Raiders v Warriors: Canberra consistent; Waaka makes NRLW return
This game is a tough one to predict, with two Round 1 winners going head-to-head. The Raiders beat the Dragons 20-4, while the Warriors were impressive 32-10 winners over the Bulldogs.
Canberra built their win through physical defence and forward dominance. Their pack laid the platform, allowing the backs to capitalise on opportunities.
The Warriors, on the other hand, were one of the more entertaining attacking teams of the opening round. Their ability to move the ball quickly and challenge defenders on the edges caused constant problems for the Bulldogs.
Canberra will likely attempt to slow the tempo and turn the game into a contest through the middle, while the Warriors will want quick rucks and expansive football. The contrasting styles make this a fascinating tactical battle.
Home ground advantage may slightly favour the Raiders, but if the Warriors reproduce their Round 1 attacking groove, they have every chance of leaving Canberra with another two competition points.
Match: Raiders v Warriors
Round 2 -
home Team
Raiders
4th Position
away Team
Warriors
3rd Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Raiders: Following their win against the Dragons last week, the Raiders will field an unchanged lineup for the clash against the Warriors. Krystal Blackwell made her first appearance as a five-eighth last week and will once again partner co-captain Zahara Temara in the halves.
Warriors: Gun winger Stacey Waaka has been named to make her club debut in her return to the NRLW. The former NRLW Winger of the Year winner went back to play rugby union after her successful stint with the Broncos, but is back in rugby league this season. She comes in for the injured Payton Takimoana (shoulder). Metanoia Fotu-Moala comes in a starting prop for the suspended Mya Hill-Moana while Ivana Lauitiiti will return from suspension via the bench, in for Laishon Albert-Jones, who suffered a leg injury in Round 1.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Sheridan GallagherFullback for Warriors is number 1 Apii Nicholls
-
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Elise SimpsonWinger for Warriors is number 2 Stacey Waaka
-
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Leianne TufugaCentre for Warriors is number 3 Tysha Ikenasio
-
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Bobbi LawCentre for Warriors is number 4 Emmanita Paki
-
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Mackenzie WikiWinger for Warriors is number 5 Lavinia Tauhalaliku
-
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Krystal BlackwellFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Gayle Broughton
-
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Zahara TemaraHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Patricia Maliepo
Forwards
-
Prop for Raiders is number 8 Chloe SaundersProp for Warriors is number 8 Annetta Nuuausala
-
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Chanté TemaraHooker for Warriors is number 9 Capri Paekau
-
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Sophie HolymanProp for Warriors is number 10 Metanoia Fetalaiga
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Jordyn Preston2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Maarire Puketapu
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Charlotte Basham2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Shakira Baker
-
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Simaima TaufaLock for Warriors is number 13 Ashlee Matapo
Interchange
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Emma BarnesInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Jasmin Huriwai
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Grace KempInterchange for Warriors is number 15 Harata Butler
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Hollie-Mae DoddInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Ivana Lauitiiti
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Grace KukutaiInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Christabelle Onesemo
Reserves
-
Replacement for Raiders is number 18 Lili BoyleReplacement for Warriors is number 18 Natalia Hickling
-
Reserve for Raiders is number 19 Relna Wuruki-HoseaReserve for Warriors is number 19 Felila Kia
-
Reserve for Raiders is number 20 Madison BartlettReserve for Warriors is number 20 Ocean Tierney
-
Reserve for Raiders is number 21 Sereana Naitokatoka
-
Reserve for Raiders is number 22 Ellie Brander
Raiders Ins
- Ellie Brander
- Madison Bartlett
- Relna Wuruki-Hosea
- Sereana Naitokatoka
Warriors Ins
- Felila Kia
- Ivana Lauitiiti
- Natalia Hickling
- Ocean Tierney
- Stacey Waaka
Raiders Outs
Warriors Ins
- Laishon Albert-Jones
- Mya Hill-Moana
- Payton Takimoana
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Adam Gee
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Raiders have won only one of their last 11 games at GIO Stadium.
- The Warriors play at GIO Stadium for the first time since 2020.
- The Raiders have won four of their last six NRLW games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
The Raiders NRLW team is back home for the first time this year. Kids go free with a paying adult, click here to secure your seats today.
