Canberra Raiders Cup: Preliminary Final Preview
The Queanbeyan Kangaroos face off against the Goulburn City Bulldogs with a spot in 2026 Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup Grand Final on the line.
The Queanbeyan Kangaroos enter this must win Preliminary Final after suffering a comprehensive defeat against the Queanbeyan Blues, with centre Lucas Thomson declaring his opponents were just too strong for him on the weekend.
"There's no excuses from us, we were beaten by the better team, and they deserved to win and defensively they got up fast, shut us down and played to the conditions," Thomson said.
Finishing as Minor Premiers for the fourth consecutive year, the Kangaroos earnt the right for the second chance, with the side from Queanbeyan aware there are no second chances this weekend.
"That's the good thing about finishing first, it's got us to the position we are in now but there are no fall-back options anymore, it's do or die now and we've got to win."
"There are two games left this season, and we are going to do everything we can to make sure we win those two games."
The Kangaroos find themselves in familiar territory as they suffered a heavy defeat in the Major Semi Final against the Blues, with the side responding in scintillating fashion in the Preliminary Final, with this experience being drawn upon.
"We have been here before, and we know what is possible. we've still got the confidence that we can get up off the canvas and go again, we've got some good memories from Gungahlin Enclosed last year and we will be trying to do that again."
Thomson and the Kangaroos are wary of the dangers which their opponents pose this weekend, with the focus purely on high completions and where they turn the football over.
"If you give them any errors or opportunities, they will capitalise on it, we have got to be squeaky clean, complete high and make sure we finish in the right parts of the field."
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs enter the Preliminary Final off the back of a thrilling elimination final victory against the Sharks last weekend, with outside back Tomasi Bikaca stating the energy from his side last week shifted.
"It's a whole different energy, between the regular season and finals footy, there was a bunch of excitement and speechless boys, and everyone is just digging deep right now," Bikaca said.
The Goulburn City Bulldogs connection has been a key talking point this season, as under coach Adam Taylor the side appears closer than ever, with Bikaca noting the bond between the group was noticeable early on.
"We share this special bond from the very first day of preseason and to see that come through to today and everyone soaking up the energy and feeding off each other is the biggest thing."
"For us connecting is something more than footy, the bond that we share and everyone just buying in is something special."
As an out-of-town club, the Bulldogs have the support of the entire town behind them with this support being felt by the side throughout the entire season.
"Coming to games and seeing all the Goulburn supporters that take the time out of their days to come and support the boys makes you realise how much support there is behind the club."
The Bulldogs find themselves in a situation they haven't been in for seven years, with the side one win away from the Grand Final, with Bikaca declaring this places the pressure on his opponents.
"We haven't been in a situation like this in the past seven years, the pressure is on them to perform, we are lucky to be where we are and are just to write a whole new script but the pressure to perform will be on them."
This Preliminary Final will be one you won't want to miss with the Queanbeyan Kangaroos looking to advance to their fourth straight Grand Final, whilst the Bulldogs will be looking to play off for their first title since 2009.
