The Raiders play the Sharks this week as they bounce back from last week’s frankly illegal loss to the Roosters (I know Dan covered it in the Wreview, but that pass to Jayme Fressard for her first try was so forward that it was thrown in Canberra, but it was caught and grounded at Totally Workwear Stadium in Brisbane where I saw it with my own eyes)
The Sharks come to Canberra hungry; they are 0 from 3. Playing the Knights and Broncos first up is a tough opening assignment, but their loss to the Bulldogs last week will have the Sharks scratching their heads at how it is going so horribly wrong this year.
The Sharks aren’t a bad team – Caitlan Johnson-Green and Ellie Johnson (no relation) are two of the biggest girls in the game right now and should have no problem making metres. Their halves pairing of Georgia Hannaway and Chantay Kiria-Ratu are clever with good kicking games. The Sharks are missing their captain Tiana Pentani-Grey with a quad injury; Emma Verran is out with pregnancy (although, notably, not returning to the Sharks next year having signed with St George in 2027)
For the Raiders, they have to put last week’s game behind them (don’t worry ladies, we will maintain the rage) and focus on winning this game comfortably to cement our spot in the top six. Our team is good enough this year that regression is not an option. Holly-Mae Dodd is on the extended bench as Charlotte Basham fights to recover from an ankle injury sustained from a completely legal tackle last weekend. Otherwise, we have an unchanged side.
The Raiders have also a game plan that brings success when we execute it well. Sophie Holyman and Chloe Saunders have been strong in starting and will need to lay the platform early against a bigger forward pack.
Chantay Kira-Ratu and Sheridan Gallagher are both capable of hoofing some massive bombs to put pressure on outside backs. Cassie Staples should be targeted in the midday sun, as she can have a handling error in her.
The battle in the centres will be one to watch. Bobbi Law has been a revelation this season for the Raiders, finding the try in all our matches so far. The Sharks have Annessa Biddle, who is a powerful runner but struggles with discipline, and Madi Ashby, who is the latest convert from Aussie 7s. Ashby started the season off the bench supporting the spine but has moved to the centres. This will suit the running game she developed in 7s. Both Law and Leianne Tufuga will need to be at their defensive best.
Looking beyond the NRLW, Mounties have listed Isabella Waterman in the second row in her second game this season. Is this a sign that her future in the Raiders is in the pack? Our outside backs are stacked (Madi Bartlett is in NSW cup still!) and we know Waterman can put on some big hits, watch this space!
The Raiders are yet to beat the Sharks in the NRLW, but this year we finally have a bigger boat. Raiders by 12!
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