The Canberra Raiders are set and raring to go for their first ever preliminary final this Saturday evening, taking on the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.
Match: Roosters v Raiders
Finals Week 2 -
home Team
Roosters
1st Position
away Team
Raiders
5th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Having produced a valiant 6-0 performance against the West Tigers in last weekend’s elimination final, Canberra is riding a wave of confidence heading into this weekend’s showdown.
Naming an unchanged line-up, the Raiders are bound to build upon and thrive from the experience garnered in their first ever finals appearance.
On the other side of the field, the Roosters have named a strong side on the back of a week off, welcoming back Jayme Fressard to the starting lineup.
Talking Points:
- Isabella Waterman has scored in each of her last three games.
- Canberra boasts the third best defensive record this season.
- Tarryn Aiken has scored four tries in four games against the Raiders.
- Millie Elliot brings up her 50th NRLW appearance.
Last Time They Met:
The Roosters defeated the Raiders 22-18 in round three this season at GIO Stadium, Canberra.
Super excited for Saturday, we went into the game really confident, and I think we just focus on ourselves and can’t wait to get into training this week.
Hollie-Mae Dodd #5
Key Matchup: Zahara Temara v Tarryn Aiken
Key matchups don’t come much bigger then around finals time, particularly when the threat of your season ending is in play.
This Saturday night at Allianz Stadium, Zahara Temara will guide the Raiders attack against Tarryn Aiken and the Roosters, as the field generals are sure to have a say in who features in next week’s grand final.
Enjoying a stellar run of form in 2026, Temara has been at the forefront of a lot of Canberra’s success this season.
Looking at the numbers, Temara has 10 try assist across the season, on top of engaging the line a staggering 67 times.
Away from these statistics, it’s Temara’s calmness and composure in the middle of the field that proves so valuable.
Temara has a unique opportunity to upset her former club this weekend, having spent five seasons at the Roosters and being a member of their 2021 premiership side.
Meanwhile, Aiken has been instrumental this season with 17 try assists as well as 19 line break assists.
In her second season for the Roosters, Aiken is another player with a wealth of finals experience having previously been a part of two premierships with the Broncos.
Be sure to tune in on Saturday night as Temara and Aiken go head-to-head with a grand final birth up for stakes.
