Canberra Raiders Cup: Round 10 Preview

Round Ten of the Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup is poised to be a high-stakes weekend, featuring four even matchups and potential finals previews.

Queanbeyan Kangaroos v Queanbeyan Blues

3:00pm, Saturday 24th May at Seears Workwear Oval

Competition juggernauts will face off in a top-of-the-table clash this weekend as the first-placed Queanbeyan Kangaroos host the second-placed Queanbeyan Blues at Seears Workwear Oval.

Both teams are level on 12 competition points, with the winner set to claim the top spot on the ladder.

The Blues enter this weekend's top of the table clash after cruising to a dominant 58-6 victory over the Yass Magpies, with Blues Hooker Black Murray stating it was the closes his side has come to a complete performance. 

"We put in a full eighty or close to it, which we have lacked a little bit this year and it's been one of our goals. I think we've done it the last two weeks, although we got beat against the Rams our effort was there, and we are still working on that," Murray said. 

Currently sitting in second position, the Blues have built on last year's grand final appearance and look to be one of the teams to beat despite a high turnover of players in the offseason. 

"I think we are still improving each week, it's taken a little bit longer and that's due to a high turnover of players and they've brought a fresh mindset and fresh legs." 

The Blues claimed a 28-22 win over the Kangaroos in Round One, however are aware of the dangers their opposition possess and will be looking for the complete performance once again. 

"We were lucky to get away with the win [in Round One], we got up for it and that's the only way you're going to beat the Roo's by playing the full 80, play tough and grind it out, they don't go away, and they are talented across the board."

After welcoming the Kangaroos to Seiffert Oval in Round One, the Blues are excited about a top of the table clash away from home. 

"We've had the privilege of a couple top of the table clashes the last few years and this is no different we are going to their home and it's always pretty hostile when you walk in there but it's nice because there is a respect between the two clubs." 

Meanwhile, the Kangaroos arrive at Round 10 after a victory against the Gungahlin Bulls last week, which Captain Coach Sam Williams was pleased with. 

"It was a good hit out and probably just what we needed, there a much-improved side this year and they certainly play for each other and made us work for it," Williams said. 

The Kangaroos only loss of the season came against the Blues in Round One, with the loss providing the two-time defending premiers with a springboard for their season. 

"It's always a different game against the Blues, being the local derby, it was a close loss, and it wasn't like we had to go back and change everything we just needed to be better in a few areas and been really good since that loss."

Williams noted that the two teams have a strong respect for each other and that's what leads to high quality games of football between the respective Queanbeyan teams. 

"Over the last two years we have had some really good matches and there's never much in them and its usually just moments in the game. There's a really healthy respect, it's not a derby built out of hatred, well maybe in the old days, but I think there's a real respect now between the two sides."

This Saturday will be the inaugural Ian Baker Shield, whilst important for both sides, Williams said the key is to play good football and not relying on the emotion of the day. 

"It's something that we will speak about [Ian Baker Shield], Bakes is such a big part of this group and putting this squad together, we've got his nephew back playing for us, Josh Baker, so it is a big thing but at the end of the day you've got to play good football and win it, you can't put it all on emotion."

With finals looming, this clash could act as a preview of what's to come in the postseason – and neither side will want to give an inch.

Expect a high-intensity battle between two of the competition’s most consistent sides, with ladder positioning, bragging rights, and momentum all on the line.

Tuggeranong Bushrangers v Gungahlin Bulls

3:00pm, Saturday 21st June at Greenway Oval

The Tuggeranong Bushrangers will host the Gungahlin Bulls at Greenway Oval this Saturday afternoon.

The eighth-placed Bushrangers will be fresh off a bye round and understand a win at this stage of the season will be crucial in keeping them neck and neck with the other teams. Currently, only two wins separate ninth place and fourth place.

Meanwhile, the Bulls sit in fifth place and will hope to use this weekend as an opportunity to break into the top four, after a 30-20 loss to the Kangaroos last weekend kept them planted in the middle of the table.

With both sides eyeing a crucial mid-season boost, expect a high-stakes, hard-fought clash in Tuggeranong.

West Belconnen Warriors v Woden Valley Rams

3:00pm, Saturday 21st June at Raiders Belconnen

The third-placed West Belconnen Warriors will host the fourth-placed Woden Valley Rams this weekend at Raiders Belconnen in a thrilling top four clash with finals implications.

The Warriors will be feeling confident coming into this weekend’s match, after levelling the Sharks 46-12 last weekend at NSWRL HQ and will be aiming to carry that momentum into Saturday’s match as they look to solidify their spot in the top three.

Meanwhile, the Rams will be eager for a win after an 18-18 deadlock with the Bulldogs last weekend saw them only walk away with a single competition point.

With both sides boasting plenty of attacking firepower and a history of close encounters, fans can expect a fiery and fast-paced clash in Belconnen.

Yass Magpies v Goulburn City Bulldogs

3:00pm, Saturday 21st June at Walker Park

To close out the round, the Yass Magpies host the Goulburn City Bulldogs at Walker Park.

The ninth-placed Yass Magpies need a rebound after falling hard to the Blues last weekend, and a Bulldogs side sitting at seventh seems to be the perfect target.

But Goulburn may be hitting form at the right time. Their formidable performance last weekend earned them a draw against the fourth-placed Rams, proving they can match it with the competition's best when they're switched on.

With both teams hungry for momentum, expect a spirited battle in Yass as the Magpies look to claw their way back into the mix – and the Bulldogs aim to keep climbing.