2023 Canberra Raiders Cup

All the news on the Canberra Raiders lower grades, affiliate clubs and the Canberra Raiders Cup

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The Gungahlin Bulls couldn’t be prouder to announce that Tre Holten-Williams has been appointed as the club’s captain-coach. Tre was the 2021 McIntyre Medalist and has been a mainstay in representative teams for many years. Tre has been an inspirational leader both on and off the field for the past three seasons and we see this as a natural progression. Planning and recruitment for the 2023 season has already begun and we will have further announcements soon.

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The Yass United Rugby League Football Club is pleased to announce that Adam Kyle will be our club and first grade coach for the 2023 season. Adam brings a wealth of experience, expertise and enthusiasm to the role of head coach. Adam is optimistic as to the future of the club and looks forward to the challenge of developing our players and growing the relationship with sponsors and supporters. On behalf of all involved at the Yass Magpies please join us in welcoming Adam to the Magpies.

Yass Magpies club statement

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Ex-Canberra Raiders Sam Williams bounds into new Queanbeyan Kangaroos coaching role



The Queanbeyan Kangaroos have appointed former Canberra Raiders half Sam Williams as captain-coach for 2023. The English Super League was still an option to continue his playing career, but Sam Williams opted to put his young family first and stay in Canberra instead.

"There was some opportunities in different avenues around playing football, but we're very settled as a family. I just think there's so much upside to the club going forward and I really want to be part of it.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239

Queanbeyan Kangaroos club statement

The Queanbeyan Kangaroos are thrilled to announce the appointment of Sam Williams as the First Grade Captain Coach for 2023. Sam’s resume speaks for itself, and he proved himself as a formidable force upon joining the Roos during the 2022 season. We know that Sam will bring not only his talent to this role, but also the many skills required to effectively coach a side. Keep your eyes peeled on the Queanbeyan Roos next year; we can already feel the momentum building!
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Jack Heyman, Liam Oakley, Brigham Moeakiola, Ben Nansen, Josh Eppelstun, Jack Grant and Jack Davison also re-signed.
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The Yass Magpies have re-signed 2022 club captain Charlie Shepherd, captain and 2022 Best and Fairest award winner Shaun Davis, 2022 Best Forward award winner Ben Davis, Jack Hartwig, Bradley Moafanua, Kyle Danilczak, Harrison Elphick, Andrew Smith, Dave Barrie and winger Jone Yavaca for the 2023 season.

The Magpies have also signed outside back Waisale Vesikula and halfback Jahlon Governor for 2023. Vesikula has represented the Kaiviti Silktails in Ron Massey Cup and also played for Fiji. Jahlon Governor played Harold Matthews and SG Ball for the Canberra Raiders before moving back to New Zealand to be closer to family. This season Jahlon played for Takaro Taniwhas at NZ club level, then Mid Central Vipers at NZ representative level.

The Yass Magpies have signed Siope Naeata for 2023. Siope has previously played for the Tuggeranong Vikings and Queanbeyan Blues. Siope is an experienced prop.

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The Belconnen United Sharks are extremely excited to announce the signing of our coaching staff for 2023.

Head coach - Zac Patch
Assistant coach - Jake Hawkins
Assistant coach - Shaun Fensom

This is great news for our club and even better news that all three have also signed to play on again in 2023. This is a very exciting time for our club and the coaching staff are ready to have a huge 2023 season and beyond.

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Queanbeyan Blues fullback Matt Parsons has signed with Ipswich Jets.
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Yass Magpies sign outside back/half Tremayne Chatfield

The Yass Magpies are excited to announce the signing of Tremayne Chatfield for 2023. Tremayne has previously played junior reps for the Canberra Raiders and also in Queensland for Burleigh Bears. In 2022 he represented South Coast Illawarra Dragons and Milton Ulladulla Bulldogs. Tremayne is a strong and skilful outside back/half.

The Magpies are also excited to announce Kyle Danilczak, Jack Hartwig, Bradley Moafanua and Mosese Nasilasila have re-signed for season 2023.

Yass Magpies club statment

The Magies also re-sign: Andrew Smith and Harrison Elphick.
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Tristan Eldridge joins Gundagai Tigers in 2023

The word prodigious can get thrown around a lot these days, but it’s really the only way to describe 21-year-old athlete and rugby league star, Tristan Eldridge.

The Raiders junior player made his first-grade debut in the Canberra Cup competition as a fresh-faced 17-year-old for the Queanbeyan Blues, before joining Gungahlin and winning the competition’s fullback of the year honours in 2021. He helped Monaro to a Country Championships win in 2021, and in 2022 he returned to the Blues and again featured in the Monaro side. Now Eldridge is eyeing off a new challenge, and he wants to make his mark with the Gundagai Tigers.

