BY VIV

The Raiders exceeded the expectations of all of us last weekend beating the Roosters 24-14, they were rewarded for their efforts by dropping a spot on the ladder to 8th and ending up with a points differential of -4, such is our lot. The Roosters remain in the top 4 thanks to the glut of 6 teams who are 1-1 for the season so far.

The Wests Tigers are holding top spot on the ladder with a convincing 36-8 win against the Eels in round one and a 10-0 win against Cronulla over the weekend. Canberra have another challenging assignment this week but look forward to playing St George and Parramatta in the upcoming weeks. A win this weekend would show us as contenders come September.

Our outside backs will have their work cut out for them this week with Tigers’ winger Jakiya Whitfield having speed to burn scoring three tries in their first two games. Trying to run around the pack and dancing with the sideline is unlikely to work this week and we will need to work smart from our kicks to keep this back line in their own half.

Team list thoughts

Simaima Taufa finished the game on Saturday with some heavy strapping to her leg after an awkward final tackle but is named to start at lock this weekend. Here’s hoping she is fit to play on Sunday and this isn’t the first selection smokescreen for the new franchise. Taufa’s workrate is immense making 42 tackles and 99 run metres and would be missed if she is sidelined.

Other than speculation about Taufa, the side remains unchanged.  Hollie-Mae Dodd had a much better performance last weekend starting in 2nd row. Once again Grace Kemp will be coming off the bench but if she keeps up her form a starting spot can’t be far away.

Match-ups

Grace Kemp Vs Sarah Togatuki

Both players have impressed with their attack this season (3 offloads and a try each across their games) and have made important contributions to their side’s defensive efforts this season.

Pauline Pillae-Rasabale vs Zahara Temara

If this game is close and the difference comes down to a try conversion, these two can’t be split in kicking accuracy. Temara should be better able to use her kicking game to get the Raiders repeat sets and keep the tigers defence guessing.

Predictions

We have turned Bruce Stadium into a fortress, Raiders by a last minute try!

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