NRLW Match Preview: Raiders v Roosters

The Raiders survived a nail-biting finish last Saturday at home, edging out the Wests Tigers 17–16 in golden point.

The girls started strongly in the first half with two consecutive tries, but the Tigers clawed their way back to level the scores at half time.

Skipper Zahara Temara sealed victory just two minutes into extra time, kicking a successful field goal to secure the Raiders’ third win of the season and cap off a brilliant performance in her milestone match.

Coach Darrin Borthwick makes no changes to the side that got the job done last week, keeping Georgia Thomas as the 18th player.

The Roosters are yet to lose a game this season and recorded a mammoth 30 - nil win against the Cowboys last weekend.

Talking Points:

• Roosters centre Isabelle Kelly will miss this week’s match after suffering an oral fracture in last week’s game.
• The Roosters will be aiming to bag their 16th consecutive win this Friday.
• Roosters winger Mia Wood moves from the interchange to the wing this week with Jayme Fressard moving to the centres.
• Raiders fullback Elise Simpson has scored four tries in her last three games.
• Roosters winger Taina Naividi has scored six tries in her last four games.
• The Roosters have won eight out of nine games at Allianz Stadium
• Raiders second rower Jordyn Preston is on a three-game try scoring streak.

Last time they met:

The last time these two teams met the Roosters defeated the Raiders 34 – 20 in round six, 2024.

Key Matchup

Jessica Sergis v Leianne Tufuga

Tufuga is known for her powerful, fast, and fearless style of play, with the ability to break through defensive lines. Despite the Raiders’ slow start to the season, she has still averaged 140 running metres per game and made 137 tackles.

Having only joined the Raiders this year, she has already cemented her place in Canberra’s backline. During her two years with the Wests Tigers, she scored six tries and made ten line breaks, showcasing her ability in both attack and defence, qualities she has seamlessly carried over to the Raiders.

Her international experience with the Kiwi Ferns has prepared her for high pressure moments, none bigger than crossing for the match winning try against Australia in 2023.

Tufuga’s career in the green jersey is only just beginning, with her locked in at the Raiders until the end of 2027.

Sergis has been a weapon in attack for the Roosters this season, already racking up seven tries and 1,177 running metres.

A foundation player from the first season of the NRLW, her experience and expertise are clear, with multiple premierships and State of Origin victories to her name. She has also been a mainstay in the Jillaroos since 2017, playing a key role in many of their successes with her strong on-field performances.

Since joining the Roosters in 2021 and re-signing until 2027, Sergis has firmly established herself in the red and blue jersey, recognised as one of the most talented and committed athletes in the NRLW.

Head-to-head:

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