It’s time for the Raiders’ (possible) last home game of 2026 against the Eels. The Warriors’ loss to the Sharks this weekend means that Canberra is all but assured of a spot in the finals. Wins over the next few weeks will determine if the girls get a home final and who they play.
This is a huge moment for this team, after the optimism of 2023, when the Raiders finished 5th (in a top 4 finals system) – seasons two and three have been ones for the true believers. The club has started taking their women’s team seriously, investing in bigger-name signings (like Sheridan Gallagher) and taking advantage of more training in the offseason (once a month as per their agreement). The results this year are a testament to the hard work of the players and the work gone into setting up this team.
The Raiders NRLW team also needs support from their community (junior tickets are free with a paying adult for the game today if you’re looking for a gift idea for dad). You can lament the performance of the men, or you can put it aside and get around the fact that there is a Raiders team in finals at NRLW level. Watching the Tigers/Bulldogs game last weekend, you could hear the crowd getting around the Tigers, and there is no reason why GIO Stadium can’t be just as intimidating on a stand-alone game. Seek out media about our NRLW team – if you can’t find reporting on it, ask why your podcasts/radio/tv/newspaper aren’t covering a Raiders team in finals.
Back to this week’s game, while Elise Simpson was named at the start of the week, the culled team list shows she wasn’t able to recover from the ankle injury sustained against the Titans. This paves the way for Bobbi Law to return to the starting side after her hand injury. Bobbi goes to the wing, and Isabella Waterman moves into the centres. Otherwise, it is an unchanged side. Waterman has excelled in the opportunity she received via Law’s injury and gives Borthwick a selection headache when/if all three are available this season and beyond.
It is still surreal that Madi Bartlett hasn’t had a chance to play NRLW this year. She lines up for Mounties as they begin their finals campaign against Central Coast. After this season, Bartlett, Simpson and Mackenzie Wiki are all off contract. If both Simpson and Wiki stay in the squad and remain healthy, will Bartlett be happy to continue playing with Mounties or chase NRLW time elsewhere?
Up front, Charlotte Basham returns to the second row, Hollie-Mae Dodd moves to the bench, and Lili Boyle drops out of the squad.
Parramatta have had some bad luck with injuries and will be playing to avoid the wooden spoon. They have genuine threats in Abbi Church, Martha Mataele and Rory Owen. Our edge defence will be tested early; however, our forwards should have the fitness to take care of business. Elsie Albert and Mahalia Murphy are powerful runners up front, but our forwards should have the fitness and mobility to withstand the barrage.
Go buy your family a ticket to the footy to watch the Raiders win by 16!
Sign up to the email below to get our thoughts in your inbox and ride of the finals with us. Don’t hesitate to send us feedback (dan@sportress.org) or comment below if you think we are stupid. Or if we’re not
The Sportress 
Leave a comment