BY VIV

The last week of the regular season is here. One of the following scenarios needs to happen for the Canberra Raiders to make finals in their first NRLW season:

1. Broncos lose and Canberra win against the Titans
2. Broncos win and Canberra win against the Titans by at least 12 (more likely)

The game will be on Sunday so we will know before kick-off what we need to do to make the four. The Titans are a good side, they have a very smart spine with Lauren Brown in halfback and Evania Pelite in fullback. Defensively, their forward pack has talent in Shannon Mato and Shaylee Bent being supported by veteran Steph Hancock and promising young talent Rilee Jorgensen coming off the bench. Rilee has had a breakout year making the Queensland under 19 state of origin side and continuing that form for the Titans. 

Comparing the two sides, the Raiders have been able to score more points than the Titans (167 vs 134) but they’ve also conceded more points than the Titans (176 vs 120). Our defence will need to step up to limit the Titans’ scoring options. Excluding last week’s demolition of the Eels, the Titans have an average winning margin of 5 points so we can definitely put points on them.

Team List Thoughts

It has been confirmed that Hollie-Mae Dodd has ruptured her ACL during the game against the Cowboys and we wish her the best for her recovery. Elise Smith has been named to start in the second row. Otherwise this is an unchanged side from last week.

Looking at the extended bench, if anyone is going to be swapped in for Smith last minute it would be Ahlivia Ingram as the only forward on the extended bench. Mackenzie Wiki went off last week with a foot injury but has been named in the squad to play this week.

Key Matchups

Apii Nicholls vs Evania Pelite

Apii Nicholls played for the Titans last year as their fullback pushing Evania Pelite into the centres. Apii’s running game has improved out of sight since joining the Raiders and her handling has improved. Unfortunately for the Raiders, Evania moving back into her preferred position has allowed her to be more involved in attack. With 62 tackle breaks this season our defence will need to make sure our tackles stick.

Cheyelle Robins-Reti vs Jaime Chapman

This match-up will be interesting. After a big game on the wing in State of Origin, Jaime Chapman has had a stop-start season in the centres with the Titans, missing two full rounds with injury and being forced off early with a concussion against the Tigers. However, last week she ran 207m and scored three tries against the Eels.  Cheyelle Robins-Reti has impressed after making the switch from rugby union, being awarded the Canberra Raiders NRLW Rookie of the Year last week. If Chapman can stay on the field this weekend, the Raiders will have to work hard to contain her.

Predictions

Raiders by 13 points to begin our premiership charge! Let’s go!

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