Read more: https://arr.news/2022/11/17/local-produ ... n-group-9/

Gungahlin Bulls have signed Dwayne Connors, from Nowra Bomaderry Jets. He debuted with the Yass Magpies and joined the Bulls in 2013 as a fullback. He left for the Jets in 2016, and also played front row, second row, lock, centre, wing, and halfback for them. Meanwhile the Bulls will be joining the Katrina Fanning Shield in 2023. - Gungahlin Bulls Facebook page.
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Canberra Raiders Cup: Former Canberra Raiders forward Sia Soliola signs with Queanbeyan Kangaroos for 2023



Former Canberra Raiders forward Sia Soliola, 36, has signed with the Queanbeyan Kangaroos for 2023. Soliola played 137 games for the Raiders over seven seasons, before retiring at the end of 2021. He also played 92 matches for the Sydney Roosters between 2005-2009 and 117 games for St Helens in Super League between 2010-2014. He played 12 Tests for New Zealand and four for Samoa.

Soliola won the Ken Stephen Medal in 2019 for his charity work. He took up a role in player welfare with the Raiders after retiring from the NRL.

Former Raiders half, Sam Williams, now the Queanbeyan Kangaroos coach, has been instrumental in convincing Soliola out of retirement and play in the local Canberra competition.

Queanbeyan Kangaroos club statement:

Sia brings with him a wealth of experience and a humbleness that belies his 350 plus matches at NRL, Super League and Representative level for New Zealand and Toa Samoa. Most of all, Sia is a family man, who wants to contribute back to our community and we warmly welcome him to our family club. Bring on 2023!

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Canberra Raiders star Sia Soliola comes out of retirement to join the Queanbeyan Kangaroos

Sia Soliola had no intention of playing again. Until his former Canberra Raiders teammate Sam Williams twisted him arm.

"I didn't really have any intentions of returning to the game at any level. I was actually really enjoying retirement, but Samuel was the biggest influence in the decision... the connection and history that we have."

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14280

https://www.zerotackle.com/retired-raid ... rn-125814/
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The Gungahlin Bulls are excited to welcome back star player, Tommy Watego, for the 2023 season! Tommy was a standout player in the Bulls squad last season, and we are excited to see him return to the field again in 2023!

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Major signing news! The Gungahlin Bulls have snapped up premiership winning halfback, Bobby Roberts! A very big welcome to the club, Bobby!

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Simon Woolford returns for second stint as Queanbeyan Blues coach



Canberra Raiders legend Simon Woolford is taking over the reins from Terry Campese at the Queanbeyan Blues for the 2023 season.

"I'm excited. I enjoyed my time there when I was there last time," Woolford said. "We made three grand finals - lost one in extra time and we won two in extra time. We had a lot of success there so it was good times and I'm looking to go back and hopefully repeat that."

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239

The Queanbeyan Blues are thrilled to announce that Simon Woolford is headed back to the Nation’s Capital to take the reins for season 2023! Simon brings a wealth of experience back to the club. All involved are pumped to welcome Germ home and can’t wait to get started and hopefully go one step further.

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Yass Magpies sign New Zealand prop Shane Su'a Bacon

The Yass Magpies are excited to announce the signing of Shane Su'a Bacon for season 2023. Shane currently lives in New Zealand and played for Otara Scorpions and the Counties Manukau at New Zealand representative level. Shane is a powerful young front rower who will bring loads of energy to our pack. Please welcome Shane to the Magpies.

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Sam and Sia to make a positive impact in the region

Queanbeyan Roos Captain-Coach Sam Williams revealed it wasn’t too difficult to coax his good friend and former Canberra teammate Sia Soliola from retirement after 12 months out of the game.

“We are good mates, myself and Sia and regularly in touch,” Williams said. “The big thing with Sia was that he saw the enjoyment that I was getting playing (with Queanbeyan Roos) and the benefits of being involved with team sport. There’s the healthy aspect of being part of a rugby league team again. So I think he probably saw a little bit of that. I never went out of my way to try and convince him. I just sort of explained to him some of the positive aspects of playing footy for fun again.”

Read more: https://everythingrugbyleague.com/sam-a ... the-region
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greeneyed wrote:Yass Magpies sign New Zealand prop Shane Su'a Bacon

The Yass Magpies are excited to announce the signing of Shane Su'a Bacon for season 2023. Shane currently lives in New Zealand and played for Otara Scorpions and the Counties Manukau at New Zealand representative level. Shane is a powerful young front rower who will bring loads of energy to our pack. Please welcome Shane to the Magpies.

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Yass Magpies sign Aublix Tawaha

The Yass Magpies are excited to announce the signing of Aublix Tawha for 2023. Aublix has previously played junior reps for the Canberra Raiders. In 2022 he played rugby union around Europe and represented the Netherlands. He then returned back to New Zealand to play for Turangawaewae, representing the Waikato region. Aublix is a strong and skilful outside back/half.

