CRC Major Semi Final Preview
The weekend will feature a Queanbeyan Derby for the Major Semi-Final match when the Queanbeyan Kangaroos host the Queanbeyan Blues on Saturday afternoon.
In a rematch of the last two grand finals, this is a matchup set to spark fierce anticipation and revenge as the Blues defend their title against the Kangaroos, who are hungry to win it back.
The Roos finished the season one win in front of the Blues, and Adam Quinlin says his squad are eager to compete for the title on their home turf.
“Obviously we enjoy playing at home, and it’s one of our things: try not to get beaten on home soil. We’ll have our crowd there and hopefully cheering us on, and just the familiarity of being at home is always good,” Quinlan said.
“It’s the one everyone looks forward to and wants to get the rights to after it.”
Both teams enter the matchup off the back of well-earned victories in the final round of the season, with the Kangaroos crushing the Bulldogs and the Blues ten-point winners over the Bushrangers.
The victory was the Blues sixth consecutive and Jamie Mazzarol Kotz stated they will carry this confidence into this week’s clash.
“I feel like we’re starting to hit our form at the right time, and it really paid off for all the effort in the last few weeks for us,” Mazzarol Kotz said.
“The confidence is in our own performance. We’ve gotten six wins (consecutive), but that’s due to the closeness of the team. We just keep building on that”
Jamie Mazzarol Kotz has had a stellar season for the Blues finishing the season as top try and point scorer, along with being recognised as the Les McIntyre Medalists on Wednesday evening.
Eyes will be on the Blues to put on an impressive attacking performance with these players in the line-up, however, the well-rested Roos present a major defensive battle.
Mazzarol Kotz spoke on the importance of securing a two-week bye and the effect that will have on their final's performance.
“Personally, my body’s very sore. Roo’s, Goulburn, and Sharks have all come off a relatively close bye, and I feel like our bye was a long time ago. We want that one extra week for Connor to work some magic and try and get back too.”
Queanbeyan locals are divided as they lock in for a close battle at home. All eyes will be on the Kangaroos and the Blues on Saturday to see who will shoot straight into the Grand Final while the other is left to fight for their position.
