NRLW Match Preview: Raiders v Bulldogs

The Raiders capitalised on the Warriors being reduced to 11 players after two send-offs, edging out a narrow 20–16 victory.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs suffered their second consecutive defeat, going down 22–6 to the Cowboys last Sunday in Townsville.

Coach Darren Borthwick has made a few changes to the Raiders’ line-up, with Tatiana Finau and Isabella Waterman moving into the starting side and Georgia Thomas named as 18th player.

Talking points:

• Raiders second rower Monalisa Soliola will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a leg injury in last week’s clash.
• This will be the first NRLW game hosted by the Bulldogs at Belmore Sports Ground.
• Raiders prop Grace Kemp returns to the bench after missing the last two games due to a hand injury pushing Amelia Pasikala to the reserves.
• Bulldogs prop Alexis Tauaneai returns this week after a hamstring injury moving Hope Millard back to the reserves.
• Lili Boyle comes back to the bench with Relna Wuruki Hosea shifting to the reserves.
• In their last two games the Canberra Raiders have scored more points than they did in the first five.
• Raiders halfback Zahara Temara needs three more goals to reach 100 NRLW goals.

Last time they met:

These two teams have never met.

Key Matchup:

Simaima Taufa v Teekaraanga-Katoa

Taufa is a powerful presence in the Raiders side. As co-captain, she leads with experience and consistency alongside Zahara Temara. A seasoned NRLW player, she has been a standout despite the Raiders’ mixed season, recording an impressive 249 tackles at a 93% efficiency rate.

Her impressive game management skills allow her to control the tempo in the middle of the field, skilfully navigating the ruck. Her communication skills guide her team through defensive and attacking plays and are effective in stopping the opposition gaining valuable metres through the middle.

These skills are complemented by her international accolades. She has represented the Jillaroos, winning World Cups in 2017 and 2021, and has been a mainstay of the NSW Women’s Origin team for over a decade. In 2017, she also claimed the prestigious Dally M Medal, cementing her status as one of the game’s most highly regarded players.

Like Taufa, Katoa also shares the captaincy duties on the field, leading the Bulldogs inaugural NRLW team alongside Taylor Preston. Her formidable strength has seen her rack up 992 running metres so far this season, powering down the field with ease.

Katoa emerged on the NRLW scene in 2022, making her debut with the Sydney Roosters and quickly emerged as one of the competition’s most promising props. She plays with an aggressive edge, consistently looking to dominate opponents and shut down attacking threats close to the line. Her impact is clear in the numbers, with 397 post-contact metres and six tackle breaks to her name.

Katoa has also stepped onto the international stage, representing the Kiwi Ferns at the 2024 Pacific Championships. Still early in her career, she continues to develop her game and has the potential to become one of the leading front rowers in the competition.