Canberra Raiders Cup Round 1 Wrap

Mikayla Kerin

The Canberra Raiders Cup is back for 2026, with a cracking round one taking place across Canberra last weekend.

Queanbeyan Kangaroos v Tuggeranong Bushrangers

For our first game of the round, the Bushrangers hosted the Kangaroos for a 2025 preliminary final rematch. 

Both teams came out firing with the home side establishing a first-half dominance quickly, with centre Paul Alofipo setting up a try and scoring one on his own on his first-grade debut.

However, the Roos responded well in the second half to come from behind with five unanswered tries and win the match 30 - 16. 

Belconnen Sharks v Queanbeyan Blues

The Blues hosted the Sharks at Seffiert Oval for our second match of the weekend.

Going into the match as reigning premiers, the Blues were looking to start their 2026 season with a bang at home.

However, it was Sharks fullback and centre Tristan Eldridge and Regan Carr who set up Belconnen’s win from the start, scoring doubles in the first half, putting the side in front 20 - 6 at halftime.

And it was clearly enough to upset the reigning premiers at home with a 20-point victory, with the final score being 36 - 16.

Goulburn Bulldogs v Gungahlin Bulls

The Bulldogs hosted the Bulls at Workers Arena for our third game of the round. 

Goulburn came out firing in the first half with new signing Tomasi Bikaca crossing over for two tries.

Tensions heightened as the scoreboard was level entering the final twenty minutes of the match

However, the Bulldogs walked away victorious from the match 26 - 16.

Yass Magpies v West Belconnen Warriors 

The Magpies hosted the West Belco Warriors at Walker Park for our upset of the Round.

Bolstered by an offseason of new signings, particularly of former Raider Elliot Whitehead, the Warriors were looking to kick off their season in fine form. 

However, the home side took home the two points 38 - 24, with the Bell brothers, who performed particularly well last season, attacking superbly with Yass centre Cody Bell going over for three tries.

Looking into next week…

• The Sharks will host the Bushrangers in Bruce 

• The Blues will travel to Goulburn to face the Bulldogs

• Yass will host the Kangaroos at Walker Park

• We welcome the Woden Valley Rams for the first game of the season, following their bye in round one, where they will face the Warriors at Raiders Belconnen

• The Bulls will be taking the bye for Round Two