BY VIV

This week the Raiders come up to Brisbane to face a Broncos side that: a) finally has a full-strength squad and, b) has worked out how to play footy together.  

After a slow start (2 losses) the Broncos went forward with a head full of steam and put 44 points on the Titans last weekend.  The Raiders go into this game with the same win/loss record but mentally picking themselves up from last week’s mauling from the Sharks. Based on last year, NRLW teams will need 6 wins from 9 games to get themselves into the top 4. Lose this weekend and that job becomes almost impossible. 

The weather will be in play this weekend. It’s been miserable in Brisbane this week. The BOM says the rain will ease today and tomorrow will be sunny but I think the ground will still be pretty soggy underfoot. If the BOM’s threat of a 28-degree day comes true, the humidity will be oppressive for a Raiders side lacking the stamina to close out games.

Changes

No changes for the top-grade side. One of our new signings, Amelia Pasikala, makes her return from injury in the Harvey Norman Premiership this weekend. A strong performance there could pave the way for a Raiders debut in the coming weeks. 

The Raiders need to address whatever is causing these second-half fadeouts, halfway through the season is too late to fix issues with fitness but reviewing who we carry on the bench could be the answer to this. Pasikala at full fitness could be what the Raiders need. The club will need to decide if this is at the expense of an existing forward like Matua or Kelly-Sines or if we sacrifice the utility of Naitokatoka for more power.

The Opposition

The Broncos also name an unchanged side from last week. Stacey Waaka made her NRLW debut last weekend after winning a gold medal in the 7s at the Olympics. 11 runs for 146 metres and no errors is a solid first showing. Chelsea Lenarduzzi has been immense for the Broncos since getting the opportunity to start after Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala was suspended for punching on in round one. Lenarduzzi has missed one tackle in two games and leads the running metres for the forwards, the Raiders will have their hands full trying to contain her.

The real danger will be Julia Robinson’s and Mele Hufanga’s edge. Last week, Hufanga scored 4 tries and Robinson scored 1. If Gayle Broughton can bring these players into the game the Raiders will have their work cut out for them.

Match-ups

Tazmin Rapana vs Monalisa Soliola

It’s a second-row match-up for the Raiders sickos out there. Soliola had a quiet week last week but Rapana put in a great performance, 12 runs for 131 metres and fed Mele Hufanga great ball for those tries. 

Hufanga/Robinson vs Wiki/Bartlett

These backline combinations have been on fire this season for their respective teams. They may be on opposite ends of the field but both teams will be giving their dynamic duos every opportunity to fire this weekend. 

Conclusion

Given that I don’t want to be stranded at Easts sulking into my beer – Raiders by a Grace Kemp field goal?!?! Please?

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