NRLW Prelim Final: Roosters v Raiders
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Having swept all before them in the regular season, the Roosters sit one win away from a shot at redemption in the NRLW decider.
The heartbreaking loss to the Broncos in last year's grand final still stings and the Roosters will earn a chance at redemption if they can eliminate the Raiders at Allianz Stadium.
Now in their fourth season, the Green Machine are playing finals for the first time and will have taken plenty of confidence out of a 6-0 shutout against Wests Tigers last week.
With weapons across the park and a gun playmaker in Zahara Temara, the Raiders are not to be taken lightly, and Roosters coach John Strange is sure to have drilled home to his players the need to be switched on for the full 70 if they are to progress to a sixth grand final in nine seasons.
Follow the NRLW Preliminary Final action on NRL.com's live blog.
Roosters v Raiders at Allianz Stadium
Match: Roosters v Raiders
Finals Week 2 -
home Team
Roosters
1st Position
away Team
Raiders
5th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
15th minute: Now it's the Roosters who are digging in in defence. A penalty gave Canberra an attacking set of six and they threw plenty at their rivals but the hosts eventually stopped Bobbi Law on the last to force a turnover. Roosters 4 - Raiders 0.
7th minute: The Raiders have successfully defended their own line with a crucial early stop. An error from Chloe Saunders handed the Roosters a chance to extend their lead and Brydie Parker came close but the Canberra cover defence was up to the task. Roosters 4 - Raiders 0.
Jayme Fressard Try
3rd minute: It's a dream return from injury for Roosters winger Jayme Fressard, who crossed for the first points of the game. A penalty for a crusher tackle put the minor premiers on the attack and they quickly capitalising. There was some nice work through the middle of the field to create the space out wide and Fressard finished it off. Roosters 4 - Raiders 0.
Kick-off: We are underway at Allianz Stadium with the Raiders looking to upset the Roosters and book their place in a maiden NRLW Grand Final. A storm has swept through Sydney in the past couple of hours so conditions are wet this evening and ball control will be at a premium throughout the opening stages of this contest. The Roosters have been perfect in 2026 so far and are out to keep the undefeated dream alive as they chase premiership redemption.
Baxter prepares for physical contest
Roosters v Raiders: Finals Week 2
Stat Attack
- The Roosters have won their last three games against the Raiders.
- The Raiders have the third best defensive record in the NRLW this season.
- Roosters prop Millie Elliott will make her 50th NRLW appearance.
- Raiders winger Isabella Waterman has scored a try in her last three games.
- Roosters halfback Tarryn Aiken has scored a try in all four games against the Raiders.
Late Mail
Roosters: No late changes for the Roosters with Jayme Fressard returning from a hand injury via the wing. Taina Naividi goes to the bench, moving Mia Wood to the 18th player role. Retiring Roosters Corban Baxter (fullback) and Millie Elliott (prop) will be hoping their NRLW careers have two more games left as they aim leave on winning note. Mia Wood is the 18th player.
Raiders: An unchanged line-up from their opening finals win for the Green Machine, with Canberra to line up 1-17. Coach Darrin Borthwick is anticipating a close game. "Playing against the Roosters, they've always been close games and we're looking forward to getting up there on Saturday," he said. Ellie Brander is the 18th player.
