2024 Canberra Raiders Cup

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[The Greenhouse]

Queanbeyan Blues headed to the 2024 Grand Final



The Queanbeyan Blues secured their spot in the 2024 Canberra Raiders Cup Grand Final with a 20-14 victory over the Woden Rams. In a tightly contested match that was deadlocked at 10-all at halftime, the Blues showcased their class in the second half, scoring crucial tries while staying strong defensively.

The Blues now turn their focus to the Grand Final, where they will face town rivals, the Queanbeyan Kangaroos, in a battle for the Canberra Raiders Cup title.

Read more: https://www.raiders.com.au/news/2024/09 ... and-final/

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2024 Canberra Raiders Cup: Grand Final



The Queanbeyan Kangaroos will aiming for back to back premierships when they meet the Queanbeyan Kangaroos in the Canberra Raiders Cup Grand Final on Sunday at Seiffert Oval.

First versus second. They are the two teams that have proven themselves to be the best in the competition in 2024. The Kangaroos and Blues finished the regular season on 26 competition points, separated only by points differential.

They couldn't be separated in their meetings in the regular season either. Two games, two draws. The Blues had to make big, late comebacks in both games.

In Round 2, the Blues trailed the Kangaroos, 26-10 at the 65th minute. The men in maroon seemed to be cruising to a first up win. But the Blues then scored four tries in the space of 10 minutes, to take a 32-26 lead in the 75th minute. Bench player Connor Martin scored a double, while centre Josh Billing and fullback Connor Williams followed up.

The Kangaroos salvaged a competition point in the final minute or two of that match. They worked their way up the length of the field, with second rower Jesse Dent scoring his second try of the afternoon. Kangaroos captain-coach Sam Williams then calmly converted from the sideline, after the hooter had sounded, to secure a 32 all draw.

In Round 11, the Blues made another comeback. Mid-way through the second half, the Kangaroos led comfortably, 24-6. But when Jaxen Yow was sin binned for the Roos' repeat infringements, the Blues seized the opportunity. Tries to Atu Tupou and Tyrell Kimori-Edmond brought them within striking distance. And then with just seconds left on the clock, a grubber from Blues half Dylan McLachlan produced a four pointer for Connor Williams, right beside the posts. The conversion from George Morseu after the siren, produced a 24-24 draw.

The two teams met just two weeks ago in the Major Semi Final at Freebody Oval. The teams were level at half time, 10-10, before the Kangaroos prevailed, 22-14. The teams exchanged tries early in the second forty. Roos hooker Lachie Ingram scored after a good strong run from dummy half. The Blues struck back, thanks to a high, cross field kick from half Dylan McLachlan. One Williams brother, Tommy, couldn't defuse for the Roos. The other Williams brother, Connor, gathered the ball in and scored for the Blues.

Kangaroos five eighth Lachlan Bristow scored in the 67th minute, after running straight from dummy half. It proved to be the match sealer. It sent the Kangaroos straight to the Grand Final.

The Blues qualified for the Grand Final last weekend, with a 20-14 victory in the Preliminary Final against the Woden Rams. It was a tight contest and the scores were level at half time, 10-10.

Young Blues hooker Jack Anderson was instrumental in the victory. He scored a try in the first half, after putting in a short kick on the try line. The ball rebounded, allowing him to regather and ground it over the line. Four minutes into the second half, Anderson made a 25 metre break from near half way, setting up the opportunity for a Dylan McLachlan try on the next play. Next, in the 54th minute, Blues forward Atu Tupou produced an impressive bumping run and offload. Anderson was backing up, sprinting 20 metres to the line for his second try. He has dancing feet and he's quick. He's been playing some Flegg for the Raiders this year, so keep an eye out.

The Rams hit back with a try to Koko Salim near the 60 minute mark. That saw the Rams trail by six, but neither side could add to their tallies in a tense, exciting finish.



Between them, the Blues and Kangaroos have 34 Canberra Raiders Cup premierships between them. The Blues have 26, the Kangaroos eight. Eight is definitely not to be sneezed at, but the Roos will probably be feeling they have some catching up to do.

On the other hand, in the 11 Grand Finals played between the two teams, the Kangaroos have won six, the Blues five. The Blues won the last head to head decider, 13-6, in 2017. The Roos last beat the Blues in a premiership decider, 21-20, in 2013.

The Blues completely rebuilt themselves this year, after narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon in 2023. This year, they swept the McIntyre Medal awards. Jeremy Braun won the Coach of the Year, in his first year as first grade mentor, for his role in orchestrating the rebuild. Dylan McLachlan, returning to the game from rugby union, won the McIntyre Medal. The Canberra Raiders Cup Player of the Year. Josh Billing took the title of top try scorer, while George Morseu was the top point scorer.

