to the season, the Bushrangers can take confidence from two narrow losses to top-tier sides in their last two games.

Meanwhile, the Rams enter round five after a heavy loss to the Kangaroos, conceding 44 points, with an early send-off setting the tone for a tough afternoon.

With the Bushrangers desperately searching for their first win and the Rams aiming to redeem themselves, this south-side derby will be one to watch. 

Belconnen United Sharks vs Queanbeyan Blues

3:00PM, Saturday at NSWRL HQ Bruce

Coming off a tight win last round, the Belconnen United Sharks return to their home ground to face their biggest test yet against the Queanbeyan Blues at NSWRL HQ in Bruce.

The Sharks edged out the Bushrangers 30-28 last week - their third straight win scoring 30 or more points, but also the third time they've conceded over 24.

The Blues suffered their first loss of the season and lost top spot on the ladder after falling to the West Belconnen Warriors.

With second place on the ladder up for grabs in this battle between second and third, both teams will be eager to outplay each other.

Queanbeyan Kangaroos vs Yass Magpies

3:00PM, Saturday at Seears Workwear Oval

The Yass Magpies will travel to Seears Workwear Oval to take on the Queanbeyan Kangaroos for their round five clash on Saturday.

After a 46-36 loss to the Bulls last week, Yass remains winless this season.

Although they came up short, a narrow 10-point loss in a high-scoring game should keep the Magpies in decent spirits.

The Kangaroos head into this week on the back of a dominant 44-12 win over the Rams, marking their second straight victory.

With Yass still chasing their first win and Queanbeyan eyeing a third straight victory, this clash is set to be a fierce contest.