Junior Reps: Round Nine Preview

Kicking off Good Friday’s matchday is the Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup, where the Canberra Raiders junior reps girls are up against the Cronulla Sharks at 12pm. It is a battle for eighth place on this season’s ladder as the Raiders, currently sitting at ninth, look to take the Sharks place in finals.

This match will mark the first time these teams go head-to-head in the LF Cup and the Raiders first introduction to the fortress that is Shark Park. Both teams are coming off the back of tough losses to top eight teams and are looking to prove they can take them on once again in the finals series.

Finals Scenario

The Canberra Raiders must beat the Cronulla Sharks to make finals. A loss will mean they’re eliminated.

Westpac Tarsha Gale Cup

The final junior reps girls game of the regular season kicks off at 1:45pm on Friday with the Raiders against the Sharks in the Westpac Tarsha Gale Cup.

The Canberra Raiders are currently sitting at tenth after losing to the Knights last week in Newcastle. The Sharks have maintained their position in fourth and look like the team to beat going into finals.

The Sharks have a dominant history against the Raiders, winning four of their previous six meetings. 

Both teams are coming off losses in round eight and looking to bounce back in the wake of finals season. The introduction of many new players in both squads will create a fresh and exciting game to close out the regular season. 

Finals Scenario

The Canberra Raiders must win over the Cronulla Sharks, and the Tigers and Bears must lose their respective games.

UNE Harold Matthews Cup

The afternoon of footy continues in Cronulla with the UNE Harold Matthews Cup at 3:30pm, where the Canberra Raiders clash with the Cronulla Sharks to earn a place in the finals.

The Raiders are currently one spot away from finals in ninth position after falling to the Knights last week 32-16. The Sharks are also coming off a loss, sitting at 12th on the ladder without hope of making finals. 

These teams are no strangers, facing each other 11 times prior to this week’s match with the Sharks winning seven. The Raiders are bringing winger Jones Russell back into the squad to assist with their attacking edge. 

Finals Scenario

The Canberra Raiders need to beat the Cronulla Sharks and the eighth placed Bulldogs must lose to Parramatta.

UNE SG Ball Cup

The UNE SG Ball Cup will close the Canberra Raiders junior reps' regular season, where they face the Cronulla Sharks at 5:15pm in a tight match-up.

The Raiders are currently 11th on the ladder, trailing the Sharks who jumped from 14th to 10th after a big win over the Panthers last week. After falling to the Knights 28-10 in round eight, the Raiders aim to finish the regular season with a win.

Neither side has made changes to their starting squad, choosing to keep their teams connected for their final game. The Canberra side have won their previous two meetings at Shark Park and look to continue this streak on Friday.

Image by Mrs G Sports Photography