The Raiders head down to Belmore this week to take on the Bulldogs. Last year, this game was one of the few high points of the season, with the girls getting a 56-24 win to avoid the wooden spoon. Again, we ask the question about which Raiders side is going to turn up this weekend – the locked-in giant slayers that beat the Broncos and (almost) the Roosters? Or the panicked, unfocused team that throws away good ball, may or may not defend their errors, and loses to cellar-dwelling teams?
The Bulldogs are going to bring a physical game on Saturday. Alexis Tauaneai and Teka Katoa are big runners who can get an offload away. Sophie Holyman and Chloe Saunders will have their work cut out for them in defence this weekend. The Bulldogs lead the comp in dummy-half runs and will look to take their chances around the ruck. An unexpected loss last week to the Eels means the Bulldogs are two wins outside the top six; a loss this week will all but end their NRLW season.
Working in the Raiders’ favour is their strong bench rotation compared to the Bulldogs – Grace Kemp and Hollie-Mae Dodd are a terrifying prospect for an opposition starting to tire. Grace Kukutai continues to find opportunities. The Raiders side is unchanged now for three weeks in a row; this team needs to show it can dominate for 70 minutes. The Bulldogs may allow another comeback, but the girls need to prove their focus before taking on the Titans next week.
Over in the Harvey Norman Cup, Mounties take on the Wests Tigers. Mounties haven’t named anyone to start in second row, but our extended squad continues to impress there
The men’s season is officially over; let the Valkyries rise. I know Sportress readers wake up today rightfully disappointed by the results of Papa’s farewell game last night. Raiders’ success is happening right now for our girls after some frustrating seasons, and now is the perfect time to get on the bus.
Raiders by 8!
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