It's the opening round of the Canberra Raiders Cup and the majority of teams have already asked for the weekend off.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Three of the four games in the opening round will be played at the unusual slot of 9pm Thursday at the request of clubs, giving teams the long weekend off.
The games on Thursday night - Goulburn v Queanbeyan Blues at Workers Arena, Queanbeyan Kangaroos v Woden Valley Rams at Freebody Oval and West Belconnen Warriors v Belconnen United Scholars at Raiders Belconnen - are at 9pm to allow for all three grades to be played.
Competition executive officer Karen Ebsworth admitted it wasn't ideal.
"It probably will affect the crowds, but it's the clubs' choice because it's their home games,'' Ebsworth said.
"The games that have been moved to Thursday night have been agreed to between the two clubs involved.
"The clubs try and avoid the Anzac weekend, but we had no choice but to start this weekend with the timing of Easter."
Junior competitions will also get underway this weekend, with age divisions from under-six to under-17 girls starting on Sunday.