The Yass Magpies are also excited to announce the signing of Varcon King for 2023. In 2022 he played his football in New Zealand playing for Freyberg. Varcon is a strong and skilful outside back and is a try scoring machine.

Yass Magpies club statement



The Gungahlin Bulls are excited to announce that the following players have been re-signed for the 2023 season: Dylan Hately, Jason Brown, Rourke O'Sullivan, Matty Richards, Tommy Watego, Bex Mauava, Lachlan Armstrong, Eldrix Pehra, Luke Skidmore.

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Re-signed players: Brendan Dunn, Jayden Ford, Ethan Miller, Noah Marcantonio, Jade Schumacher, Jordan Eti.
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Monaro Colts open women's squad announced

The Monaro Colts have announced their open women's squad ahead of the 2023 Country Championships later in April.

Monaro Colts Open Women's Squad

Maddy Tooth (Goulburn City Bulldogs)
Krystal Blackwell (Goulburn City Bulldogs)
Elly Hazelton (Goulburn City Bulldogs)
Carly Wilkin (Goulburn City Bulldogs)
Jessica Zammit (Goulburn City Bulldogs)
Lily Croker (Gungahlin Bulls)
Kathryn Niki (Gungahlin Bulls)
Klaudia Osztrenkovics (Gungahlin Bulls)
Tijana Zdravevska (Gungahlin Bulls)
Gaelle Noelle Alakame Anzong (Queanbeyan Blues)
Caitlin Fazey-Robinson (Tuggeranong Bushrangers)
Zoe Podmore (Tuggeranong Bushrangers)
Grace Tai (uggeranong Bushrangers)
Ivy Tupai (Wests Rugby)
Lilly Janota (Woden Valley Rams)
Makayla Morris (Woden Valley Rams)
Milika Tuinakauvadra (Woden Valley Rams)
Samara Afele (Yass Magpies)
Kaitlyn Andrews (Yass Magpies)
Emily Banks (Yass Magpies)
Sydney Harrison (Yass Magpies)
Hayley Liddle (Yass Magpies)
Hollie Massey (Yass Magpies)
Sam Poidevin (Yass Magpies)
Lucy Prosser (Yass Magpies)

Read more: https://www.raiders.com.au/news/2023/02 ... announced/
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2023 Canberra Raiders Cup draw released

The Canberra Raiders Cup first grade draw for the 2023 season has been released. Round one kicks off on Saturday, April 15th. The full draw can be found here: https://thegh.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?t=35480

Round 1

Gungahlin Bulls v Belconnen United Sharks, Gungahlin Enclosed
Goulburn City Bulldogs v Queanbeyan Kangaroos, Goulburn Arena
Tuggeranong Bushrangers v Queanbeyan Blues, Greenway Oval
Yass Magpies v Woden Valley Rams, Walker Park
West Belconnen v BYE

Read more: https://www.raiders.com.au/news/2023/02 ... -released/
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2023 Week 1: Men’s Country Championships

Monaro Colts v Riverina Bulls
Sunday 5 March 12:50pm
NSWRL HQ, Bruce
Live stream: NSWRL TV

Monaro Colts

1. Ryan McQueen
2. Jayden Pollard
3. Willie Peace
4. Gideon Afemui
5. Jack Davidson
6. Liam Oakley
7. Bobby Roberts
8. Jayden Thomas
9. Harry Brown
10. Hayden Lazarus
11. Brigham Moeakiola
12. Ben Nanesa
13. Darby Medlyn

14. Jack Heyman
15. Kane Smith
16. James Horvat
17. Tom Bethke

18. Josh Eppelstun

19. Jack Grant

Riverina Bulls

1. Latrell Siegwalt
2. Hamish Starr
3. Tristan Eldridge
4. Brayden Draber
5. James Morgan
6. Nathan Rose
7. Derek Hay
8. Zachary Masters
9. Kyle McCarthy
10. Jacob Sturt
11. Joshua Ayers
12. Billy Reardon
13. Royce Tout

14. Jordan Anderson
15. Jake Walker
16. Hayden Philp
17. Michael Fenn

18. Mitch Ivill
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Men's Country Championships

FULL TIME

Riverina Bulls 46
Monaro Colts 12

Under this year's format, the Colts have been immediately knocked out of the competition. It seems the Colts did not play a trial match... and have paid the price.
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2023 Canberra Raiders Cup: Round 1 Preview

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The Canberra Raiders Cup returns. There are four big games this Saturday in the opening round, headlined by the clash between two of the 2022 finalists, the Queanbeyan Blues and the Tuggeranong Bushrangers.

