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
2nd Position
away Team
Warriors
8th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Team News
Raiders: The Raiders are 1-18 with no late changes for Darrin Borthwick who has gone with an unchanged line-up after a first-up win over the Dragons. Krystal Blackwell made her first appearance as a five-eighth last week and will once again partner co-captain Zahara Temara in the halves for the Green Machine, who have won only one of their last 11 games at GIO Stadium.
Warriors: No further changes for the Warriors after a big shuffle on Saturday with five-eighth Gayle Broughton ruled out with a quad injury while winger Lavinia Tauhalaliku and forward Felilia Kia are also out. Centre Emmanita Paki replaces Broughton at five-eighth. Ocean Tierney makes her NRLW debut on the wing and Natalia Hickling debuts off the bench. Black Ferns superstar Stacey Waaka has been moved into the centres for her first appearance for the Warriors. With prop Mya Hill-Moana suspended for one game for a hip drop tackle, Tonga international Metanoia Fetalaiga moves into the starting front row. Ivana Lauitiiti returns on the bench having served a suspension incurred during the Kiwi Ferns’ Pacific Championships final loss to the Jillaroos last November.
Match: Raiders v Warriors
Round 2 -
home Team
Raiders
away Team
Warriors
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 12 Shakira Baker
-
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Mackenzie WikiWinger for Warriors is number 20 Ocean Tierney
-
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Krystal BlackwellFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 4 Emmanita Paki
-
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 17 Christabelle Onesemo
-
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 18 Natalia Hickling
Reserves
-
Replacement for Raiders is number 18 Lili Boyle
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.
