NRLW Match Preview: Raiders v Cowboys

Leading into Saturday’s matchup, the Raiders have been forced into a handful of changes following their 22-10 defeat against the Sharks in round four.

Bobbi Law has unfortunately been ruled out for the next 4-6 weeks due to a hand injury, with Isabella Waterman making her first appearance of the season in her place at right centre.

Elsewhere, a suspension to Jordyn Preston see’s Hollie-Mae Dodd move into the starting lineup, with Sereana Naitokatoka set for her first taste of NRLW in 2026 from the bench.

On the other side of the field, the Cowboys have made a few adjustments to their gameday squad as they search for their first win of the season.

Francesca Goldthorp moves to fullback with Margot Vella shifting to the wing, as Kiwi international Abigail Roache returns to the centres to round out the Cowboys backline.

In the forwards, Lily Dick has been promoted to the starting lineup with Tiana Raftstrand-Smith set for her return from a hamstring injury off the bench.

Historically, the Cowboys have enjoyed some success against the Raiders, winning the previous two encounters between the clubs.

Talking Points:

• Isabella Waterman and Sereana Naitokatoka named to assist Raiders through injury and suspension troubles.
• The Cowboys have prevailed against the Raiders in their previous two fixtures.
• Elise Simpson is in try scoring form, with eight tries in her previous nine outings.

Last Time They Met:

The Cowboys defeated the Raiders 26-0 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville, in round four of the 2025 season.

Key Matchup: Leianne Tufuga v Abigail Roache

Magic round is set to take Wagga Wagga by storm this weekend, with a key matchup between Kiwi international centres Leianne Tufuga and Abigail Roache to take centre stage on Saturday afternoon.

Having played every game for the Raiders since her arrival at the beginning of 2025, Lieanne Tufuga has quickly become a staple within the lime green jersey.

With 121 average running metres and 191 post contact metres through the opening four rounds, Tufuga’s running game continuously challenges opposition defence’s and places the Raiders on the front foot.

With one try to her name already this season, Tufuga has set up another two for her teammates, as she continues to build a formidable right-edge combination with Mackenzie Wiki.

On Saturday Afternoon, Tufuga comes up against a fellow Kiwi international, as Abigail Roache returns to the field for the Cowboys.

Returning to action for the first time since round two, Abigail Roache adds some much-needed spark to the Cowboys backline.

With a try assist and four tackle breaks in her only two appearances so far this season, Roache is set to have Canberra’s defence on high alert.

On the defensive side of the ball Roache is as solid as they come, boasting a 94.6% tackle efficiency, making Canberra’s efforts on either side of the ball all the more difficult.

Fans will be sure to keep an eye on two of the games most damaging centres on Saturday afternoon, as both Tufuga and Roache look to wrestle their teams to a magic victory in Wagga Wagga.