Canberra and Newcastle do battle in Round 7 of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership with both sides looking to push clear of rival clubs and maintain their spots in the top two and four respectively.
The Raiders suffered a heavy loss to the Broncos on Sunday which now puts pressure on them to maintain fourth spot at the end of the round with a showdown against the Knights on home turf an opportunity for them to bounce back.
The Knights were good for 45 minutes of their match against the Sharks but fell away after getting to a big lead in a concern for Ron Griffiths despite another two competition points.
A win in enemy territory will all but ensure the Knights lock in a top two finish while the Raiders can maintain their spot in the four with victory over the visitors.
Match: Raiders v Knights
Round 7 -
home Team
Raiders
5th Position
away Team
Knights
2nd Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Team news
Raiders: Monalisa Soliola will start in a reshuffled Raiders forward pack, with Simaima Taufa to play prop and Hollie-Mae Dodd moving to lock. Grace Kemp drops back to the bench. Apii Nicholls returns from a foot injury at fullback, which means Shakiah Tungai moves back to her customary spot on the wing after filling in there last week and Jessica Gentle goes to the interchange. Prop Sophie Holyman will start despite suffering a leg injury against the Broncos. Elise Smith returns in the second row after being 18th player in Round 6.
Knights: Ron Griffiths has made one change to the 17 that defeated the Sharks last week with Tiana Davison coming onto the bench for Felila Kia. Back-rower Laishon Albert-Jones accepted a warning for a high tackle on Jada Taylor in Round 6 and is free to play. Viena Tinao came off the field late with a head knock but has been included on the interchange. No changes when the teams were finalised 60 minutes before kick-off.
Match: Raiders v Knights
Round 7 -
home Team
Raiders
away Team
Knights
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Apii NichollsFullback for Knights is number 1 Tamika Upton
-
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Madison BartlettWinger for Knights is number 2 Sheridan Gallagher
-
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Cheyelle Robins-RetiCentre for Knights is number 3 Shanice Parker
-
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Mackenzie WikiCentre for Knights is number 4 Abigail Roache
-
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Shakiah TungaiWinger for Knights is number 5 Jasmin Strange
-
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Zahara TemaraFive-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Georgia Roche
-
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Ashleigh QuinlanHalfback for Knights is number 7 Jesse Southwell
Forwards
-
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Sophie HolymanProp for Knights is number 8 Tayla Predebon
-
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Chanté TemaraHooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia Higgins
-
Prop for Raiders is number 13 Simaima TaufaProp for Knights is number 10 Caitlan Johnston
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Elise Smith2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Laishon Albert-Jones
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 20 Monalisa Soliola2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale
-
Lock for Raiders is number 12 Hollie-Mae DoddLock for Knights is number 13 Hannah Southwell
Interchange
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 8 Grace KempInterchange for Knights is number 14 Nita Maynard
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Kerehitina MatuaInterchange for Knights is number 15 Kayla Romaniuk
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 18 Petesa LioInterchange for Knights is number 16 Tiana Davison
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 21 Jessica GentleInterchange for Knights is number 17 Viena Tinao
Reserves
-
Replacement for Raiders is number 19 Ella RyanReplacement for Knights is number 18 Jacinta Carter
Match Officials
- Referee: Wyatt Raymond
- Senior Review Official: Dave Munro
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Raiders have not lost at home in three attempts this season.
- Newcastle are averaging 26 points per game this year to Canberra’s 20.
- The Raiders have conceded 49 more points in their six matches to Newcastle in 2023.
