Kangaroos Second Half Blitz seals their Season Opener

The Queanbeyan Kangaroos take down the Tuggeranong Bushrangers 30-16 in a thrilling season opener.

Tuggeranong Bushrangers and Queanbeyan Kangaroos kicked off the 2026 Canberra Raiders Cup season at 3pm in Greenway.

The preliminary final rematch marked an exciting opening to the season, after the Kangaroos put on a dominating performance and defeated the Bushrangers 46-24.

With both teams naming new faces and experienced players, the day promised an exciting game.

Queanbeyan kicked off the highly anticipated season with a knock-on from Tuggeranong, giving the Roos an early chance.

Te Ngo Christie slid under the post for the game’s first try, and an easy kick from in front set them a 6-0 lead.

As the game heated up, Brayden Omoeboh was sent to the bin for a dangerous tackle, leaving the Roos a man down to defend their line.

This was the opportunity the home side needed as they sent the ball swiftly to the right and into Temple Rupapera hands to score in the corner.

An unsuccessful conversion kept the Kangaroos 6-4 in front.

Back on the field, Omoeboh was quick to take the ball, but a failed offload was intercepted by Trae Bennetto, who made a break for the Bushrangers.

Long passes sent the ball across the field to the left edge, putting Briggs Moeakiola in the corner for another four points and a successful conversion.

Tuggeranong were on a roll, applying constant pressure as they racked up set restarts.

An impressive defensive effort by Queanbeyan gave them another chance to attack, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Bushrangers momentum.

Back in the right corner, Paul Alofipo scored Tuggeranong their third try of the game, and a clean kick put the side up 16-6 going into the second half.

The Kangaroos came back into the second half firing, with a try in the opening minute by Omoeboh to redeem his tough start to the game.

Christie passed the ball to Lucas Thompson for another try to make the score 16 all with a failed conversion.

A failed short dropout by Bushrangers gave the Kangaroos another shot as they sent fullback Adam Quinlan over the line for a successful try and conversion.

Keeping it going, Jake Kiely and Joshua Ayers scored the next two tries for the Kangaroos. Failing to get the two points again, Kangaroos led 30-16 with ten minutes to go.

Queanbeyan Kangaroos defeating the Tuggeranong Bushrangers 30-16 after stealing the home side’s lead in a dominate second half.

Queanbeyan looks to continue this momentum next week against the Yass Magpies as Tuggeranong aims to bounce back against Belconnen United Sharks.