Raiders v Sharks: Borthwick backs his 17; First win beckons
The opening clash of Round 4 brings together two sides eager to bounce back from Round 3 defeats.
Canberra pushed the undefeated Roosters all the way before falling 22-18 in one of the games of the season, while Cronulla's momentum stalled when they suffered a surprise 24-18 loss to the Bulldogs.
With both teams sitting in the middle of a congested ladder, the result could prove significant in the race for the top four.
For the Raiders, there was plenty to like despite the defeat. Canberra controlled large portions of the contest against the Roosters and showed they have the physicality and defensive resilience to compete with the competition's best sides. Their aggressive style has troubled their opponents across the opening rounds.
Cronulla will arrive intent on rediscovering the form that made them one of the early-season benchmarks. The Sharks have shown they can control possession and dominate through the middle, but they will be keen to tighten their execution after allowing Canterbury to dictate key moments in Round 3. A fast start likely.
The battle between the forward packs may ultimately determine the outcome. Both sides rely heavily on generating momentum through the middle, and whichever team wins the yardage battle will place significant pressure on the opposition's defensive structures.
Expect a physical encounter that could be decided by the smallest of margins.
Match: Raiders v Sharks
Round 4 -
home Team
Raiders
5th Position
away Team
Sharks
10th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Raiders: No changes to the side that went toe-to-toe with 2025 minor premiers the Roosters last week, with only an unfortunate off day with the boot seeing them go down 24-18. Both teams scored four tries, but Zahara Temara was unable to convert any, only landing a penalty goal. Forward Ellie Brander, who made her NRLW debut last week, has retained her place on the bench. Hollie-Mae Dodd has been named on the extended bench as she returns from concussion.
Sharks: An unchanged line-up for the Sharks as they hunt their first win of the 2026 season. Skipper Tiana Penitani Gray remains sidelined with a quad injury, with rugby union convert Madison Higgins-Ashby, who stepped up last week to start, remaining in the centres.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Sheridan GallagherFullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada Taylor
-
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Elise SimpsonWinger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples
-
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Leianne TufugaCentre for Sharks is number 3 Madison Higgins-Ashby
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Centre for Raiders is number 4 Bobbi LawCentre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle
-
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Mackenzie WikiWinger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics
-
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Krystal BlackwellFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway
-
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Zahara TemaraHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-Ratu
Forwards
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Prop for Raiders is number 8 Chloe SaundersProp for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
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Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Chanté TemaraHooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
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Prop for Raiders is number 10 Sophie HolymanProp for Sharks is number 10 Caitlan Johnston-Green
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Jordyn Preston2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Manilita Takapautolo
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Charlotte Basham2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 China Polata
-
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Simaima TaufaLock for Sharks is number 13 Tegan Dymock
Interchange
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Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Emma BarnesInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu
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Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Grace KempInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Najvada George
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Ellie BranderInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Jaydika Tafua
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Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Grace KukutaiInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Jacinta Carter
Reserves
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Replacement for Raiders is number 18 Lili BoyleReplacement for Sharks is number 18 Rhiannon Byers
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Reserve for Raiders is number 19 Hollie-Mae DoddReserve for Sharks is number 19 Leilani Ahsam
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Reserve for Raiders is number 20 Relna Wuruki-HoseaReserve for Sharks is number 20 Koffi Brookfield
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Reserve for Raiders is number 21 Madison BartlettReserve for Sharks is number 21 Olivia Herman
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Reserve for Raiders is number 22 Sereana NaitokatokaReserve for Sharks is number 22 Marewakiterangi Samson
Raiders Ins
- Hollie-Mae Dodd
- Madison Bartlett
- Relna Wuruki-Hosea
- Sereana Naitokatoka
Sharks Ins
- Leilani Ahsam
- Marewakiterangi Samson
- Olivia Herman
- Rhiannon Byers
Raiders Outs
Sharks Ins
Match Officials
- Referee: Liam Kennedy
- Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Raiders have averaged 27 points per game over the opening three rounds
- The Sharks have won all three matches against the Raiders
- Raiders winger Mackenzie Wiki has scored four tries in three games this season
- The Sharks have averaged 45 points per game in three wins at GIO Stadium
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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