Aaaaah, the gentle thud of a return to earth.
We are back to asking “Are the Raiders good in 2026?” Last week’s game against the Sharks showed a team trying to do much, failing to execute, and also being on the wrong side of some creative interpretations of the double movement rule.
The Raiders play the Cowboys this week as the whole competition heads to Wagga Wagga for Magic Round. This is a game we will and should win. In the four games so far this season, the Cowboys have gone through three fullbacks (Tallara Bamblett, Margot Vella and this week Fran Goldthorp) and a different halves combination each week. This week we get Tallara Bamblett and Rosie Kelly. Abigail Roache returns from injury in the centres. Their forward pack is impressive on paper but hasn’t been able to get a roll on in their games.
Looking at the Raiders – our spine combination is humming – Krystal Blackwell and Sheridan Gallagher have been able to take the load off Zahara Temara at the end of sets. Blackwell has been improving every week and should have some ideas about dismantling the Cowboys, given she spent the last two years in Townsville. The average margin the Cowboys have lost by this year is 30 points. Points are there for the girls if they can tidy up their errors and discipline this week.
That being said, the Raiders miss two of their strongest performers this week – Jordyn Preston serves a one-week suspension for a dangerous tackle. More worryingly, Bobbi Law is looking to miss 4-5 weeks with a hand injury. Isabella Waterman returns to the starting side to take Law’s place. (like raaaaaiiiiiiinnnnn on your wedding day). Waterman brings height, stability under a high ball and staunch defence. Hollie-Mae Dodd starts in the second row to replace Preston.
Serenana Naitokatoka gets her first start off the bench. Naitokatoka’s versatility gives the Raiders options – she can be an additional support for the halves and backs, perhaps allowing Chante Temara to move into lock? This will be a much more effective use of Naitokatoka than the bigger playmaker role she had last year.
This means that the Raiders lose a forward option off the bench. However, given Grace Kemp only played 16 minutes last week, there is room for the forwards to have more minutes to allow for another half/back option.
The Raiders are now in 6th place, tied with the Bulldogs, Knights and Tigers. The Bulldogs play the Broncos, so will probably maintain their current position. While the loss of Yasmin Meakes to an ACL injury is massive for the Knights, they should take care of the Eels and jump up the ladder. The Tigers play the Sharks, potentially allowing the Sharks to jump into the fight for 6th place. A win for the Raiders keeps us in the hunt for finals (noting we are almost halfway through the season at week five)
The Raiders will find their groove again this week and take care of business.
Raiders by 12!
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