NRLW Match Preview: Raiders v Titans

The Raiders three game winning streak ended last week with a 26–14 loss to the ladder leading Sydney Roosters, despite a valiant effort. The loss confirms the Raiders will miss the finals, making this match their season closer.

The Titans, however, remain in finals contention. After falling to the Knights 28-22 last round, their hopes hinge on results this weekend, with victories by both the Raiders and the Eels potentially ending Gold Coast’s campaign.

Raiders Coach Darrin Borthwick has named a largely unchanged squad, with Hollie-Mae Dodd returning to the interchange and Lili Boyle named as the 18th player.

Talking points:

• The Titans must win to secure a spot in the finals.
• Titans hooker Brittany Breayley-Nati is named for her first game since round one.
• Titans prop Sienna Lofipo and winger Destiny Mino-Sinapati have both been named to return this week.
• Raiders second rower Hollie-Mae Dodd will play her first game since round six.
• In her last four games Raiders fullback Elise Simpson has scored five tries.
• Raiders halfback Zahara Temara only requires three more points to secure 250 points in the NRLW.
• The Titans will be aiming for their third consecutive win at home.

Last time they met:

The last time these two sides met the Raiders defeated the Titans 16-12 in round nine, 2024.

Key Matchup

Zahara Temara v Lauren Brown

With a finals campaign on the line for the Titans, the battle between the two halfbacks will be pivotal this weekend.

Both are Queensland State of Origin representatives and know each other’s strengths well, factoring them into their strategies as they face off.

Temara has been a standout for the Canberra Raiders, showcasing her talent in recent weeks, including the match-winning golden point field goal against the Tigers. More than just a playmaker, Temara is also a leader, co-captaining the Raiders alongside Simaima Taufa.

Her passion for the game is evident as she vocally instructs her team on the field, with strong vision and creativity up her sleeve. She is renowned for her composure under pressure, sharp kicking game, and well-placed grubbers that open up attacking opportunities.

This season she has made 118 tackles at 74% efficiency, run for 422 metres, an average of 46 per game, scored two tries, and assisted in nine, underlining her value to the Raiders’ team.

Her opponent Lauren Brown is a tactically sharp and versatile halfback with an equally strong kicking game.

While she does not hold the captaincy, her strong game management skills such as an ability to manage the game from controlling the tempo to executing pinpoint kicks, has been crucial to the Titans’ strong season.

Brown has proven herself a reliable asset, consistently playing the full 70 minutes and taking on kicking duties, converting 17 goals this year. Her defensive skills have also been on show, making 164 tackles at an efficiency rate of 85%.

Both Brown and Temara were recognised in the 2024 NRLW Dally M Team of the Year -Temara at halfback and Brown at fullback, highlighting not only their individual talent, but also the impact they have on their teams.

Head-to-head:

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