NRLW Match Preview: Raiders v Eels

The Raiders have played their last three matches on the road, winning two of them as they look down the barrel of their first finals appearance since joining the competition in 2023.

Going down 26-20 to the second-placed Titans last weekend, the Raiders will look to take learnings out of that performance into their final two games of the season as they look to qualify for finals.

Meanwhile, the Parramatta Eels have turned around their tough start to the 2026 season, dropping their first six matches before winning two of their last three.

Parramatta were defeated 44-10 by Brisbane last weekend and will be eager to turn their form back around when travelling to face Canberra on Sunday night.

Talking Points: 

• Raiders backrower Charlotte Basham returns to the side following a week off with concussion protocols.
• The Raiders have won three of their last four games.
• The Eels have won their last two games against the Raiders.
• Raiders winger Mackenzie Wiki has scored five tries in her last three games.
• Eels’ left side pair Rory Owen and Zali Fay have each scored three tries in their last two games.

Last Time They Met

The Eels defeated the Raiders 46-12 in round three of the 2025 NRLW season.

Key Matchup

Leianne Tufuga v Rory Owen

The strike on the edges could very well have a big say in the result of Sunday night's clash between Parramatta and Canberra.

Raiders centre Leianne Tufuga has enjoyed a rapid rise since joining the club from the Tigers in 2025.

In the 2026 season, Tufuga's tackle-busting ability has been second to none, racking up 38 in nine games along with an average of 140 running metres a game.

Tufuga's consistency has earned her selection in seven Tests for the Kiwi Ferns, part of their 2023, 2024 and 2025 Pacific Championships campaigns.

Standing opposite Tufuga is QLD representative centre Rory Owen, who has quickly emerged as one of the premier centres in the game.

More known for her speed and agility, Owen has been a prolific tryscorer in 2026, scoring six tries in eight matches.

With both sides stacked with talent across the park, both centres could break the game open if given the chance.