BY VIV

It’s the penultimate round of the NRLW this weekend and the Raiders are off to the Gold Coast to play the North Queensland Cowboys. Our loss last week to the Knights means that we are now out of the top four, The Broncos take our spot based on their superior for/against. If we can get a win this week AND fix our differential, round 9 will be a winner takes all battle against the Titans for that last spot in the top 4.

What do the Raiders need to do this week? Either come out of the gates so strong and put on so many points in the first half that even if the girls run out of energy the North Queensland can’t close the gap or do some serious thinking around how they manage their games. If fitness is the reason behind poor second halves for Canberra, it probably can’t be fixed this season but the team can think about how they approach their sets and manage their bench rotations to maximise what the team can produce on game day.

The Cowboys haven’t had a good run of it, losing their last three games to Cronulla, St George, and Parramatta, two of these games have been blowouts so our backline should have opportunities to get some tries.

Team List Thoughts

After breaking her jaw in round 3, Emma Barnes makes a welcome return to the side. In her first games this season she has lived up to the potential that saw her being signed from her performance in the 2023 National Championships. Barnes is able to take advantage of tired defenders and create opportunities when Chante Temara isn’t on the field.

The backline otherwise remains unchanged. Mackenzie Wiki was immense with 250 run metres, with better ball security she will be one of our biggest attacking threats this weekend.

The forwards have Elise Smith starting in the second row and Ingram, Matua and Reinke on the bench. Tommaya Kelly-Sines and Monalisa Soliola are on the extended bench, you would think to try and prove their fitness for the weekend. Given the last two weeks, I’ve written this Wrumble only to find out Darrin Borthwick has made last-minute changes who knows how this will unfold on the weekend.

Key Matchups

Simaima Taufa vs China Polata

After some relatively quiet weeks (by her insane standards), Taufa has the opportunity to put on a big performance for the Raiders this week.

China Polata has had an interesting career. After being discovered for the Queensland under 19s origin squad via her workout videos posted on Youtube by her dad, she returned from an ACL injury last season for the Broncos before signing with the Cowboys for a fresh start. Traditionally an outside back, she has moved into the forwards this season. She can put on big hits and has speed to burn.

Ash Quinlan vs. Kirra Dibb

Kirra Dibb has been one of the Cowboys’ best this season. Their win against Newcastle in round two was a result of clever kicking and game management by Dibb. However, in the games I’ve watched, she has found herself running alone and not having the support to execute her plays.

Ash Quinlan has an 88% tackle efficiency over this season and should be able to take away Dibb’s time and space on the field.

Predictions

Raiders by 12, Apii Nicholls to streak away for the winning try at her old home ground. I’ll be at CBus Super Stadium cheering them every step of the way.

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