Queanbeyan Kangaroos: Season Preview
The Queanbeyan Kangaroos will be striving to bounce back this season after suffering a heartbreaking defeat in last year's Grand Final against the Blues, under the new leadership of Adam Quinlan.
Meanwhile, the Ladies League Tag side returns after having to withdraw halfway through last year’s campaign, creating a sense of excitement at Seears Workwear Oval.
Adam Quinlan becomes the new Captain Coach of the Kangaroos, replacing former coach Sam Williams who has moved to North Queensland for a role with the Norther Pride in the Host plus QLD Cup, with the foundation set by him setting Queanbeyan his successor for success.
“The boys have ripped in in preseason and pretty fortunate that what Sam has set up over the last 3 years has put me in a really good place,” Quinlan said.
Poised with the challenge of having to replace Sam on the field, Quinlan is aware that it may be difficult but will be using his learnings from last year to navigate the year ahead.
“It’s hard to replace someone of Sam’s calibre, not just on the field, but what he brought off the field as well, his experience as a coach playing under him last season, I learnt a lot for him in the coaching department.”
The new Captain Coach of the club is tasked with the job of picking up a side that suffered a devastating defeat in the Grand Final, with the Kangaroos planning on using this as motivation for the season ahead.
“I think everyone was heartbroken, and we were in a really good position in that game to walk away as winners, but unfortunately, we didn’t, and that hurts a lot of people but also gives people a lot of drive.”
For the Ladies League Tag, the excitement is building amongst the squad as they return to the competition after withdrawing in the middle of the 2025 season, with Mackenzie Baker pleased with the progression.
“The girls are super keen to get out there, we are all meshing really well, and I really couldn't be happier with how they are progressing every week,” Baker said.
After a difficult season last year, the Kangaroos have placed realistic expectations on their 2026 campaign, focusing on consistent improvement, with the finals being a bonus.
“Look, we would love that [making finals], but the expectation is not too high, it is a completely new team, so we are all working on meshing together, stripping it back to basics and moving forward together.”
After finishing bottom of the Reserve Grade competition last year, the Kangaroos have appointed Jack Bramley to lead the side and will be looking for an improved season.
