BY VIV

I write this Wrumble after another win taking us to four wins for the season but perhaps not the convincing win we were hoping for. For a second week in a row, the Raiders got off to a strong start but let their opposition back in the second half holding on for a close victory. 

They go to Brisbane this week to take on the Broncos who will be wanting to put on a strong performance at home after letting Newcastle slip through their fingers in the 80th minute. It has been a mixed season for the Broncos: they easily accounted for the Eels and Cowboys but will be regretting a golden point loss against the Titans in round two.

This game will come down to who is better able to improve their second-half performance. The Broncos are tied with 5 other teams on 4 points and must win if they want to play finals football. A win for Canberra gives them more clear air at the top of the ladder before a difficult game next week against Newcastle.

The Broncos welcome back Julia Robinson to the side this week. She is an absolute beast on the wing. At the World Cup last year she scored seven tries in her four games and got two tries in her State of Origin appearance this year. Our backs will need a strong game to manage both Robinson and Mele Hufanga.

Team List Thoughts

An unchanged backline this week but more changes in the forwards. Grace Kemp is rewarded for her work off the bench starting in place of Tommaya Kelly-Sines who isn’t playing this week. Elise Smith retains her spot in the side and Hollie-Mae Dodd returns to the second row after missing last week’s game.

Tara Reinke returns to the bench and Ahlivia Ingram retains her spot with Monalisa Soliola picking up an ankle injury last week. Injuries are testing the depth in our forwards but Ingram had a solid game last week and while Smith had some errors, she also had some good runs and will be better for the experience. 

Both Soliola and Mackenzie Wiki are named on our extended bench but are unlikely to make a return this week, however, I wouldn’t completely rule out a smokescreen.

Matchups

Simaima Taufa vs Mariah Denman

Taufa is leading the Dally M votes, she is leading the player of the match polls on the podcasts, the internet forums, and my heart. Her engine is massive, her carries are flawless, her tackles don’t miss, and is the first person to put their hand up for the hard work. Anyone who watched the Broncos last weekend knows that this could also apply to Mariah Denman who lead the stats in tackles (28) and run metres (239m). Most of these carries went straight up the guts and sucked in enough defenders to create opportunities for the Broncos later in their sets. Expect big clashes this weekend.

Zahara Temara vs Ali Brigginshaw

Temara has led the Raiders this season with her kicking game setting up tries and her conversions giving the Raiders breathing space on the scoreboard. Ali Brigginshaw is one of the best to ever do it in the women’s game. Both have the game smarts to execute their team’s plan and adapt to what the opposition serves up.

Kerehitina Matua vs Mele Hufanga

I’ve been dreaming of watching these two clash on the field since round one.

Predictions

It’s looking like a beautiful day at Totally Workwear Stadium to watch some footy at 12:03pm exactly, Raiders by 4!

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