Queanbeyan 'Misfits' beat Gungahlin Bulls in Canberra Raiders Cup

That's why a bunch of self-proclaimed misfits ran out onto Seiffert Oval on Saturday for the coronavirus modified Canberra Raiders Cup, with those Queanbeyan Blues misfits winning 25-18 against a gutsy Gungahlin Bulls.

It's the perfect way for local rugby league to return, with some massive hits - none bigger than one by Blues prop Manu Vanisi - cracking tries and players cramping left, right and centre.

Bulls fullback Tristan Eldridge looked dangerous and finished off a nice break down their left wing in the first half, while Blues second-rower Josh Hitchins produced powerful run after powerful run.

But the Blues were able to start their premiership defence with a win when prop Bradley Buckley barged over from close range.

Young players like Buckley were the reason former Raider Terry Campese was leading a group of "misfits" from Yass, the Queanbeyan Kangaroos and the Blues.

"I couldn't be prouder ... it's just good to be out here playing footy. That's why I'm out here," Campese said.

"I've got some young kids that want to play for Raiders 20s next year. One of them today stood up, young Buck, our front rower.

"He's a kid that missed out on the 20s. I told him this is why I'm playing, I'm playing for him, to push his claims for next year because I love to see kids fulfill their dreams and he's one of them."

Bulls coach Neil Bijorac was already looking forward to the next time they run out.

"It's just good for sport and good for rugby league that we were able to play today," he said.

"The boys have been really excited for the last few weeks that the game's actually going ahead.

"A lot if improvement that we need to do, but looking forward to being able to play some more footy in the coming weeks."

In the other game, the Raiders under-20s beat the Woden Valley Rams 28-16 at Phillip Oval.

AT A GLANCE

Queanbeyan Blues 25 (C Ale, B Buckley, M Vanisi, K Michl tries; T Campese 4 goals, field goal) d Gungahlin Bulls 18 (T Eldridge, T Sherd, C Williams, Z Patch tries; T Eldridge goal)

Raiders Under 20's 28 (J Williams, C Harris, M Souter, M Kaho, J Allen tries; Williams 3, J Roberts goals) d Woden Valley Rams 16 (S Maloney, S Swanson, B Robertson tries; D Desmet, B Robertson goals)