Canberra Raiders Cup: Round One Wrap

Round One of the Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup competition threw up upsets across the competition, highlighted by the Belconnen United Sharks defeating the Queanbeyan Blues at Seiffert Oval. 

Queanbeyan Kangaroos 30 def. Tuggeranong Bushrangers 16 

A second half blitz from the Queanbeyan Kangaroos against the Tuggeranong Bushrangers sees last year's runners up kick off their season in style. 

The right edge of the Bushrangers started their campaign with a bang, with new recruit Paul Alofipo proving a handful for defenders, setting up a try and scoring one of his own. 

However, it was a comprehensive second half performance from the visitors, which included five unanswered tries, with Captain Coach Adam Quinlan involved in each try, including scoring one himself, which saw him named player of the match. 

The Kangaroos will look to continue their early season form next weekend against the Magpies, whilst the Bushrangers face the Sharks at NSWRL HQ Bruce. 

Belconnen United Sharks 36 def. Queanbeyan Blues 16 

The Belconnen United Sharks secured a major scalp in their opening game of the season, travelling to the home of the defending premiers and producing a twenty-point victory. 

Doubles from Regan Carr and Tristian Eldridge set up the victory for Belconnen United, who led 20-6 at the break and despite conceding the first try in the second half the Sharks were able to weather the storm and walk away with the two points. 

Meanwhile, Komiti Tuilagi impressed for Queanbeyan with the damaging back-rower crossing for a hat-trick in the sides defeat. 

The Blues travel to Goulburn next weekend for a matchup against the Bulldogs, whilst the Sharks will strive for back-to-back wins against the Bushrangers at home. 

Goulburn City Bulldogs 26 def. Gungahlin Bulls 16 

The Goulburn City Bulldogs secured a ten-point victory against the Gungahlin Bulls at Workers Arena on Saturday, spoiling the debut of Matt Frawley in the Canberra Raiders Cup in the process. 

New signing Tomasi Bikaca starred for the Bulldogs, with the barnstorming outside back scoring two tries, including an effort which saw him bump off four defenders on his way to the line. 

Whilst for the Bulls, they will take plenty of lessons out of their road trip with the side in the match for majority of the contest, with the scores level entering the final twenty minutes. 

The Bulldogs will look for two straight wins at home to start the season against the Queanbeyan Blues next week, whilst the Gungahlin Bulls have the bye. 

Yass Magpies 38 def. West Belconnen Warriors 24 

In arguably the biggest upset of Round One, the Yass Magpies secured a comprehensive victory against the West Belconnen Warriors at Walker Park. 

After a disappointing year last season, the Magpies kick started their 2026 campaign in exciting fashion, with the Bell brothers putting on an attack masterclass, Cody Bell crossing for hat-trick. 

Boosted by the inclusion of former Raider Elliot Whitehead, the Warriors weren't able to match it with the home side despite a double from new signing John Papalii. 

The Magpies will look to continue their winning form next weekend as they welcome the Queanbeyan Kangaroos to Walker Park, whilst the Warriors return home for their first home game of the season against the Woden Valley Rams. 

Image by Trish Sullivan