Tuggeranong Bushrangers v Queanbeyan Blues

This contest is a re-match of the 2022 minor semifinal, won by the Blues, at Greenway. The Blues went on to appear in the Grand Final, but it was no fairytale finish for retiring captain-coach Terry Campese. The West Belconnen Warriors took out the decider, 38-24.

The Blues were the No. 1 team in attack last season, while the Bushrangers were the No. 1 defensive team. But the departure of Campese - the winner of the 2022 McIntyre Medal, the best player of the year - means that the landscape has changed signficantly. Of course, the 38 year old Campese could not resist the temptation to get back on the football field. He'll be playing again in 2023, but for the Eden Tigers in Group 16.

Another former Raiders captain, Simon Woolford will return to the Blues as coach this year. Since he was last in charge at Queanbeyan, he's coached the Newcastle Knights at NSW Cup level and the Huddersfield Giants in the European Super League. On returning to Australia, he has assisted at the Knights and Eels.

"I'm excited. I enjoyed my time there when I was there last time," Woolford told The Canberra Times when his return was announced.

"We made three grand finals - lost one in extra time and we won two in extra time. So I lost a lot of hair in those three years - to have three grand finals in a row in extra time is not good for any coach."

The Blues have not only lost Campese. Jake Butler-Fleming, Mat Parsons, Tristan Eldridge and Josh Mitchell are among those who have moved on. Centre Jake Wheeler returns, while Woolford is hoping that some players from the Under 19s premiership team will step up.



Jason Kelly will again coach the Tuggeranong Bushrangers in 2023, after lifting the team into the finals last year. When the 2021 Canberra Raiders Cup season was cancelled due to the pandemic, the Bushies had won just four of the 14 games played.

The Bushrangers have retained their 2022 Player of the Year, Darby Medlyn - but star forward Zac Saddler has headed to France. Fullback Damien Hayden has also switched to the Queanbeyan Kangaroos during the off season. He'll be a loss. Halfback Liam Oakley, winger Jack Davison, centre Brigham Moeakiola and second rower Josh Eppelstun are among those going around again.

My tip: Bushrangers at home.

2022 Season record: Bushrangers 10 and 5, 1 draw (3rd, +169)
Blues 11 and 5 (4th, +186) * Competition points deducted for salary cap breaches
Form: Bushrangers WWWLL
Blues WLWWL
Attacking record: Bushrangers 29, Blues 34 points scored per match
Defensive record: Bushrangers 19, Blues 23 points conceded per match
Last meetings: 2022 Minor semifinal Blues 32 defeated Bushrangers 14 at Greenway Oval
2022 Round 11 Blues 36 defeated Bushrangers 10 at Greenway Oval
2022 Round 2 Blues 32 defeated Bushrangers 20 at Seiffert Oval

Yass Magpies v Woden Valley Rams

The Woden Valley Rams had a successful 2022 season, finishing in the top two. They'll be disappointed about how it all ended. Three straight losses.

They missed the opportunity to secure the minor premiership, losing their final regular season match against the Bulls. They then missed the Grand Final after losing to the Warriors in the major semifinal and the Blues in the preliminary final.

But the second placed finish was certainly an achievement for coach Billy Thomson and his men - after the Rams finished the 2021 season with only two wins and in last place on the ladder.

The Rams have recruited halfback Josh Fattore from the Magpies for 2023, and signed another former Raiders junior back, Temple Beauchamp.

The Yass Magpies sadly took out the wooden spoon in 2022, winning just twice all year. Former Goulburn Bulldogs and Raiders juniors coach, Adam Kyle has taken over from Cam Hardy as head coach in 2023. The club's Player of the Year, Shaun Davis, will be back this year, as will second rower Ben Davis and prop Kyle Danilczak.

However, Kyle and the club have been looking far and wide for ways to strengthen the squad. New signings include former Raiders junior Jahlon Governor, a halfback from New Zealand; Waisale Vesikula, a Fijian outside back who has been playing with the Silktails in the Ron Massey Cup; and Tremayne Chatfield, a half or outside back who has played for the Raiders at junior representatives level and with the Burleigh Bears. The Magpies have also picked up prop Siope Naeata, who has previously played for the Queanbeyan Blues and in rugby union.

My tip: Rams should be too strong.

