Bulldogs v Raiders: Hopoate back; Simpson looks to strike
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.
Sophie 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.
Match: Bulldogs v Raiders
Round 8 -
home Team
Bulldogs
8th Position
away Team
Raiders
4th Position
Venue: Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney
Team News
Bulldogs: A change on Friday with Monica Tagoai coming out of the side and Bridget Hoy moving into the centres in No.20. Ebony Prior has been added to the bench in No.21. Pani Hopoate will start at prop this week after sitting out with a knee injury. Pauline Suli-Ruka has been named to start in the second row in her return from a shoulder injury. Tamika Jones will miss the next two matches with suspension.
Raiders: The Raiders are 1-17 with no late changes as they roll with the same team that downed the Knights last week. Madyson Tooth is the 18th player.
Match: Bulldogs v Raiders
Round 8 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Raiders
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Andie RobinsonFullback for Raiders is number 1 Sheridan Gallagher
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Elizabeth MacGregorWinger for Raiders is number 2 Elise Simpson
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 2 Simina LokotuiCentre for Raiders is number 3 Leianne Tufuga
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Daynah NankivellCentre for Raiders is number 4 Isabella Waterman
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 20 Bridget HoyWinger for Raiders is number 5 Mackenzie Wiki
-
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Ashleigh QuinlanFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Krystal Blackwell
-
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Tayla PrestonHalfback for Raiders is number 7 Zahara Temara
Forwards
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Kalosipani HopoateProp for Raiders is number 8 Chloe Saunders
-
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Mary-Jane TaitoHooker for Raiders is number 9 Chanté Temara
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Alexis TauaneaiProp for Raiders is number 10 Sophie Holyman
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Leilani Wilson2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Jordyn Preston
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Pauline Suli-Ruka2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Charlotte Basham
-
Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Angelina Teakaraanga-KatoaLock for Raiders is number 13 Simaima Taufa
Interchange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Latisha SmytheInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Emma Barnes
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Hope MillardInterchange for Raiders is number 15 Grace Kemp
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Paea UilouInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Hollie-Mae Dodd
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 21 Ebony PriorInterchange for Raiders is number 17 Grace Kukutai
Reserves
-
Replacement for Bulldogs is number 18 Ma’atuleio Fotu-MoalaReplacement for Raiders is number 20 Madyson Tooth
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Peter Gough
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Bulldogs have won four of their last six games at home venues
- The Raiders slammed the Bulldogs 56-24 last year in their only previous meeting
- Bulldogs winger Simina Lokotui has scored six tries in her last five games
- Raiders winger Elise Simpson has scored 12 tries in her last 12 games
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
