With Round 5 of the BentSpoke John I Dent Cup fast approaching, the Queanbeyan Whites prepare for a top of the table clash with the Canberra Royals. With both sides opening the season with an undefeated record, Campese Field in Queanbeyan shapes as the place to be this Saturday.
Queanbeyan are hoping to keep up the momentum after clenching a tight win in Round 4 against Wests. Similarly, Royals are also riding high after cruising to a steady win over the Gungahlin Eagles last week at Nicholls Enclosed.
Queanbeyan captain Andrew McFarlane and fullback Nate Carroll will be key this weekend, needing to continue bringing the spark to a dangerous Whites backline. McFarlane starred in Round 4's match against Wests, earning him Team of The Week honours.
Royals skipper Lincoln Smith once again has the task to lead his troops out for the Match of the Round, needing to put in a big shift from outside centre in enemy territory to keep his sides undefeated status.
With yet another tight matchup on the cards for both teams, It's anyone's guess who comes out of this match on top in Round 5. Expect a tight contest with the Royals bringing in their Brumbies reinforcements; including a whole new look to their front row with the likes of Harry Vella, Liam Bowron and Feao Fotuaika joining the scrum.
Liam Bowron
The Brumbies hooker brings a lot of aggression and passion to this Royals forward pack and is ready to show his impact in both set piece and general play. Brutal in defence and destructive with the ball in hand, Bowron is sure to be a danger this week for the Queanbeyan side.
Cullin Cooper-Jones
A consistent and reliable scrum half that is a threat from anywhere on the park, Cooper-Jones continually shows his expertise in each round of the John I Dent Cup competition. The crafty halfback will undoubtedly keep Royals on high alert around the ruck for the full 80 this weekend.
Kye Oates (Royals) vs Nate Carroll (Queanbeyan Whites)
Both born and bred Queenslanders, these two young fullbacks are exciting prospects in club rugby and the close friends are set for a good battle this Saturday. The Queanbeyan fullback looks to bring the energy against his Royals counterpart in Kye Oates.
Both fullbacks tend to create plenty of attacking opportunities for their sides with their fast feet and silky ball-playing, making the duo ones to watch in Match of the Round.
