BY VIV

There are three rounds left in this season, the Raiders need to win at least one of these and do some work on their for and against to make it into finals. This isn’t a reflection on their performance this season, but rather the result of a close competition. The results of the Broncos/Sharks and Titans/Tigers games this weekend will determine who is competing for the last two final spots alongside the Raiders.

This weekend we host the Newcastle Knights at home. Our goal this week is to get the win. The Knights are reigning premiers with only one loss this season. They have wonderkid Jesse Southwell in the halves and a big forward pack led by Caitlan Johnston. Tamika Upton at fullback is a danger every time she gets the ball.

This is a winnable game for the Raiders if they learn from last week and toughen up their defence. Better game management is needed to ensure repeat sets and prolonged attacking pressure. If they are going to play expansive footy, they need to be ready to defend if the moves don’t come off. A loss this weekend could see us drop out of the top 4 (if Brisbane wins) 

Team List Thoughts

We are back to almost a full-strength side this week – Apii Nicholls returns to fullback after missing last week with a foot injury allowing Shak Tungai to return to her wing. This forces Jess Gentle back to the reserves after a good performance last week. Elise Smith starts in the second row replacing Petesa Lio. Ua Ravu is named on the bench replacing Ella Ryan. Monalisa Soliola and Tommaya Kelly-Sines are named in the reserves but are both carrying injuries.

Grace Kemp retains her starting spot in the front row after a massive game last week. Sophie Holyman seems to be healed from the hip flexor injury that stopped her from finishing the game last week. Ahlivia Ingram comes off the bench and her defensive work can’t be faulted. Looking back at our last few games, we have struggled with our forwards picking up injuries/HIAs mid-game, forcing the rest of the squad to do extra stints on the field. Hopefully, that isn’t an issue this week.

Key Matchups

Cheyelle Robins-Reti vs Shanice Parker

Both of these players have been try-scoring machines this season, Robins-Reti scoring 4 tries and Parker scoring 5. They are virtually inseparable on run metres but Robins-Reti is a slightly more efficient defender. With the announcement of the Pacific Rugby League Championship later this year, both players will be wanting to impress the New Zealand team selectors.

Apii Nicholls vs Tamika Upton

Tamika Upton has led her team in run metres for most of the Knights’ games this season, averaging 212m per game. She’s had 31 tackle breaks in the season so far.  Apii hasn’t been able to get on the scoreboard yet but her work in aggressively running the ball to create attacking opportunities is crucial to the Raiders’ success

Predictions

If we can keep our players on the field and have a big home crowd getting behind the girls (you have your tickets right?) there is no reason why we can’t put last week behind us and get it done, Raiders by six with Apii to score the winning try.

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