NRLW Match Preview: Raiders v Dragons

A refreshed Raiders outfit hit the road to begin their fourth season in the NRLW, with five players named to make their debut for the Green Machine.

The arrivals of Sheridan Gallagher, Bobbi Law, and Krystal Blackwell front a new-look backline for Canberra, Whilst Charlotte Basham and Grace Kukutai add reinforcements to the Raiders forward stocks.

In addition to Canberra’s new recruits, co-captain Simaima Taufa will run out for her 50th NRLW appearance, joining a short list of players who have previously reached the milestone.

On the other side of the field St George will also be hoping a host of new recruits will be able to assist the club up the ladder in 2026, as Brooke Anderson, Shenae Ciesiolka, Ruby-Jean Kennard-Ellis, and Montana Clifford all pull on the Red V for the first time.

Both teams finished even following the 2025 season with a 3-8 record and will be excited for the early opportunity to show off their hard work from the off season.

Talking Points:

• Gallagher, Law, Blackwell, Basham, and Kukutai make their club debuts for the Raiders.
• Co-captain Simaima Taufa makes her 50th NRLW appearance.
• Seriah Palepale makes her NRLW debut for the Dragons.
• Winger Elise Simpson has scored six tries in her last five outings for the Green Machine

Last Time They Met:

The Dragons defeated the Canberra Raiders 36-14 at GIO Stadium, Canberra, in round one of the 2025 NRLW season.

Key Matchup: Sheridan Gallagher v Teagan Berry

This Saturday afternoon at Jubilee Stadium, fans are set to be treated to an eye-watering showdown between two of the games most exciting fullbacks, as Sheridan Gallagher and Teagan Berry come face-to-face.

Entering her fourth season in the NRLW, Sheridan Gallagher is set to don the lime green for the first time, having moved to the Raiders following three seasons with the Newcastle Knights.

Gallagher’s worth in attack speaks for itself, having been the leading try scorer for the Knights in all three seasons.

On Saturday afternoon Gallagher will enter an attacking showdown between recent representative star, Teagan Berry.

Berry enters her seventh season for the St George Illawarra Dragons off the back of her first State of Origin series for the NSW Sky Blues, an experience that is sure to strengthen her output in clubland.

In recent seasons Berry has enjoyed try scoring form against the Raiders, having scored four tries in her previous three outings against the club - a record that is sure to have the Raiders defence on high alert.

Fans will be sure to keep an eye on the matchup between two of the games most prolific try scorers, as both players will be hoping to guide their sides to a round one victory and kickstart their 2026 campaigns.