Rival clubs clash in classic Queanbeyan derby

The Blues began their title defence campaign successfully last Saturday with a strong 34 - 16 win over the Gungahlin Bulls at home, while the Roos landed a bye in round one and will be keen to blow out the cobwebs against their old foe.

Of the Gungahlin game, Blues coach Simon Woolford said there was plenty of improvement to come from his side.

"It was a normal first game of the season, we were made to do a lot of defence and they scored a couple of dive-over tries from dummy half which was frustrating, but it's always tough with that first game," he said.

"You always like to hit the ground running but it's never the case, we've had three trials but you're never going to be at your best in the early rounds and we've got quite a new team with new combinations which are always going to take some time.

"The pleasing thing was the boys' effort - we put ourselves under a lot of pressure with dropped ball but our defence shone through which was very good."

The Kangaroos are yet to play and captain Troy Whiley said his side was fresh and raring to go after a lengthy pre-season without trials.

"We're biting at the bit, we've had no trials, and the West Wyalong Knockout Challenge was our only hit-out so we have been training hard for this every Tuesday and Thursday for the last two to three months," he said.

"We can't wait to get out on the field - especially against them - it's going to be great."

SATURDAY, APRIL 9 RESULTS:

Canberra Raiders Cup: Queanbeyan Blues 34 (E Malu 3, J Wheeler 2, M Cullen tries; C Wilkinson 5 goals) bt Gungahlin Bulls 16 (D Cooper-Shields, C O'Shannessy, H Van Dartel tries; J Scholes 2 goals) at Seiffert Oval.

Reserve Grade: Queanbeyan Blues 52 bt Gungahlin Bulls 30.

Under 18: Gungahlin Bulls 28 bt Queanbeyan Blues 12.