Canberra Raiders Cup: Round Seven Preview

Round Seven of the Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup competition is underway on Saturday, 30th May, with the matches kicking off at 3pm.

Woden Valley Rams v Queanbeyan Blues, Saturday 30 May 3:00PM, Woden Park 

The Woden Valley Rams welcome the Queanbeyan Blues to Woden Park on a historic day for the club as they celebrate their 60th anniversary.

The Rams return home after a 28‑18 loss to the Bulldogs in Round Six, a result which Woden Valley will take plenty of lessons from according to Captain Coach Sean Maloney. 

"Pretty disappointing actually, our second loss in a row, Goulburn played pretty well and Mitch Cornish put a real clinic against us unfortunately," Maloney said. 

"We are a pretty young and developing side at the moment and we learnt a lot of lessons out of that and take them moving forward." 

Currently sitting third on the ladder, the 2026 season is the first under the leadership of Maloney and Spencer, with the former attributing their differences and support around them to the early success.

"Daine and I are a bit like ying and yang, he's a pretty professional and I'm more kick back."

"We have heaps of support around us as well and we've got a good group of guys and a good leadership group that really helps us."

For the Rams, this weekend presents a big challenge on the field as they come against the defending premiers, with the side aware of the dangers they present.  

"They are a pretty good team, and they've got strike all across the park."

"This week we are more focusing on us, and we can do to get better again after a disappointing loss."

Off the field, Woden Valley celebrate their 60-year anniversary with the current playing group looking to put in a performance for their past players. 

"I'm looking forward to it; these are the games that you look back on when you finish your career and remember."

"I know myself and Daine are really excited to lead the boys out this weekend and hopefully put in a good performance and make our old boys and old girls proud."

Meanwhile, the Queanbeyan Blues enter the round in fourth place after a strong 38‑24 win over the Bulls, with Blues lock Eli Tuli stating it was good to get the two points. 

"It was good to get the win, first half was kind of sloppy, when the second half came, we played our style of footy and doing what we do best," Tuli said. 

This season is Eli's first at the Blues, with the talented lock forward feel welcomed from the moment he entered the club. 

"It's good, it's a very family orientated club and they've been look after me ever since I have been down here and I just want to return the favour to them."

JJ Clarkson played an impressive game with two tries last week and has been handed the reins as captain after the injury to Dylan McLachlan, with Tuli saying McLachlan has been more involved since his injury.

"Ever since he has been injured, he has been working around the club, especially the juniors as well and we have a lot of leaders in our group."

"He has given the responsibility to JJ to lead us, and he has definitely set the standard on and off the field."

The Blues are looking forward to the challenge of facing the Rams on a big day for the club with Eli expecting a good match especially since the home side are coming off back to back losses. 

"It'll be a good match especially with them coming off a loss on the weekend and they will be hungry to play us on the weekend; they've got strike all across the park."

Both sides are sitting on three wins and two losses and are ready to pull away in front in this exciting matchup.

Belconnen United Sharks vs Gungahlin Bulls, Saturday 30 May 3:00PM, NSWRL HQ Bruce 

The Belconnen United Sharks will take on the Gungahlin Bulls to kick off round seven of the competition, with both teams aiming to bounce back from last week’s losses.

The Sharks return home to Bruce after suffering their first loss of the season, going down 18‑10 to the Kangaroos in a tight, defensive match.

Despite the low score, the Sharks remain a dangerous attacking side in the competition, sitting second on the ladder with a 5‑1 record. Tristan Eldridge, Benjamin Kami and Regan Carr each have five tries for the season and will be looking to bounce back at home.

The Gungahlin Bulls enter the round in eighth place after a 38‑24 loss to the Blues. With just one win so far, the Bulls will need to lean on attacking weapon Kane Allan, who also has five tries to his name this season and continues to be a reliable player.

With the Sharks eager to dominate once again and the Bulls desperate to climb up the ladder, this matchup will be filled with high stakes.

West Belconnen Warriors vs Queanbeyan Kangaroos, Saturday 30 May 3:00PM, Raiders Belconnen 

The West Belconnen Warriors are back at home again this week as they battle the undefeated Queanbeyan Kangaroos at Raiders Belconnen.

The Warriors surged back into form last round with a dominating 42‑4 victory over the Bushrangers. The home side remains in sixth place with a 2‑4 record due to a slow start to the season.

Brandon Withers continues to be an outstanding feature, collecting 18 points last week through two tries and five conversions, taking his season total to 48 points.

The Kangaroos remain on top of the competition. The first-place side faced their toughest matchup last week against the Sharks and walked away with an 18‑10 victory. This win extended their perfect run to 6‑0.

Adam Quinlan crossed for two tries in that match and continues to be a key player in their attacking abilities.

With the Roos looking to keep their streak alive and the Warriors beginning to find momentum, this clash will be a major test for both sides.

Yass Magpies vs Goulburn City Bulldogs, Saturday 30 May 3:00PM, Walker Park 

The Yass Magpies return to their home crowd at Walker Park to face the Goulburn City Bulldogs.

The Magpies are coming in fresh off a bye and continue to search for their first win since the opening round. Sitting at the bottom of the ladder, the home side will be eager to reset and make the most of the home ground advantage to seal a victory.

The Goulburn City Bulldogs enter the match with confidence following a strong 28‑18 win over the Rams last week. Currently fifth on the ladder with a 2‑3 record, the Bulldogs are beginning to find momentum and will look to continue climbing up the ladder and into a top spot.

With Yass desperate for points and Goulburn aiming to continue pushing forward, this matchup is a crucial win for both clubs.