BY VIV

NRLW season 2024 is finally here. 12 months to reflect on what was, what might have been and the Raiders are back for their second season in the competition. The short NRLW season means that any win outside of the big teams (Roosters, Knights, Titans) is essential in building enough points to make finals.

This week we take on the Tigers with the hope that our ball-handling skills have vastly improved since our trial match against the Knights (Chey Robins-Reti fumbling the first play the ball after a penalty lives on in my nightmares). In the corresponding fixture last year we got away with a 28-24 win after being up 26-12 in the 60th minute. The Raiders will need to be better at keeping their focus in the back end of games.

2024 Squad

We’ve gained a lot of young talent for this season – Amelia Pasikala (Roosters), Jada Faleono, Relna Wuruki-Hosea, Sereana Naitokatoka (Sharks), Tatiana Finau and Georgia Willey (promoted from development) and said goodbye to Tara Reinke (Tigers), Jess Gentle (Knights), Ahlivia Ingram and Petesa Lio. The new signings are young and hungry and it will be interesting to see how they push our current starters to improve.

Team list

Compared to the trial match against Newcastle, Shakiah Tungai makes way for Alanna Dummett, Chey Robins-Reti starts after an injury scare that saw her being carried off the field during the trial, and Monalisa Soliola comes in for Tatiana Finau in the forwards. Sereana Naitokatoka gets her Raiders debut after being named on the bench. Extremely versatile, she will be able to fill in at halfback or outside back.

The Opposition

The Tigers finished 8th last year, and they’ll be looking to improve their performance in close games. They lost 2023 NRLW Winger of the Year Jakaya Whitfield to the Cowboys which is a blow to their backline. The Tigers’ forward pack has some big names including Kezie Apps, Sarah Togatuki, and Christian Pio who are great at taking on the line and looking for an offload. Expect a strong start from their forwards and for Bo Vette-Welsh to be an attacking threat at fullback.

Match-ups

Grace Kemp vs Tara Reinke

Hopefully not a revenge game for the powerlifting record holder Tara Reinke as she makes her Tigers debut. Grace Kemp has had a breakout year so far playing in the All-Stars and State of Origin. She could easily start but there is something very appealing about watching her stomp over tired defenders. 

Leianne Tufuga vs Mackenzie Wiki

The last time we played the Tigers, Leianne Tufuga scored a hattrick, bringing them back into the game. Our centres will need to be sharp in defence to stop Tufuga. On the other hand, Wiki is yet to score for the Raiders in NRLW despite some promising line breaks.

Conclusion

It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new season for me and I’m feeling good – Raiders by 6!

To get more of Viv’s takes follow her on Twitter here, or like our page on Facebook. Don’t hesitate to send us feedback (dan@sportress.org) or comment below if you think we are stupid. Or if we’re not.