2022 Season record: Magpies 2 and 14 (9th, -232)
Rams 11 and 5 (2nd, +169)
Form: Magpies LWLLL
Rams WWLLL
Attacking record: Magpies 17, Rams 24 points scored per match
Defensive record: Magpies 31, Rams 21 points conceded per match
Last meetings: 2022 Round 11 Rams 32 defeated Magpies 8 at Phillip Oval
2022 Round 2 Rams 40 defeated Magpies 22 at Walker Park

Goulburn Bulldogs v Queanbeyan Kangaroos

They're back! The Cornish brothers, Mitch and Tyler, have returned to their home town club, the Goulburn Bulldogs after spending a couple of years at the Young Cherrypickers. Mitch was a Canberra junior, who played 20 NRL games with the Raiders and the Roosters. Tyler headed to the Sydney Roosters, playing for their Under 20s team and the Wyong Roos in NSW Cup. He played one NRL game for the Titans, before heading back to Goulburn. They came close to premiership success with the Bulldogs in 2019 - but fell to the Blues in the Grand Final. They'll be hoping to take the final step to glory in 2023.



The brothers will link up with new coach Shane McCallum, who has taken over from Tyson Greenwood. McCallum, who has coached the Goulburn reserves and Under 19s, is not being guarded about his objectives for the club.

"The first goal for the season is to make the semi final in not only first grade, but in reserves and juniors as well," he told The Goulburn Post, on being appointed.

"The ultimate goal is to play in the grand final, but I also want to see the players improve. We have one player from Canberra, Mittagong and New Zealand, but other than that, we don't need to look elsewhere too much as we have good local talent. You can build a team around the former NRL players [the Cornish brothers]."

Half Isaac Walker is also returning to the Bulldogs, after spending 2022 with the Gungahlin Bulls. Add in the likes of outside back Dillon Rota and star forward Ron Leapai, and Goulburn should improve on their seventh placed finish in 2022.

The Queanbeyan Kangaroos have also continued to build over the off season. Canberra Raiders half Sam Williams joined the club mid way through last year - and was instrumental in a late season surge. He takes over as captain-coach in 2023.

"Being the coach you've got a hell of a lot more to think about than when you're a player - you can just help the players around you and then go home and not think about it," Williams told The Canberra Times late last year.

"I definitely think as a playing coach it's a little bit different to a role as a straight-out coach. I've got to make sure I lead with my actions as well. I will certainly be a learning curve in a lot of aspects. But I love coaching... and I'm confident that I can do a good job."

Williams has leaned on former Canberra Raiders teammate Sia Soliola to pull on the footy boots again for the Roos. Soliola might be 36 years old, but he's looking as fit as ever and will bring a wealth of experience to the club. He also adds a fair bit of star power to the competition. He has played over 300 first class games with the Sydney Roosters, St Helens and the Raiders - and 12 Tests for New Zealand. The Roos have also picked up fullback Damien Hayden from the Bushrangers.

My tip: This will be an interesting one, given both have bolstered their squads. But I'll tip Sam and Sia for the away win.

2022 Season record: Bulldogs 6 and 10 (7th, -83)
Kangaroos 8 and 8 (6th, -58)
Form: Bulldogs WLLLL
Kangaroos WLWWW
Attacking record: Bulldogs 23, Kangaroos 23 points scored per match
Defensive record: Bulldogs 28, Kangaroos 27 points conceded per match
Last meetings: 2022 Round 18 Kangaroos 54 defeated Bulldogs 14 at Goulburn Arena
2022 Round 9 Bulldogs 38 defeated Kangaroos 18 at Freebody Oval

Gungahlin Bulls v Belconnen Sharks

The Gungahlin Bulls took an unexpected tumble in 2022. They were awarded the 2021 minor premiership, given they were running first when the competition was abandoned after 15 rounds due to the pandemic. However they struggled to get it together last season. They lost three games by two points and one by three. They did finish the year strongly, beating two of the top four teams, the Rams and Bushrangers.

The Bulls were quick to act in the off season, appointing Tre Holten-Williams, the winner of the 2021 McIntyre Medal, as captain-coach. They then dropped an even bigger bombshell, signing West Belconnen Warriors half, Bobby Roberts. Roberts had just led the Warriors to a premiership and he has become synonymous with the Two Blues. Gungahlin has also announced a host of re-signings, including fullback Rourke O'Sullivan, prop Jordan Eti and second rower Dylan Hately.



The Belconnen Sharks were last year's big improvers. They've been cellar dwellers for far too long. But the arrival of Zac Patch and Jake Hawkins in Round 9 last season really helped to turn things around for the club. Patch, a Raiders junior, had been playing with Hawkins in Mackay - and when Patch decided to head back to Canberra, Hawkins came too. The pair quickly took over the coaching reins from Scott Logan. Patch has been appointed as head coach for 2023 - with Hawkins and another former Raider, Shaun Fensom, his assistants.

The Sharks have plenty of young talent in the squad, but have announced a couple of new signings. Outside back Josh Webb has joined the club from Tumut, while prop/second rower Mason McInnes hails from Cairns.



My tip: I'll go with a new look Bulls at home.

