The Canberra Royals are hopeful a trip down south to Viking Park will kickstart their season right where they left off last year.
Preparing to take on a Tuggeranong outfit that are out for revenge after their loss against the Royals in last year's BentSpoke John I Dent Cup Grand Final.
The Vikings are riding high after last week's trial win over Uni Norths, but now they have their sights set on Round 1 against the reigning premiers on Ladies Day.
Captain Lachlan Hooper and centre Louis Bartley-Saena will be key in Saturday's match and will be integral to Vikings success as they look to topple the defending premiers.
Bartley-Saena starred in last week's trial scoring an electric individual try and is out to show the competition that he will be a consistent threat in the 2025 season. Moving from the number 10 jersey and now into the centres he will undoubtedly have a good battle with his opposite number this weekend as he lines up against Royals Grand Final hero in Jarrah McLeod.
Royals captain Lincoln Smith has the challenge this weekend to get his young team up for a thrilling first round Grand Final rematch. The team will have to dig deep and play at their limit to beat a Vikings team that looking for an upset to start their season.
With yet another tight matchup on the cards between these long-time rivals, it's anyone's guess who comes with the bragging rights in Round 1. Expect a tight contest with plenty of emotion as the hosting red-and-whites are after revenge in a big way.
Jono Ryan
The Vikings flanker and Brumbies U19s representative brings enough grit and power for an entire side let alone one man. A turnover merchant with a great running game and certainly a danger this weekend for the visitors. Keep an eye on the man in red (hair included) this weekend as he brings the spark to Viking Park.
Kye Oates
A first grade debut for the Queensland-raised has been a long time coming for the blue baggers. The electric fullback is poised to make the 15 jumper his own this year and will look to open with a bang this weekend.
Louis Bartley Saena v Lincoln Smith
The battle of the number 13's is on this weekend as the Royals skipper looks to bring the energy against his Royals counterpart in Bartley-Saena; a key part to Tuggeranong attacking structure.
