It is do or die for the Queanbeyan Whites and Canberra Royals on Saturday, with the two rivals set to battle for a place in the BentSpoke John I Dent Cup Grand Final.
The winner of Saturday’s Preliminary Final will advance to a decider against the Tuggeranong Vikings, while the loser’s season will come to an end.
Both sides are expecting another physical contest, with Canberra Royals scrum-half and preiminary final hero Dan Nelson and a Queanbeyan forward Judah Saumaisue acknowledging the contest that awaits them.
Nelson, who helped the Royals survive a 100-minute elimination final against Gungahlin Eagles last weekend, knows his side will need to produce another complete performance against a Whites side boasting a powerful forward pack and dangerous backline.
“They’re a very good team, very physical pack… their back line has a lot of electricity and can spark it up from anywhere. It’s probably going to take an 80-minute performance to win it on the weekend.”
The Whites have also quickly turned their attention to the challenge ahead, focusing on correcting the small errors that cost them in last weekend’s agonising 28-27 loss to the Tuggeranong Vikings.
Saumaisue expects another aggressive Royals outfit, with several Brumbies players adding further quality to the contest.
“Royals are obviously a very good side. It’s always a good matchup against the Royals, especially with the Brums boys on the other team. They’re always aggressive every time we play them and they’re just good around the park as well. So, yeah, it’s always a tough matchup against them.”
Saturday’s clash will be the fourth meeting between the sides this season, with the Whites holding a narrow 2-1 advantage.
Queanbeyan claimed the opening meeting 47-35 before the Royals responded with a comprehensive 33-5 victory in Round Five. The Whites won the most recent encounter, edging out the Royals 40-39 in Round 14.
For the Whites, Saturday will also be a significant occasion for veteran lock Josh ‘Sua’ Townsend, who will celebrate his 100th first-grade appearance.
Townsend’s experience will be crucial in a match where the battle up front could prove decisive, alongside the impact of ACT Brumbies lock Nick Frost, who has provided set-piece dominance and physicality since joining the Whites in Round 12.
Queanbeyan Fly-half Nate Carroll has been in strong form directing the Queanbeyan attack, while Michael Rademaker, Koko Salim and Angus Tagicakibau provide plenty of attacking threat out wide.
The Royals will again look to Nelson and Chace Oates, who both crossed for tries in the extra-time victory over Gungahlin, while inside centre Jarrah McLeod has enjoyed a strong run of form, providing stability and thrust in the midfield.
Up front, prop Aiesi Siolo will be central to the Royals’ hopes of controlling the forward battle and laying the platform for their attack.
With the season on the line, no margin for error and a Grand Final place at stake, Saturday’s clash shapes as another classic chapter in the rivalry between the Whites and Royals.
BentSpoke John I Dent Cup Preliminary Final
Queanbeyan Whites v Canberra Royals
Saturday, 22 August
Winner advances to Grand Final v Tuggeranong Vikings
