The Yass Magpies Reserve Grade side has booked its place in the 2026 Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup Grand Final, capping a determined campaign that has the town buzzing with black-and-white pride.
In a hard-fought preliminary final victory, the Magpies ground out a gritty win 14-0 against West Belconnen Warriors to secure their shot at the premiership. The result sent West Belconnen Warriors into the decider for final spot against the Tuggeranong Bushrangers. The Warriors defeated the Bushrangers 28-14, setting up a top of the table clash at Seiffert Oval this Saturday the 19th September, kick off is at 1:40pm.
The Magpies have shown steady improvement throughout the season. After mixed early results, the side found consistency with a strong defensive structure and opportunistic attack.
Co-Coach Andrew Swaffield said, “It has been a fantastic year, really. A number of players have stepped up into 1st grade at different times throughout the year, which has been very pleasing.
“It has really taken a squad to get to this point, of 34 players we’ve used throughout the season.
“In terms of the weekend, we are really excited for the opportunity and occasion.
“A fortnight ago we had a win over West Belconnen 14-0. It was a hard game. Conditions weren’t so great on the day, so it was a very tight tussle.
This appearance marks a significant milestone for the club. Yass reached the Reserve Grade grand final in 2025, falling narrowly to the Gungahlin Bulls in extra time, and the 2026 squad has drawn on that experience. Coach and players have spoken throughout the year about the depth in the squad and the desire to go one better this time around.
Local supporters have turned out in numbers throughout the finals series, packing Walker Park and travelling in force for the decisive matches.
The grand final represents more than just a football match for Yass. For a country club competing against larger Canberra-based outfits, reaching the last Saturday of the season is a statement of the Magpies’ growing strength in the Canberra Region Rugby League. The Reserve Grade team has often been a pathway for local talent and a source of community pride, and this year’s campaign has reinforced that.
Players and coaching staff will use the week to prepare, focusing on the same fundamentals that got them this far: disciplined defence, smart kicking options and finishing their opportunities.
Andrew said, “West Belconnen have been the benchmark all year and they were the minor premiers of the regular season, we finished second on the ladder.
“Looking forward to Saturday’s match, we are just really excited for the occasion. We don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves. We know if we play our best footy, we are in with a chance.
“Hopefully we can bring home the trophy on Saturday.
Yass rugby league has a proud history of producing tough, no-frills teams. This Reserve Grade side has embodied that spirit in 2026. Whether or not the premiership ends up at Walker Park, the Magpies have already delivered a season to remember and given the town a grand final to look forward to.
Black and white will be out in force come grand final day.
For those unable to make it to Queanbeyan on Saturday, the Yass Soldiers Club will be playing/airing the Grand Final live on BarTV.
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