NRLW Match Preview: Raiders v Tigers

The Raiders are currently sitting sixth on the competition ladder after their tight one-point loss to the Eels last weekend.

With an inaugural finals appearance locked in for the Green Machine, they will leave everything out on the field to ensure they walk away with the two points.

Meanwhile, the Tigers are sitting fourth following their 58-0 loss against the in-form Titans.

With a finals appearance already locked in for the home side, they will be keen to bounce back from this loss and to take some important momentum into the finals series.

For the Green Machine, it is a relatively unchanged side; however, Simaima Taufa has dropped out of the squad following her suspension verdict, and Hollie-Mae Dodd will replace her at lock.

Lili Boyle will take Dodd’s bench spot and Ellie Brander will come in as the 18th player.

For the opposition, Caitlin Turnbull and Rikeya Horne will be key additions in the backline; Christian Pio has been promoted to start at prop, plus other changes in the bench and reserves.

Talking Points:

• The Raiders have won all three games they have played against the Tigers.
• Raiders centre Leianne Tufuga will play her 50th NRLW game.
• Raiders captain Zahara Temara requires three points to hit 200 points with the Raiders.
• Wests Tigers captain Kezie Apps will also be celebrating 50 NRLW games.

We are so grateful, and we have alot still in us to push through … we’ve been doing so well, and it gives us that extra push to keep going, lock in and keep grinding

Leianne Tufuga #35

Key Matchup: Raecene Mcgregor v Zahara Temara

For their final hit-out of the regular season, it will be a battle of the halfbacks between Zahara Temara and Raecene McGregor.

Having both been involved in the game since 2018, the players bring a wealth of experience, expertise and a strong, powerful kicking ability to every match.

Temara, capping off her fourth season with Canberra, has amassed 41 points and 1,812 kicking metres so far this season.

The New Zealand and Queensland representative will look to add to her numbers on Friday, as she has consistently put boot to ball this season.

Standing opposite her will be Raecene McGregor.

With McGregor playing across several clubs in her tenure, the three-time premiership winner knows exactly what it takes to perform on the big stage, and Friday night will be no different.

In her first season with the Tigers, she has amassed 77 points and 2,403 kicking metres, giving her the statistical edge heading into this clash.

However, despite McGregor’s impressive numbers, Temara’s ability to find the scoreboard cannot be overlooked.

With two impressive halfbacks set to hit the turf on Friday night, these two are sure to turn Leichhardt Oval into a showstopper.