Round 4 Preview - Canberra Raiders Cup

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Canberra Raiders Cup Round 4 Preview

Canberra Raiders Cup Round 4 Preview



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Queanbeyan Blues v Queanbeyan Kangaroos on Saturday at Seiffert Oval

It’s the game that everyone in the Canberra Raiders Cup has been waiting to see. The Grand Final re-match between cross town rivals the Queanbeyan Blues and the Queanbeyan Kangaroos.

The Roos won last year’s decider 20-16 to be crowned 2011 premiers and their form so far this season has seen them firm as premiership contenders yet again in 2012 according to Blues Coach Adam Doyle.

“They’ve given the Scholars, who were minor premiers and ran third last year, a touch up [47-18] so they’re the side to beat,” Doyle said.

“Our form has been fair but not outstanding so far this year so it’s definitely going to be a test for us this weekend against one of the better sides in the competition.”

“There’s always a bit more spice for the local derby, especially for the older boys who grew up in Queanbeyan. Blues versus the Roos is always an interesting game.”

For many years the Blues had the wood over their neighbours, with the Roos being the clear underdogs in the cross town rivalry. Over the last couple of years though the pendulum has swung back in favour of the Roos. Doyle believes that former St George Illawarra and Brisbane Bronco hooker Aaron Gorrell can take a lot of credit for this turn around.

“The balance of favour has definitely turned around over the last two years. Aaron’s the best player in the comp hands down. He could still play NRL level and he obviously coaches and recruits very well. They’ve recruited very well and they play to a very good pattern.”

Roos fullback Daniel Watt, who Doyle highlighted as another player the Blues must watch closely, has watched the rivalry evolve over his past four years at the club.

“There’s a bit more fight out there on the field in these games and especially this year the boys won’t hold back coming off last year’s grand final win,” Watt said. “For myself, this will be my fourth year at the club and each year the encounter has been a step up. Both teams enjoy playing each other and we always look forward to it.”

Whilst the Roos have lost their attacking lynchpin Travis Robinson [brother of Canberra Raiders star Reece] to the Windsor Wolves, Watt believes the side has gelled more as team this year under the continued tutelage of Gorrell.

“We just seem to be playing more as a team this year than over the last couple of years. There’s more camaraderie there and we tend to stick together as a pack more which is a good thing for us.

“Gorrell’s an old stalwart. He enjoys playing footy and he’s a great leader for us. When he’s out on the field, his determination, his ambition and his leadership makes us want to play better and try to step up to the mark when we need to.”

The winner of the match will join Yass Magpies at the top of the competition ladder.

Belconnen United Scholars v Tuggeranong Bushrangers on Saturday at Northbourne Oval

The Bushrangers suffered their first defeat of the year last week against the Yass Magpies, whilst the Scholars flexed their muscles in their 60-18 drubbing against the West Belconnen Warriors.

Look for former NRL player Brent Crisp to continue his point scoring form of late. In Crisp’s two games so far this year he has averaged 21 points. Scholars Coach John Hawke will be looking for Crisp to use his NRL experience to lead his talented side to victory against a tough Bushrangers outfit.

West Belconnen Warriors v Gungahlin Bulls on Sunday at West Belconnen Leagues Club

Both sides will be desperately searching for their first win in 2012 in this encounter. Gungahlin enjoyed the bye last weekend at will be hoping that the week’s rest will allow them to regroup, recover from any niggling injuries and defeat the Warriors at home.

The Warriors always lift at home though and the West Belconnen faithful will be hoping Canberra Raiders Under 20s members Peter Irwin and Brad Smith can provide enough attacking threat to worry the Bulls defensive structure.

Woden Valley Rams v Goulburn Workers Bulldogs on Sunday at Phillip

Goulburn has the opportunity to leapfrog Woden on the ladder in this clash. The Bulldogs are still searching for their first win in 2012 although their losses have always been close encounters.
They will need stellar performances from Captain-Coach James Aubusson and workaholic lock forward Daniel York to ensure victory away from home.

Meanwhile, Woden will be buoyed by their spirited 12 point loss to the Roos last weekend. The highlight for Woden was the outstanding performance of Mitch Barbara who registered a hat-trick of tries. He will need a similar performance for Woden to shine on Sunday.

Yass have the bye

Source: Raiders