Katrina Fanning Shield: Round Eight Preview

After a couple of weeks off, the Katrina Fanning Shield is back for Round 8, with the highlight being the Belconnen derby between the Sharks and Warriors.

Woden Valley Rams v Gunghalin Bulls, Saturday 13 June, 09:30am, Woden Park

To kick off Round Eight, we have the Woden Rams face off against the Gunghalin Bulls at Woden Park.

With Woden currently sitting third and Gunghalin fourth, both teams will be looking to keep in their top-four form.

The Rams are coming off the back of a convincing 22-4 win against the Blues in Round Seven; however, the Bulls will be looking to bounce back after a 20-point deficit against the Sharks.

With Molly Sturgiss scoring six tries in only three games this season, she will play a crucial role in adding to the scoreboard for the Bulls, if she is to return from a knee injury.

Meanwhile, Lara Cosgrove continues to be in consistent form, scoring 34 points in just four games.

Queanbeyan Blues v Yass Magpies, Saturday 13 June, 10:40 am, Seiffert Oval

The Queanbeyan Blues are back at home in Round Eight and will host the Yass Magpies at Seiffert Oval.

With the Blues currently sitting sixth and the Magpies sitting last, both sides will be looking to create some positive mid-season momentum.

The Blues will be looking to bounce back after their 22-4 loss to the Rams, and the Magpies will be looking to do the same after a 16-point deficit at home against the Bushrangers.

Payge Salinas for the Blues will be looking to add to her points tally, with ten points being scored in her three games so far this season.

Meanwhile, Yass fullback Abbey Flanagan will also look to add on points with 12 points being scored in her four games played.

Belconnen United Sharks v West Belconnen Warriors, 12:00 pm, NSWRL HQ Bruce

In the highlight match of Round Eight, the Belconnen Sharks and West Belconnen Warriors will face off in a Belconnen derby on Saturday afternoon.

With the Warriors currently top of the table and the Sharks sitting just behind them in second, both teams will be looking to keep their top table form leading into the halfway point of the season.

The Sharks are coming into this match with confidence off the back of a 20-point victory against the Bulls; however, the Warriors will be fresh and ready to go following their Round Seven bye.

Sharks’ backs Eliza Taylor and Reese Paunovic will be a threat to the Warriors, as they currently sit first and second respectively in tries scored, scoring a combined 96 points so far this season.

For the Warriors, Izzy Shea will look to add to her total points tally with 26 points being scored by the halfback.

The Tuggeranong Bushrangers have the bye in Round Eight as they rest and prepare for a matchup against the Queanbeyan Blues. 

Image by Trisha Sullivan