However, consistent skill errors and an inability to maintain possession hounded the Bulldogs, and led to their eventual two-point defeat. 

The Kangaroos started well and put themselves up 0-12 shortly after the match began at the Goulburn Workers Arena. 

After half time, the Bulldogs rebounded and managed to claim the lead, and it was only courtesy of a belligerent effort in the last ten minutes that Queanbeyan managed to steal a slim two point lead, which they held until the final buzzer to win 16-18. 

Goulburn coach Adam Kyle said that it was not a lack of effort, but a lack of maturity that cost his side. 

“Something that we’ve talked about all season, at no stage have we questioned any player’s efforts,” he said. 

“Sometimes effort needs to be matched with a bit of brain power too, and that’s the part that’s letting us down at the moment.” 

That being said, Kyle added that he was also “extremely proud” of the effort that the team have put in over the season. 

“It was always going to be a pretty tough season for us with such a big turnover in players and new coaching staff. 

“I am super proud, but frustrated at the same time that we haven’t shut out a few more games that we should’ve.” 

The win pushed the Kangaroos up to third place on the ladder, while it saw the Bulldogs drop to seventh and effectively ended their finals campaign. 

Despite the win, Queanbeyan coach Aaron described his team’s performance as “poor”.

A large part of the reason that they struggled, Gorrell said, was due to Goulburn’s ability to rush the play. 

“They’ve got the best line speed in the competition, so I’m not sure why they’re so low in the comp,” he said. 

“We had no time at all. Credit to them, their line speed’s amazing, they must be unlucky not to be higher on the table.”

This weekend, the Goulburn Bulldogs will enjoy a bye in preparation for next week’s clash against the West Belconnen Warriors.