The Kangaroos are certainly not lacking any star power themselves, however. Sam Williams was last year's McIntyre Medal winner, and finished a close second in the final points tally this year. A couple of mid season additions have also added an extra dimension to the Roos. They have been undefeated since Round 9. Undefeated since the arrival experienced hooker/half Lachlan Bristow, following his premiership winning season in France with second division team, Villefranche XIII. Centre Lucas Thomson also returned to Canberra, and linked with the Roos, after spending some time in the Newcastle pathways system.

Who will win on Sunday? The Blues have the slightly better attacking record, the Kangaroos the slightly better defensive record. The Blues can be lethal in attack at times, and pile on points very quickly - as the Roos know. They will have to watch that. But the recent form line decides it for me. Undefeated in the past 10 games, on an eight game winning streak. And that streak includes a win over the Blues. They had the week off last weekend, and sometimes that helps, sometimes it doesn't. It helps players get over any niggling injuries, but sometimes it interrupts a team's momentum. I think the Roos are too experienced to be affected by the latter problem. Kangaroos to go back to back, for mine.

Team news: Jack Sandford comes in at fullback for the Kangaroos, after Kaine Pagura had to leave the field with an injury in the major semi final. Bailey Nash replaces Tommy Williams on the wing. For the Blues, George Morseu returned last week in his regular wing spot in the No. 20 jersey. He takes back the No. 2. this week.

Kangaroos: 1. Jack Sandford 2. Bailey Nash 3. Brayden Draber 4. Lucas Thomson 5. Jake Kiely 6. Lachlan Bristow 7. Sam Williams (c) 8. Troy Whiley 9. Lachlan Ingram 10. Aidan Woods 11. Joshua Ayers 12. Jesse Dent 13. Ryan Dodson

14. Jaxen Yow 16. Bayley Hitchcock 17. Adam Barlow 18. Thomas Williams 25. Michael Dodson

Coach: Sam Williams

Blues: 1. Josh Pokoney 2. George Morseu 3. Luke Tuialii 4. Kalani Skipps 5. Connor Martin 6. Connor Williams 7. Dylan McLachlan 8. Cyprian Ale 9. Blake Murray 10. Jayden Clarkson 11. Samuel Griffin 12. Josh Billing 13. Daetyn Tanuvasa

14. Bradley Terry 15. Connor Harrison 17. Atu Tupou 18. Jack Anderson 19. Allan Wratten 20. Tyrel Kimori-Edmond

Coach: Jeremy Braun

My tip: Kangaroos.

2024 Season record: Kangaroos 13 and 2, 2 draws (1st, +377)
Blues 13 and 3, 2 draws (2nd, +348)
Form: Kangaroos WWWWW
Blues WWWLW
Attacking record: Kangaroos 37, Blues 37 points scored per match
Defensive record: Kangaroos 15, Blues 18 points conceded per match
Last meetings: 2024 Major Semi Final Kangaroos 22 defeated Blues 14 at Freebody Oval
2024 Round 11 Kangaroos 24 drew Blues 24 at Freebody Oval
2024 Round 2 Blues 32 drew Kangaroos 32 at Seiffert Oval
2023 Round 18 Kangaroos 46 defeated Blues 12 at Freebody Oval
2023 Round 6 Round 9 Kangaroos 34 defeated Blues 14 at Seiffert Oval

2024 Grand Final Day

Sunday 8 September
Canberra Raiders Cup Grand Final
Queanbeyan Kangaroos v Queanbeyan Blues, Seiffert Oval, 3:30pm

League Tag: Woden Rams v Gungahlin Bulls, 9:15am
Grand Final Preview
Under 19s: Goulburn Bulldogs v Woden Rams, 10:40am
Grand Final Preview
Katrina Fanning Shield: Yass Magpies v Gungahlin Bulls, 12:10pm
Grand Final Preview
Reserve Grade: Woden Rams v Gungahlin Bulls, 1:40pm
Grand Final Preview

The Greenhouse will be heading to Seiffert Oval for the Canberra Raiders Cup Grand Final. Watch for our coverage on our social media platforms and right here on TheGH.au.

Don't forget, you can watch every match in every grade of the Canberra Raiders Cup with a subscription to Bar TV Sports: Click here

You can get a 48 hour pass for $6.95, a weekly pass for $14.95 or a monthly subscription for $19.95, with a percentage of your subscription going to the Canberra Raiders Cup team of your choice.

TEAM LISTS: Click here.

VIDEO: Sam Williams and Dylan McLachlan: Click here.





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Queanbeyan battle lines drawn in Canberra Raiders Cup Grand Final

If battle lines have been drawn ahead of the Canberra Raiders Cup grand final at Seiffert Oval on Sunday, there might be a few flouting them.

"The mayor, Kenrick Winchester, he's definitely getting himself a bit confused at times about what team he supports, because I think he's telling me one thing and 'Brauny' [Queanbeyan Blues coach Jeremy Braun] another thing," Roos captain-coach Sam Williams said. "Everyone in town has got their side, you're either a Roos person or a Blues person. That's great for the town, I enjoy the banter with it all, I enjoy what comes with the derby."

