The Wraiders are …back?!?! Maybe?!?!? Last week’s domination of the Broncos showed that the Raiders can be an excellent team on their day. The question now is: will they decide if this week is their day? This week the Raiders play the Knights, and then their draw is Bulldogs, Titans, Eels and Tigers to finish the season. The Bulldogs, Knights and Tigers are all competing with the Raiders for a spot in the finals. Ideally, we don’t leave our finals chances to a week 11 game against the Tigers (a sentence we did not have on our blogging bingo card for 2026)
Darrin Borthwick has named an unchanged side to face the Knights this week. The challenge for the girls is to back up consecutive weeks against tough opposition and play the same game they brought to the Warriors and Broncos. Jordyn Preston had 4 errors (3 of them in ball handling) last week on her return from suspension; this will need to be tidied up.
Krystal Blackwell had an excellent game last week and gave Charlotte Basham the opportunity for one of her best games. It looks like that edge will have the opportunity for points this weekend. Zahara Temara will need to play with enthusiasm and provide leadership for the whole team, particularly if points are slow.
The Knights have some excellent outside backs. Sydney Taylor has joined the team from Aussie 7s and scored two tries in 6 appearances. She is strong and adept at finding space. Our forwards should be able to match the Newcastle pack and will need to focus on denying opportunities for Kirra Dibb and Georgia Roche to get the ball to their backs in space. Taylor and Shanice Parker are both strong finishers.
Key Matchup
The Raiders women have a few ex Newcastle players who have thrived in Canberra. Not unlike the Zac Hosking, Joe Tapine and the other self-described stray dogs. Prior to coming to Canberra, Grace Kukutai played 11 games in two seasons at Newcastle. Isabella Waterman came over from Newcastle after playing one (1!!!) game for the Knights and has produced one of the most iconic moments in our NRLW history. The Knights will still be smarting at losing Sheridan Gallagher to the Raiders as she finds her groove in fullback.
On the other side – Amelia Pasikala moved to the Knights and looking to rebuild after an injury marred tenure at the Raiders. Chey Robins-Reti got her Knights debut last week but has been dropped back to NSW Cup this week.
Our fate is still in our own hands and we head to Newcastle confident and ready to extend our winning streak – Raiders by 8!
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