Titans v Raiders: Chapman sidelined; Dodd promoted to start
The opening match of Round 9 should be a cracker, with second-placed Gold Coast hosting fourth-placed Canberra.
The Titans flexed their muscle last round with a 28-20 win over the Broncos, while the Raiders produced one of their most dominant performances in club history by beating the Bulldogs 48-4.
Gold Coast's win over Brisbane showcased the balance that has made them such a dangerous side this season.
Their forward pack laid the platform, while their outside backs capitalised on opportunities whenever the Broncos' defensive line fractured. The Titans consistently find points through multiple avenues, making them one of the competition's most complete attacking teams.
Canberra arrive brimming with confidence after securing their first NRLW finals berth. The Raiders overwhelmed Canterbury from the get-go, racing to a 28-0 half-time lead before finishing with nine tries. Zahara Temara again controlled the game superbly, while Krystal Blackwell's hat-trick highlighted their attacking potency.
One of the key battles will be Canberra's physical middle rotation against a Titans pack that has consistently won the yardage battle this year. The Raiders have built their success on defence and resilience, but Gold Coast possess very dangerous edge attack that will test Canberra's defensive systems.
Expect a high-quality contest between two sides that have earned their place in the top four.
Match: Titans v Raiders
Round 9 -
home Team
Titans
2nd Position
away Team
Raiders
5th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Team News
Titans: No further changes for the Titans after star centre Jaime Chapman was ruled out on Friday with a calf injury. "Chappo picked up a bit of an injury in last week's game and she's not quite right so we'll rest her this week," coach Karyn Murphy said. Georgia Gray moves into the centres and Destiny Mino-Sinapati joins the starting side on the wing. Teagan Levi has been cleared of any ankle concern and will partner with Lauren Brown in the halves. Captain Georgia Hale, named at hooker, will play her 50th game for the club.
Raiders: No changes to the line-up in the 90 minute squad update. Hollie-Mae Dodd will start in place of Charlotte Basham, who failed her HIA last week. Lili Boyle is the new face on the bench after coach Darrin Borthwick said she impressed for Mounties. "I feel Lily will contribute to our pack as well, so very happy for Lil and she has been very patient and she deserves her opportunity this weekend." Evie McGrath has been named as 18th player.
Match: Titans v Raiders
Round 9 -
home Team
Titans
away Team
Raiders
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Titans is number 1 Lily PatstonFullback for Raiders is number 1 Sheridan Gallagher
-
Winger for Titans is number 5 Indie BostockWinger for Raiders is number 2 Elise Simpson
-
Centre for Titans is number 2 Georgia GreyCentre for Raiders is number 3 Leianne Tufuga
-
Centre for Titans is number 4 Phoenix-Raine HippiCentre for Raiders is number 4 Isabella Waterman
-
Winger for Titans is number 18 Destiny Mino-SinapatiWinger for Raiders is number 5 Mackenzie Wiki
-
Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Teagan LeviFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Krystal Blackwell
-
Halfback for Titans is number 7 Lauren BrownHalfback for Raiders is number 7 Zahara Temara
Forwards
-
Prop for Titans is number 8 Laikha ClarkeProp for Raiders is number 8 Chloe Saunders
-
Hooker for Titans is number 9 Georgia HaleHooker for Raiders is number 9 Chanté Temara
-
Prop for Titans is number 10 Fanua RimoniProp for Raiders is number 10 Sophie Holyman
-
2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Evania Isa'ako2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Jordyn Preston
-
2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Ivana Lolesio2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Hollie-Mae Dodd
-
Lock for Titans is number 13 Sienna LofipoLock for Raiders is number 13 Simaima Taufa
Interchange
-
Interchange for Titans is number 14 Lily KolcInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Emma Barnes
-
Interchange for Titans is number 15 Eta SikaheleInterchange for Raiders is number 15 Grace Kemp
-
Interchange for Titans is number 16 Jasmine SoliaInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Lili Boyle
-
Interchange for Titans is number 17 Takoda ThompsonInterchange for Raiders is number 17 Grace Kukutai
Reserves
-
Replacement for Titans is number 19 Pauline Piliae-RasabaleReplacement for Raiders is number 18 Evie McGrath
Match Officials
- Referee: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Peter Gough
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Titans have won two of their three games against the Raiders.
- The Raiders have won three from three away from home this season.
- Titans captain Georgia Hale will play her 50th game for the club.
- Raiders winger Elise Simpson has scored eight tries in her last seven games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
