Dragons v Raiders: Fuimaono returns; Blackwell's new role
With Maroons coach Nathan Cross at the helm, the Red V have a notable new face in young fullback Montaya Hudson, while Maroons gun Shenae Ciesiolka also adds spark to a Dragons backline that will be looking to create more attacking variation.
Dragons captain Brooke Anderson said the gap between all of the teams this year was closing and she was “excited to see how everyone goes”.
The Raiders will be fired up to improve on their 3-8 record in 2025 and have set themselves up for success with the recruitment of Sheridan Gallagher, Bobbi Law, Krystal Blackwell and Ellie Brander, adding to a squad that already boasted established leaders Simaima Taufa, Zahara Temara, Grace Kemp and Hollie-Mae Dodd.
Control and composure will be key as Canberra’s experienced spine and forward leadership aims to drag the Dragons into a physical contest, while the Red V Iwill want to use width and Hudson’s involvement to stretch the defence.
Match: Dragons v Raiders
Round 1 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Raiders
Venue: St George Venues Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Dragons: Taliah Fuimaono will start at five-eighth in her return to the Dragons and partner emerging talent Kasey Reh in the halves. Fellow recruit Brooke Anderson will line up at lock, with former Bronco Shenae Ciesiolka named in the centres. Nita Maynard-Perrin will wear the No.9 jumper, while Teagan Berry will start her final season as a Dragon at fullback.
Raiders: Former Cowboy Krystal Blackwell has been named at five-eighth and is set to partner co-captain Zahara Temara in the halves. Fellow recruit Sheridan Gallagher will wear the No.1 jumper, while Bobbi Law is listed in the centres and Charlotte Basham in the back row. Simaima Taufa will line up at lock after recovering from off-season surgery that forced her out of the Origin series.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Teagan BerryFullback for Raiders is number 1 Sheridan Gallagher
-
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Maria PasekaWinger for Raiders is number 2 Elise Simpson
-
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Shenae CiesiolkaCentre for Raiders is number 3 Leianne Tufuga
-
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Keele BrowneCentre for Raiders is number 4 Bobbi Law
-
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Jayme MillardWinger for Raiders is number 5 Mackenzie Wiki
-
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Taliah FuimaonoFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Krystal Blackwell
-
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Kasey RehHalfback for Raiders is number 7 Zahara Temara
Forwards
-
Prop for Dragons is number 8 Madison MulhallProp for Raiders is number 8 Chloe Saunders
-
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Nita Maynard-PerrinHooker for Raiders is number 9 Chanté Temara
-
Prop for Dragons is number 10 Ruby-Jean Kennard-EllisProp for Raiders is number 10 Sophie Holyman
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Montana Clifford2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Jordyn Preston
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Hannah Southwell2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Charlotte Basham
-
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Brooke AndersonLock for Raiders is number 13 Simaima Taufa
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Tori ShiptonInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Emma Barnes
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Trinity TauaneaiInterchange for Raiders is number 15 Grace Kemp
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Ella KosterInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Hollie-Mae Dodd
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Seriah PalepaleInterchange for Raiders is number 17 Grace Kukutai
Reserves
-
Replacement for Dragons is number 18 Zali HopkinsReplacement for Raiders is number 18 Lili Boyle
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 19 Tahlia O'BrienReserve for Raiders is number 19 Relna Wuruki-Hosea
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 20 Ahlivia IngramReserve for Raiders is number 20 Madison Bartlett
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 21 Lavinia KitaiReserve for Raiders is number 21 Sereana Naitokatoka
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 22 Tyra EkepatiReserve for Raiders is number 22 Ellie Brander
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- Dragons fullback Teagan Berry has scored four tries in three games against the Raiders.
- Raiders lock Simaima Taufa will make her 50th NRLW appearance.
- The Dragons have won only one of their last six games at St George Venues Jubilee Stadium.
- Raiders fullback Elise Simpson scored six tries in her last five games in 2025.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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