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... d-reitres/

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'It would be a fairytale': Mick is 48 and wanted to retire 17 years ago. His son ruined that plan



Mick Dodson was talking about retirement in 2007.So why is he playing a Canberra Raiders Cup grand final 17 years later? Because at 48 years old, he came out of retirement - again - to play with his 23-year-old son Ryan.

"If it was easy, all the 48-year-olds would be doing it", and it has all been worth it for one more shot alongside his son and close mates Troy Whiley and Josh Ayers. "It's a bit surreal, you know what I mean? I've been doing it for that long and thinking that's the end of it, and getting to play with Ryan has been special. Every chance I get to play with him is good."

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... iders-cup/

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From forfeiting to a grand final: inside Queanbeyan Blues' turnaround

When powerhouse club, the Queanbeyan Blues were forced to forfeit a first grade game and couldn't find the numbers to field a reserve grade team last year, people were shocked.

"It opened people's eyes. The club was in a bad shape," Blues coach Jeremy Braun said. "Not fielding a side in reserve grade and forfeiting a game in first grade, it snuck up out of nowhere. It shocked a lot of people, including myself, even though I was there [coaching] the 19s.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... nal-glory/

[The Greenhouse]

Women’s League Tag Grand Final saw the Rams take out the premiership.

The Rams are leading the Bulldogs 24-8, and the atmosphere is absolutely sensational at Seiffert. If you’ve never been to the Canberra Raiders Cup Grand Final, make sure you get here, to the spiritual home of the Raiders.

[The Greenhouse]

Woden Rams take out the Under 19s Grand Final, defeating the Goulburn Bulldogs 34-12. Next up the Katrina Fanning Shield Grand Final. There’s not much better than a Grand Final day in local footy.

[The Greenhouse]

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HALF TIME in the Katrina Fanning Shield Grand Final.

Yass Magpies 22
Gungahlin Bulls 0

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FULL TIME in the Katrina Fanning Shield.

Yass Magpies 28
Gungahlin Bulls 10

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HALF TIME in Reserves…

Gungahlin Bulls 16
Woden Rams 10

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22 all in reserves and are the Rams fans excited! 15 minutes to go.

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Rams go back in front in Reserves, with one fantastic try to winger Travis Scrivener.

Rams 26-22

The Blues are out on the field for the warm up.

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Rams go 10 in front in Reserves with seven minutes left.

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Bulls score a try with 1:45 left on the clock… and Travis Vawdon misses the goal!

Rams 32-26 in Reserves.

[The Greenhouse]

FULL TIME in Reserve Grade… and Woden are premiers!

Woden Rams 32
Gungahlin Bulls 26

[The Greenhouse]

The teams are on the field. Kangaroos kick off, we are underway!

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4th min ERROR KANGAROOOS Forward pass from Sam Williams, with plenty of space for his left edge players. Good opportunity lost.

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5th min Good attack fom the Blues, but they’re short of the line on the last tackle. Now Blues winger George Morseu thought he was away, but the final pass was forward.

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8th min Josh Pokoney saves a possible 40/20 from Sam Williams. But the Blues will have to ruck it out from their end.

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10th min TRY KANGAROOS to Sam Williams. He set it off, with Jack Sandford and Jake Kiely making hay down the left edge. Williams then backed up on the inside. Sam Williams converts.

Kangaroos 6-0

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20th min ERROR BLUES Forward pass from Dylan McLachlan on the edge of the red zone. The Blues have had good territory, but are still to seriously threaten.

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21st min Blues taken out over the sideline near half way, not sure why the referee did not call held earlier. Connor Williams kick is now well defused by Jack Sandford.

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24th min Dangerous from the Blues, Dylan McLachlan correctly denied a try for a knock on in the lead up.

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25th min 40/20 for Sam Williams. Huge kick. They attack from 10 metres out, but a Sam Williams pass goes astray on an early tackle. Plenty of errors today from both teams. Is it nerves?

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28th min ERROR KANGAROOS Sam Williams can’t take a pass. Blues scrum on their own 40 metre line.

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31st min Roos lock Ryan Dodson makes a good break down the middle, but the Blues defuse the Williams kick on the next play. Too many errors from both sides in this match.

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32nd min TRY BLUES to Connor Williams under the posts. An error from the Roos at their own end serves it on a platter. George Morseu converts.

Kangaroos 6
Blues 6

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35th min PENALTY BLUES, a Blues player tackled slightly early. More attack in the Kangaroos’ half. But they spill the ball on an early tackle.

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37th min Comedy of errors at the moment. Roos offer possession up in the red zone, Blues drop the ball a metre out.

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40th min PENALTY KANGAROOS for a lifting tackle. They will go for goal with only seconds left on the clock.

PENALTY GOAL KANGAROOS to Sam Williams from in front.

HALF TIME

Queanbeyan Kangaroos 8
Queanbeyan Blues 6

[The Greenhouse]

The Kangaroos are back first, now here come the Blues. Blues kick off, we are back underway in the second half.