Canberra Raiders Cup: Round One Preview

The Canberra Raiders Cup Competition returns this weekend, with the same nine teams returning to compete for the 2026 title, with the Queanbeyan Blues looking to go back-to-back. 

Tuggeranong Bushrangers vs Queanbeyan Kangaroos, Greenway Oval, 3:00PM, Saturday 11 April 

The Tuggeranong Bushrangers welcome the Queanbeyan Kangaroos to Greenway Oval in a Preliminary Final rematch and for the first Match of the Round in 2026. 

The home side enter this weekend after suffering defeat in last season Grand Final qualifier, with new recruit Trae Bennetto stating his side has had a strong off season as they look to go a couple better this season. 

"It's been a good pre-season; all the boys are buying into what we are doing so we are really keen to get out there Saturday," Bennetto said. 

After the defeat in last year's finals Bushrangers coach Brenden Bradley has prepared his side for a strong performance against an outfit they know well. 

"Red's [Brenden Bradley] has been getting us up and going and getting us ready for this week, I know the Prelim last year against the Roos didn't go well for the boys, but we are all really keen for this weekend."

"They've been the benchmark for the last couple of years, they are always going to be competitive and strong, but we just want to focus on our footy and ourselves." 

Despite finishing the season well, Tuggeranong began the season 0-6, with the start of the season being a big focus for the side this year. 

"That's all we have really been speaking about at training, by just buying into what we are doing at pre-season through our intensity, work rate and effort areas."

"That's all we've been working on and what Red wants, we need to start well and that starts Saturday."

Meanwhile, for the Kangaroos they enter this season after suffering a heartbreak defeat in the 2025 Grand Final and will be looking to bounce back under the new leadership of Adam Quinlan, who is excited for the year to begin. 

We are looking good, eager to get out there, preseason drags on for most clubs, and everyone looks forward to this time of year," Quinlan said. 

Saturday will be the clubs first hit out, with their only trial being cancelled with it presenting challenges for the side in relation to match fitness, however Quinlan is confident their training will get them through the opening game. 

"I think that all clubs will struggle a little bit there [match fitness], without having a trial we will probably be a little underdone, but I've got faith in the training the boys have done."

"They've shown me that they are fit, and I know that they will push through because they've shown that over the last few years."

One of the challenges presented was replacing former Captain Coach Sam Williams, with Rhys Elton given the nod for Round One. 

"Rhys will play there; he's been with the club for a while and more than confident that he will do a job for us and what happens for the rest of the season we will play it by ear."

Quinlan is aware of the challenge that the Bushrangers present, especially at home and is calling for his side to be up for the contest. 

"They are a quality outfit, from all reports they have recruited really well for this season, so they'll be one of the top teams and we are going to have to really bring our A game to match it with them especially at their home ground." 

This week's Match of the Round is shaping to be a blockbuster with both sides looking to get there season off to a strong start with a win against a fellow title contender. 

Goulburn City Bulldogs vs Gungahlin Bulls, Workers Arena, 3:00PM, Saturday 11 April 

The Gungahlin Bulls travel to Workers Arena this weekend for a matchup against the Goulburn City Bulldogs in the opening round of the season. 

Finishing in eighth last season, the Bulldogs welcome Arty Taylor as the club's new head coach with Tomasi Bikaca, Shammah Tiumalu and Memphis Hennessy making the move up the highway with him. 

Meanwhile for the Bulls, they are boasted by the appointment of Matt Frawley as the club's new Captain Coach, with forward Jayden Ford declaring the club is heading in the right direction under his leadership. 

"He’s been awesome and really brings that knowledge and experience… training is going awesome and we are really heading in the right direction," Ford said. 

With both sides missing out on the finals in 2025, they will be striving to get their campaign of to the right start. 

Queanbeyan Blues vs Belconnen United Sharks, 3:00PM, Seiffert Oval, Saturday 11 April

The Queanbeyan Blues welcome the Belconnen United Sharks to Seiffert Oval capping off a quadruple header on the opening day of the season.

The Blues will be looking to go back-to-back in the 2026 season after their nail-biting Grand Final win against their cross-town rivals, the Kangaroos.

Newly appointed Captain-Coach for the Blues, Dylan McLachlan stated in the pre-season that the team celebrated their grand final win, and it will be a great memory, but the team have quickly turned their focus to this upcoming season.

Meanwhile, for the Sharks, they will be looking for an improved season in 2026 after finishing seventh last year.

Gideon Afemui has signed with the first-grade squad after a stint in the Sunshine Coast and is excited about the opportunity to guide the relatively young team around the park.

"We have a lot of younger boys coming through, and it's good for the club and what we are trying to build for the future," Afemui said. 

The Sharks will be aiming to kick of their 2026 campaign with a victory against the defending premiers, whilst the Blues will look to start their title defence where they finished last year. 

Yass Magpies vs West Belconnen Warriors, Walker Park, 3:00PM, Saturday 11 April 

The West Belconnen Warriors travel to Walker Park this weekend for a matchup against the Yass Magpies.

Yass finished last on the table last season and are striving for an improved 2026 season, with Dave Barrie stating the side is looking for an even record this season. 

"We want to at least win fifty per cent of our games and at least put ourselves in a position to play semi-final football,” Barrie said. 

Meanwhile, for the Warriors, after finishing third last season they will be aiming to go a couple better and qualify for the Grand Final, under the new leadership of Pete Marrapodi and Elliot Whitehead. 

Warriors hooker, Harry Brown is keen to see where the season takes them after multiple off-season signings, including John Papalii, Atu Tupou and Jomal Nchouki, which will see a huge boost for their forward pack.

The Magpies will be aiming to get their season off to a strong start at home, whilst the Warriors will look to overturn last year's loss against Yass at the venue.