CRRL Week 1 Finals Preview

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Austbrokers Canberra Raiders Cup

Queanbeyan Blues v Queanbeyan Kangaroos, 3pm Saturday at Seiffert Oval.

(blockquote)Click here to watch the Blues and Roos battle it out for a place in the grand final from 3pm Saturday(/blockquote) The battle of Queanbeyan will take place in a semi-final blockbuster this weekend as the top two teams battle it out for a spot in the Grand Final.

Both the Blues and Kangaroos have dominated the Canberra Raiders Cup this season losing just six matches between them.

But back-to-back losses to finish the season, has slowed the momentum of both sides heading into the local derby.

The Kangaroos will have the added motivation of captain coach Aaron Gorrell playing his 100^th game for the Roo’s but will need to find something special if they are to beat the Blues for the first time this season.

Gorrell said he planned eight changes to the side that lost last week and is confident that the team that takes to the field on Saturday has the skill to beat the Blues.

“Queanbeyan have been the best team all year,” Gorrell said. “We’re confident of the team we’ll put in front of the blues and if they play to their potential we’ll get the win.”

Yass Magpies v Tuggeranong Bushrangers, 3pm Sunday at Raiders Belconnen.

(blockquote)Will it be Yass or Tuggeranong continuing with their premiership charge? Click here to watch the action unfold from 3pm Sunday.(/blockquote) The Yass Magpies will be hoping to continue their recent form when they take on the Tuggeranong Bushrnagers in a do-or-die semi-final on Sunday.

After finishing in 3^rd place, Yass will be hoping to hold the mental edge over Tuggeranong after claiming a two point win in the last fixture between these sides.

However, Tuggeranong are on a high after smashing the table topping Queanbeyan Blues 42-14 last week.

But with a chance of progressing through to the preliminary finals the match is sure to go down to the wire.

Masterminding Yass’ finals charge are the Naughton brothers, Steve and Scott, who shared the Coach of the Year Award at the recent McIntyre Medal Night.

“We’ll have a look at Tuggeranong during the week.” Scott said. ‘’Our main focus will be focusing on what we’re doing and getting our stuff right.

“If we do that and play to our ability I think we can win, but she’s defiantly going to be a very tough game because they’re a great football side.”

 

George Tooke Shield

Harden Hawks v Boorowa Rovers, 3.15pm Saturday at Mclean Oval Harden.

The Harden Hawks are hoping a five game winning streak will help steer them to victory in their qualifying final against the Boorowa Rovers.

After finishing as runners up last year, Harden are hoping to go one better this time around but first need to get past a determined Boorowa side.

Boorowa finished last in 2016 but have turned their team around to finish in third place and become genuine premiership contenders.

The last time the two teams met they couldn’t be split with the scoreline reading 6-all after the full-time siren.

With not much to separate the two teams, Harden coach Matt McLay knows the game could go either way but is confident that his team has hit it’s straps at the perfect time.

“We are starting to click and starting to gel at the right time of the year,” McLay said. “Boorowa have some really good players in crucial positions and hopefully we can go a bit better than we did last year.

“It’s going to be a tough physical game, it’ll be a bit of a grind, and it’ll probably go right down to the wire.”

North Canberra Bears v Binalong Brahmans, 1.35pm Saturday at Mclean Oval Harden.

The North Canberra Bears will be hoping to defend their title with a win against the Binalong Brahmans in this elimination final.

After finishing in 4^th position, the Bears need to win to have any hope of retaining their title.

The two teams haven’t played each other since round two then the Bears claimed the two points. However, a lot has changed since the last time they met, setting up a clash that could swing either way.

Bears coach Richard Thorley is happy with the way his team has been preparing but knows the game won’t be won easily.

“It’s going to be a battle without a doubt,” Thorley said.  “Our focus is making sure we turn up with the right attitude and turn up mentally and physically prepared for a 70 minute effort.”

More: http://www.raiders.com.au/news/2017/08/17/crrl_week_1_finals_p.af_news.html