NRLW Match Preview: Raiders v Cowboys

The Raiders suffered their third loss in a row after falling 46-12 to a powerful Eels side at GIO Stadium last Saturday. Although the girls managed to cross the line three times, the Eels proved too strong and sealed the win.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys were victorious last Saturday against an in-form Sharks side taking a close 16-14 win.

Raiders’ coach Darrin Borthwick switches up the line ups again this week with Kerehitina Mutua moving her way back to the interchange bench and Mackenzie Wiki returning to the Raiders’ backline.

Talking Points

• Canberra hooker Emma Barnes returns to the interchange this week after missing last week’s match due to concussion.
• Raiders outside back Mackenzie Wiki is named as a winger in place of Isabella Waterman who moves to the reserves list.
• Cowboys outside back Jakiya Whitfield returns to fullback after missing round three due to an injured hamstring.
• Raiders prop Sophie Holyman has scored both times the Raiders have come up against the Cowboys.
• Raiders winger Madison Bartlett is now the second player in NRLW history to have scored 30 tries.
• Last time they met:
• The last time these two teams met, the Cowboys took a 28-18 victory at GIO Stadium in round five last year. 

Key Matchup

Leianne Tufuga v Abigail Roache

Both hailing from New Zealand, these two outside backs make their presence felt on the field with a blend of strength and skill. With international honours to their names, their experience is a key asset to their respective teams.

Tufuga, a new Canberra Raiders’ signing has already made an impact in the green jersey, crossing for a try early in the season. A proven performer, she helped lead the Roosters to a premiership in 2021 and brings a wealth of experience to the Raiders’ backline. Known for her powerful carries and reliable defence, she has already notched up 50 tackles this season with an impressive 89% efficiency.

Her attacking ability is evident, with 339 running metres and 12 tackle breaks so far this season. Her experience representing the Kiwi Ferns in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons adds a calm, composed presence to her game, especially in high pressure situations.

Roache also plays with a combination of power, speed, and sharp instincts. Like Tufuga, she is a new signing for the Cowboys, after an impressive early career with the Knights, where she played a key role in their 2023 premiership win. Her performances have been widely praised across the NRLW, particularly her try saving tackle against the Eels last season, which earned her the Dally M Tackle of the Year.

Her ability to read the game defensively makes her a serious threat, having already made 33 tackles at 97.1% efficiency this season. Alongside Tufuga, Roache has also represented the Kiwi Ferns, including a standout performance where she scored a hat trick against Tonga to help secure victory.

This matchup promises a fierce contest of consistency and high-level execution, with two powerful and precise backs going head-to-head.

Head-to-head

The Raiders and Cowboys have met twice before, with each side claiming one victory.