2022 Season record: Bulls 4 and 12 (8th, -70)
Sharks 8 and 8 (5th, -47)
Form: Bulls LLLWW
Sharks LWWLW
Attacking record: Bulls 23, Sharks 26 points scored per match
Defensive record: Bulls 28, Sharks 29 points conceded per match
Last meetings: 2022 Round 14 Sharks 44 defeated Bulls 28 at Gungahlin Enclosed
2022 Round 5 Sharks 30 defeated 28 at NSWRL HQ, Bruce

The Greenhouse will again be going around the grounds to cover the Canberra Raiders Cup matches whenever we can this season. Watch for our coverage on @TheGHRaiders on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, while we also provide live scores on Twitter via @CanberraCup.

Round 1

Saturday 15 April
Tuggeranong Bushrangers v Queanbeyan Blues, Greenway Oval, 2:00pm
Yass Magpies v Woden Valley Rams, Walker Park, 3:00pm
Goulburn Bulldogs v Queanbeyan Kangaroos, Goulburn Arena, 3:00pm
Gungahlin Bulls v Belconnen Sharks, Gungahlin Enclosed, 3:00pm *
BYE West Belconnen Warriors

* Free live stream match.

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

Team lists: Click here.

VIDEO: Bulls half Bobby Roberts and Belconnen Sharks coach Zac Patch: https://www.raiders.com.au/news/2023/04 ... e-preview/

Follow The Greenhouse on Facebook: The Greenhouse Forum, Twitter: @TheGHRaiders and Instagram: @TheGHRaiders
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greeneyed
Don Furner
Posts: 144938
Joined: January 7, 2005, 4:21 pm

Re: 2023 Canberra Raiders Cup

Post by greeneyed »

Why premiership-winning half Bobby Roberts joined Gungahlin Bulls in Canberra Raiders Cup

He is a premiership-winning halfback of the year, but now Bobby Roberts has a new jersey and the Gungahlin Bulls hope he has the same tricks up his sleeve.

"I just wanted to teach some new blokes, there was a bit of opportunity there talking with Tre [Holton-Williams], helping out with a bit of the coaching," Roberts said.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14280

VIDEO: Bobby Roberts and Zac Patch speak about Canberra Raiders Cup season opener: https://www.raiders.com.au/news/2023/04 ... e-preview/



Queanbeyan Blues unable to field a reserve grade team in 2023

Simon Woolford's Blues will open their season against the Tuggeranong Bushrangers at Greenway Oval on Saturday - but they won't have a reserve grade team suiting up before them following a mass exodus in the playing ranks. Now the Blues are working on a strategic plan with the CRRL and evaluating recruitment and retention policies to ensure they can field teams in both grades next year. The Blues have been given a one year exemption to continue in Canberra Raiders Cup without a reggies team.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14280

Women's Canberra Raiders admission leads to three new teams in Canberra competition

Three new teams will join the Katrina Fanning Shield competition which starts on April 29. The competition will be split into two divisions. There will be seven teams in the top-tier division, and another four in the level below.

The West Belconnen Warriors, Gungahlin Bulls and Queanbeyan Kangaroos will join the competition this year, but South Coast United has withdrawn.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14237
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The Greenhouse
Don Furner
Posts: 15437
Joined: July 11, 2018, 6:57 am

Re: 2023 Canberra Raiders Cup

Post by The Greenhouse »

Belconnen Sharks run away with an important Round 1 win over the Gungahlin Bulls in the northern derby

As both teams looked to claim their first win of the season, it was the Belconnen Sharks that take home the two competition points in the opening round of the 2023 Canberra Raiders Cup season.

In a game of two halves, the Sharks scored 20 points in the second forty with centre Tevita Aroha-Tuinauvai combining for two tries and two try assists claiming the an of the Match.

Read more: https://www.raiders.com.au/news/2023/04 ... ide-derby/

Canberra Raiders Cup: Belconnen United Sharks beat Gungahlin Bulls

A Tevita Aroha-Tuinauvai masterclass led Belconnen Sharks to an opening round 34-16 win over the Gungahlin Bulls on Saturday. The Sharks centre had a hand in four tries, scoring two tries along with two try assists, in a man of the match effort at Gungahlin.

"Big Panda, he was amazing. He's so hard to tackle, honestly, I'm so glad he's on my team because I don't know how anyone else tackles him," Sharks captain Matt Woolnough said.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14237

FULL TIME SCORES

Belconnen Sharks 34 defeated Gungahlin Bulls 16
Woden Rams 38 defeated Yass Magpies 36
Tuggeranong Bushrangers 38 defeated Queanbeyan Blues 12
Queanbeyan Kangaroos 36 defeated Goulburn Bulldogs 20

Scores in other grades: https://www.raiders.com.au/news/2023/04 ... -april-15/
The Greenhouse score update service
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greeneyed
Don Furner
Posts: 144938
Joined: January 7, 2005, 4:21 pm

Re: 2023 Canberra Raiders Cup

Post by greeneyed »

2023 Canberra Raiders Cup: Round 2 Preview

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Round 2 of the Canberra Raiders Cup is headlined by a clash between two of the teams shaping as a threat in 2023 - the Woden Rams and Queanbeyan Blues.

