Former Raiders captain Simon Woolford is confident the Queanbeyan Blues have a good shot at defending their Canberra Raiders Cup title this year, but he also wants Canberra to have a genuine crack at the NSW Country Rugby League Championships.
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The Canberra Raiders Cup competition begins on Friday night, with the Blues, Goulburn Bulldogs and Gungahlin Bulls rated among the top contenders in a poll of clubs.
But Woolford will also coach Canberra's representative team during the NSW Country Championships, beginning in May, and is excited by the talent he has to choose from.
Former Raiders and South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Joe Picker has rejoined his brothers, Mick and Ben, at Goulburn, although Joe will miss at least the first month of the season after suffering a broken jaw in the pre-season.
They are among a host of former Raiders players lining up in the Canberra competition this year, including Lincoln Withers, David Howell (Gungahlin Bulls), Marc Herbert and Trevor Thurling (Queanbeyan Blues). Having trained in the NRL squad with the Raiders in the pre-season, Haydon Hodge (West Belconnen Warriors) and prop Kilu Pangai (Woden Valley Rams) have also returned to the Canberra Raiders Cup.
"Last year a lot of the top-line players didn't make themselves available, but early indications are they're all making themselves available this year so we're going to give it a really good nudge," Woolford said.
Last year's grand finalists, Goulburn and the Blues, remain the teams to beat. Woolford has added his nephew, James Woolford, to his pack.
The young hooker was part of the Melbourne Storm's premiership-winning under 20s in 2009 and joins the Blues after winning three consecutive titles in Newcastle with West Rosellas.
The Bulls are widely tipped to be the competition's big improvers, with a strong recruitment drive. Withers and Howell will be playing co-coaches, but the pair have also added former Raiders Troy Thompson, Jason Croker and Matt Gafa to their sideline staff.
Gungahlin will get an immediate test of their credentials, taking on the Blues at Seiffert Oval on Friday.
"They've recruited well and I think they'll get better as the year goers on, I'd be shocked if they're not in the semi-finals," Woolford said.
Withers returned to Canberra from the UK Super League last year but was restricted to only a handful of games due to shoulder surgery.
"The Blues and Goulburn are the teams to beat, we're just trying to bring some of our kids through and improve on last year," Withers said.
FRIDAY, 9pm
Queanbeyan Blues v Gungahlin Bulls, Seiffert Oval
West Belconnen Warriors v Queanbeyan Kangaroos, Raiders Belconnen
