Raiders v Roosters: Brander steps up; Chooks unchanged
The opening game of Round 3 should be a cracker, with the Raiders and Roosters both entering the round undefeated.
The Raiders have quickly established themselves as the competition's surprise packet, with their back-to-back wins built on physicality through the middle and a commitment to defence.
A strong showing against the Warriors in Round 2 further showcased their ability to control momentum and punish errors.
The Roosters arrive in Canberra with plenty of confidence after edging Newcastle 12-10 in a high-quality contest. Their ability to absorb pressure and execute in key moments has been evident across the opening two rounds, and the experienced core knows how to get the job done for their team.
A key battle will be the battle for territory. Both teams defend exceptionally well, so whichever pack establishes dominance and wins the field-position game will likely create the opportunities out wide.
Match: Raiders v Roosters
Round 3 -
home Team
Raiders
2nd Position
away Team
Roosters
3rd Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Raiders: Only one change for the Green Machine following their big win over the Warriors last week, with Ellie Brander coming onto the bench in place of English international forward Hollie-Mae Dodd, who is out due to concussion.
Roosters: The Roosters are unchanged following their close win over the Knights last week. This is the third week in a row coach John Strange has been able to name the same line-up following the successful return by halfback Tarryn Aiken from an ACL injury.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Sheridan GallagherFullback for Roosters is number 1 Corban Baxter
-
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Elise SimpsonWinger for Roosters is number 2 Brydie Parker
-
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Leianne TufugaCentre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica Sergis
-
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Bobbi LawCentre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle Kelly
-
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Mackenzie WikiWinger for Roosters is number 5 Jayme Fressard
-
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Krystal BlackwellFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Jocelyn Kelleher
-
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Zahara TemaraHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Tarryn Aiken
Forwards
-
Prop for Raiders is number 8 Chloe SaundersProp for Roosters is number 8 Millie Elliott
-
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Chanté TemaraHooker for Roosters is number 9 Keeley Nizza
-
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Sophie HolymanProp for Roosters is number 10 Otesa Pule
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Jordyn Preston2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Sariah Paki
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Charlotte Basham2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Jasmin Strange
-
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Simaima TaufaLock for Roosters is number 13 Olivia Kernick
Interchange
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Emma BarnesInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Shawden Burton
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Grace KempInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Macie Carlile
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Ellie BranderInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Rima Butler
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Grace KukutaiInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Keighley Simpson
Reserves
-
Replacement for Raiders is number 18 Lili BoyleReplacement for Roosters is number 18 Mia Wood
-
Reserve for Raiders is number 19 Relna Wuruki-HoseaReserve for Roosters is number 19 Talea Tonga
-
Reserve for Raiders is number 20 Madison BartlettReserve for Roosters is number 20 Taneisha Gray
-
Reserve for Raiders is number 21 Sereana NaitokatokaReserve for Roosters is number 21 Nikiah Campbell
-
Reserve for Raiders is number 22 Isabella WatermanReserve for Roosters is number 22 Tatum Bird
Raiders Ins
- Ellie Brander
- Isabella Waterman
- Madison Bartlett
- Relna Wuruki-Hosea
- Sereana Naitokatoka
Roosters Ins
- Nikiah Campbell
- Talea Tonga
- Taneisha Gray
- Tatum Bird
Raiders Outs
- Hollie-Mae Dodd
Roosters Ins
Match Officials
- Referee: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Peter Gough
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Raiders are aiming for three straight wins at GIO Stadium for the first time since 2023.
- Roosters lock Olivia Kernick will play her 50th NRL game.
- Raiders winger Elise Simpson has scored seven tries in her last seven NRLW games.
- Roosters coach John Strange will become the first NRLW coach to take charge for 50 games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
It's an NRL-NRLW double-header in the nation's capital. Tickets are selling fast so don't miss the chance to watch the Raiders take on last year's minor premiers. Click here to get your tickets today.
