Heart of a lion: Gallagher drives Green Machine's title tilt

A lion on the field and a pussycat off it... that description of Sheridan Gallagher by Raiders captain Zahara Temara might not immediately spring to mind as the Canberra fullback works her way upfield. 

But Temara said it is an apt one as the 24-year-old NRLW premiership winner from Newcastle (2023) solidifies her position as one of the Raiders' best in 2026.  

“She looks so fierce in her kick-returns, bumping off defenders, but she is one of the loveliest people,” Temara told NRL.com. 

“It’s quite funny because it’s quite a contrast between her two personalities of player and person.” 

Arriving from the Knights with 32 games as a winger, Gallagher has made a seamless transition to the No.1 jersey.

She’s scored three tries and laid on another in 2026, as well as busting 32 tackles, but it’s her movement that captures the fans’ attention. 

Gallagher leads the NRLW for the number of runs (223), out-strips Isabelle Kelly in run metres (1982 to 1910) and is ahead of established fullbacks Tamika Upton and Corban Baxter in kick-return metres. 

Her stats from the 22-10 win over Wests Tigers to end the club season last weekend further prove the point. She made 19 runs for 196 metres, including 93 post-contact metres – the best of any player on either side at Leichhardt Oval that night. 

Wests Tigers will again host the Raiders – this time at Campbelltown – in Friday night’s elimination final. 

Temara said Gallagher’s fitness and strength were obvious but there was another reason for her prowess.

“She’s cut from the same cloth as Mima (Simaima Taufa). She’s one of the hardest workers and one of the last people off the field after training,” she said. 

“I love how the team has gotten around her and even KB (Krystal Blackwell from Cowboys) to give them that time to settle in.” 

Blackwell played mostly wing or fullback in Townsville but has slotted in nicely at five-eighth alongside Temara, showing the Raiders are willing to take a punt on players out of position. 

“There was no pressure to perform straight away in those positions but they did anyway,” Temara said. 

“Sheridan is only 11 games into being a fullback – that’s a big change and it’s quite hard but she’s been awesome. 

“She’s always willing to learn and after every game she’s said to me, ‘Zee what do you need from me? What do you want more of?’ 

“The professionalism and selflessness she has brought to this team is fantastic.

“She’s such an asset with her boot and it does take a substantial load off my shoulders at times. 

“Everyone’s efforts to give each other some grace and wiggle room has been awesome.”