NRLW 2026, Round 8, Bulldogs v Raiders, match preview, team lists, injuries, updates

Bulldogs v Raiders: Hopoate back; Simpson looks to strike

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Wed 19 Aug 2026, 08:01 AM

Canberra heads to Belmore riding the momentum of one of their most important wins of the season after edging Newcastle 25-18 in Round 7.

Shakiah Holyman and Elise Simpson both crossed twice as the Raiders demonstrated the attacking creativity that has made them one of the competition's most dangerous teams on their day.

The Bulldogs, by contrast, were overrun early by Parramatta before eventually falling 30-18. While Canterbury fought their way back into the contest, the slow start proved too much to overcome.

The Raiders' ability to generate points from multiple threats will challenge a Bulldogs side that must improve defensively.

Canterbury have shown throughout the season they are capable of responding strongly to setbacks, but they'll need a fast start against a Canberra outfit playing with growing confidence.

Round 8 - Round 8 - Saturday 22 Aug

5:15 am

Bulldogs

Raiders

Venue: Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney

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Team News

Bulldogs: Pani Hopoate will start at prop this week after sitting out with a knee injury, moving Giovanna Suani to the reserves. Pauline Suli-Ruka has been named to start in the second row, making her return from a shoulder injury. Tamika Jones will miss the next two matches with suspension.

Raiders: An unchanged line-up for the Green Machine after mounting a late comeback to snatch a win over Newcastle last weekend. Sereana Naitokatoka remains as 18th player, while Kiwi representative back Madison Bartlett has been listed in the reserves, in search of her first appearance of the year.

Round 8 - Round 8 - Saturday 22 Aug

5:15 am

Bulldogs

Raiders

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Andie Robinson

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Sheridan Gallagher
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Simina Lokotui

Winger for Raiders is number 2 Elise Simpson
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Daynah Nankivell

Centre for Raiders is number 3 Leianne Tufuga
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Monica Tagoai

Centre for Raiders is number 4 Isabella Waterman
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Elizabeth MacGregor

Winger for Raiders is number 5 Mackenzie Wiki
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Ashleigh Quinlan

Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Krystal Blackwell
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Tayla Preston

Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Zahara Temara

Forwards

Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Kalosipani Hopoate

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Chloe Saunders
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Mary-Jane Taito

Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Chanté Temara
Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Alexis Tauaneai

Prop for Raiders is number 10 Sophie Holyman
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Leilani Wilson

2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Jordyn Preston
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Pauline Suli-Ruka

2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Charlotte Basham
Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa

Lock for Raiders is number 13 Simaima Taufa

Interchange

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Evelyn Roberts

Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Emma Barnes
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Latisha Smythe

Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Grace Kemp
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Hope Millard

Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Hollie-Mae Dodd
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Paea Uilou

Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Grace Kukutai

Reserves

Replacement for Bulldogs is number 18 Ma’atuleio Fotu-Moala

Replacement for Raiders is number 18 Sereana Naitokatoka
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 19 Giovanna Suani

Reserve for Raiders is number 19 Madison Bartlett
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 20 Bridget Hoy

Reserve for Raiders is number 20 Madyson Tooth
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 21 Ebony Prior

Reserve for Raiders is number 21 Relna Wuruki-Hosea
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 22 Moana Courtenay

Reserve for Raiders is number 22 Ellie Brander