Woden Rams v Queanbeyan Kangaroos

The Rams and Roos were first up winners last Saturday. The Rams had a very close shave at Walker Park at Yass, beating the Magpies by just two points. The Rams went out to a 16-0 lead at the 20 minute mark, but Magpies prop Dujuayne Sua-Bacon soon struck back, crashing over for a four pointer. A dummy half run from Rams benchie Trai Henderson saw the Rams edge further in front in the 28th minute. Hostilities broke out after Rams half - and former Magpie - Josh Fattore made a break down the middle and was hit late after setting up a try. The Rams ended the first half with a total of six tries and a 32-12 lead.

Both teams scored shortly after the break. But Woden seemed well in control after second rower Scott Swanson scored under the posts in the 45th minute. That gave the visitors a 38-16 lead. Extraordinarily, the Magpies then went on their own scoring spree, producing four tries in the space of 12 minutes. One try was scored when the Rams played the ball on their own 10 metre line - without a player at dummy half. Prop Sua-Bacon simply scooped up the ball and planted it over the line. Yass trailed by 38-36 with around 20 minutes remaining and had all the momentum. But despite a desperate finish, neither team had any more points left in them.



The Kangaroos trailed the Bulldogs, 20-6, at Goulburn five minutes into the second half. But, with captain-coach Sam Williams back on the field after a stint in the sin bin, the Queanbeyan outfit then produced 30 unanswered points, to take the match, 36-20. The comeback started in the 49th minute, when hooker James Horvat dived over the line. Three minutes later, a Williams cross field kick to the in goal saw centre Harry Quinlan regather and score under the posts. Williams was in the action again in the 57th minute, when he dummied and stepped his way through the defence. Four more points.

Goulburn's cause was not helped when winger William Russell was binned in the 63rd minute for failing to release - after a classic tackle around the legs. That sort of tackle really deserves more reward in the game. Two more tries followed for the Roos inside the final 10 minutes. Kaine Pagura ran for 95 metres on his way to the line, while Harry Quinlan got his second try of the day with five minutes left on the clock. Quinlan regathered a kick ahead from Jesse Dent and offloaded to his winger - who then kicked back inside for Quinlan.

The bad news for the Roos is that two high profile recruits have been sidelined. Fullback Damien Hayden has suffered an ACL injury and will miss the rest of the season, while former Raiders forward Sia Soliola has a hamstring injury.



My tip: Both of these teams had periods of dominance in Round 1 - enough to produce a win. In the Rams' case, just enough. Overall, the Kangaroos looked stronger - and I'll go with them to win, despite the fact that Woden will be on home turf. By the way, it will be worth keeping an eye on Rams winger Stratton Kris, who made his debut last week. He's only just come back to the code, and his brother, Raiders back Sebastian Kris, was on hand to present him with his first Rams jersey.

Season record: Rams 1 and 0 (4th, +2)
Kangaroos 1 and 0 (3rd, +16)
Form: Rams WLLLW
Kangaroos LWWWW
Attacking record: Rams 38, Kangaroos 36 points scored per match
Defensive record: Rams 36, Kangaroos 20 points conceded per match
Last meetings: 2022 Round 12 Rams 34 defeated Kangaroos 30 at Phillip Oval
2022 Round 4 Rams 34 defeated Kangaroos at Freebody Oval

Queanbeyan Blues v Yass Magpies

It looks like life without Campese and company is going to be difficult for the Queanbeyan Blues. They were comprehensively defeated by the Tuggeranong Bushrangers, 38-12, last Saturday at Greenway. The Blues seem to have taken their eye off the ball in terms of their recruitment and pathways - and have been unable to field a reserve grade team in 2023. It's an unusual spot for the powerhouse club to be in. The Bushrangers scored a total of seven tries, with Darby Medlyn and Jack Bishop both getting doubles. Tuggeranong led 20-0 at half time. It took until the 48th minute before the Blues could cross - with hooker Ernest McCarthy taking an offload from prop John Papalii and scoring beside the posts. The Blues' only other try was a consolation effort, with lock Josh Baker chasing a kick to the in goal right on full time. Blues coach Simon Woolford, in his second stint at the helm, has a task ahead of him.

The Magpies showed quite a bit of spark in their narrow loss to the Rams, with new halfback Jahlon Katene-Governor among the try scorers. Life might end up being a bit brighter for Yass under new coach Adam Kyle in 2023.

My tip: The Blues are always tough to beat at Seiffert, but I'll go with the new look Magpies in this one.

Season record: Blues 0 and 1 (9th, -26)
Magpies 0 and 1 (6th, -2)
Form: Blues LWWLL
Magpies WLLLL
Attacking record: Blues 12, Magpies 36 points scored per match
Defensive record: Blues 38, Magpies 38 points conceded per match
Last meetings: 2022 Round 17 Blues 34 defeated Magpies 14 at Walker Park
2022 Round 8 Blues 62 defeated Magpies 18 at Seiffert Oval

Goulburn Bulldogs v Tuggeranong Bushrangers

The Bushrangers are sitting in first place on the competition ladder, thanks to points differential, after their big win against the Blues. Jack Bishop is a player to watch. A member of the Raiders' junior program, he looked strong in scoring his two tries. The Bulldogs showed some good signs in the first half against the Kangaroos, but they'll have been hoping for better after some good recruitment in the off season.



My tip: I'll got with the Round 1 form. Bushrangers, despite a bit of a road trip to Goulburn.

Season record: Bulldogs 0 and 1 (7th, -16)
Bushrangers 1 and 0 (1st, +26)
Form: Bulldogs LLLLL
Bushrangers WWLLW
Attacking record: Bulldogs 20, Bushrangers 38 points scored per match
Defensive record: Bulldogs 36, Bushrangers 12 points conceded per match
Last meetings: 2022 Round 17 Bushrangers 62 defeated Bulldogs 10 at Greenway Oval
2022 Round 8 Bushrangers 24 defeated Bulldogs 12 at Goulburn Arena

Gungahlin Bulls v West Belconnen Warriors

The 2022 premiers, the West Belconnen Warriors, make their first appearance this year when they head to Gungahlin for a clash with the Bulls. The Warriors lost their key playmaker, Bobby Roberts, over the offseason to Gungahlin. So it will be a case of mate against mate, no love lost, and all that, in this game.

Warriors captain-coach Ryan McQueen doesn't mind having been given the bye in Round 1.

"It's pretty handy. We get to sit back and watch the other teams go at each other. We'll do some video and work out what's going on and rip into Round 2," he said, prior to the season kicking off.

"We've obviously lost a few key personnel. But we've got a heap of depth at the club and we're going to be very confident with the team we put on the field, week in, week out. The boys will come out and do their job."

The Bulls would have been disappointed in their 34-16 loss to the Sharks at home in Round 1. First half tries to Bulls winger Jesse Croker and hooker Matthew Richards ensured that Gungahlin was right in the contest at the break, trailing by 14-10. The Bulls also started the second half well, with a chip kick from Bobby Roberts regathered by Tre Holten-Williams. He offloaded to five eighth Jordan Holten-Williams, who sent bench utility Trent Borthwick over for a great four pointer. The Roberts conversion put the Bulls in front, 16-14. But it was all Belconnen from there.

Sharks centre, Tevita Aroha-Tuinauvai, was man of the match, scoring two tries and setting up a couple more. Belconnen fullback Darcy Leadbitter also bagged a double. James Dyball, Matthew Woolnough and Manase Kaho also crossed for the Sharks.

My tip: It's a bit difficult to get a handle on the Warriors, and how much the loss of Roberts will affect them. I'll tip the Bulls at home.

Season record: Bulls 0 and 1 (8th, -18)
Warriors (5th)
Form: Bulls LLWWL
Warriors WLWWW
Attacking record: Bulls 16 points scored per match
Defensive record: Bulls 34 points conceded per match
Last meetings: 2022 Round 10 Warriors 23 defeated Bulls 12 at Raiders Belconnen
2022 Round 1 Warriors 33 defeated Bulls 30 at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval

The Greenhouse will again be going around the grounds to cover the Canberra Raiders Cup matches whenever we can this season. Watch for our coverage on @TheGHRaiders on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, while we also provide live scores on Twitter via @CanberraCup.

Round 2

Saturday 22 April
Woden Rams v Queanbeyan Kangaroos, Phillip Oval, 3:00pm *
Queanbeyan Blues v Yass Magpies, Seiffert Oval, 3:00pm
Goulburn Bulldogs v Tuggeranong Bushrangers, Goulburn Arena, 3:00pm
Gungahlin Bulls v West Belconnen Warriors, Gungahlin Enclosed, 3:00pm
BYE Belconnen Sharks

* Free live stream match.

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

Team lists: Click here.



VIDEO: Rams half Josh Fattore and Kangaroos captain-coach Sam Williams: https://www.raiders.com.au/news/2023/04 ... o-preview/

Follow The Greenhouse on Facebook: The Greenhouse Forum, Twitter: @TheGHRaiders and Instagram: @TheGHRaiders
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