Wests Tigers (W) v Canberra Raiders (W)
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Wests Tigers v Raiders NRLW preview
The final game of NRLW action for Round 1 comes from Campbelltown Stadium where two sides who missed the finals last season look to get their season to a perfect start as the Tigers play host to the Raiders.
Finishing in eighth spot on the NRLW ladder last season, the start to their 2023 season was perfect for the Tigers with two wins from their opening two games before not winning another game for the rest of the season. The season though despite only two wins wasn't a disaster for the Wests Tigers with five of their seven losses for the season being with a margin of 12 points or less.
The Tigers side sees a strong mix of experience and youth with co-captains Bo Vette-Welsh and Kezie Apps leading the side amongst other experience players such as Sarah Togatuki in the squad to balance out some exciting youth prospects going forward in the side who are either in their second of debut NRLW season. One exciting player is Harmony Crichton the sister of Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton who has been named on the wing.
The Canberra Raiders nearly pulled off a finals appearance in their debut NRLW season when they finished in fifth spot just two points outside of the top 8. The Raiders managed five wins from their 9 matches including picking up wins against the Roosters. The 2024 season will be looking to find consistency and use their debut season experience to pick up a top 4 spot in 2024.
The opening round team for the Raiders brings experience to the fore with inaugural captains Simaima Taufa and Zahara Temara leading the side around again this season. The experience doesn't stop for the Raiders with the likes of Sophie Holyman and Grace Kemp who played in this years Origin series. The Green Machine are also boosted by the signing of Fiji international Serena Naitokatoka who brings a lot of talent to Canberra after a season at Parramatta.
Last meeting: Round 3 2023 - Raiders 28 Wests Tigers 22
Who to watch: Tigers co-captain Bo Vette-Welsh is one of the best players in the NRLW and after missing all of 2022, her impact on her return was massive for the Tigers and after another season under her belt her lightning form yet again. The experience that Vette-Welsh will bring and the ability to change the game for the Tigers.
The return of Zahara Temara to the nation's capital is going to be a boost for the Raiders as they are looking to make the finals for the first time. The control that Temara has and the big game experience will be a big boost for Canberra. Temara has the control and poise needed to keep a young side calm and in the big moments with some important games this season.
The favourite: At this stage both sides are equal favourites for the game which sums up how close the teams are.
My tip: This is a game that is tough to tip as all NRLW matches can be because you never know what teams are going to dish up in any competition to start the season. I think there is just enough reason to tip the Raiders in what will be a very close game but the big game experience might just help them. Raiders by 8.
1. Botille Vette-Welsh 2. Harmony Crichton 3. Leianne Tufuga 4. Rikeya Horne 5. Tess Staines 6. Pauline Piliae 7. Losana Lutu 8. Sarah Togatuki 9. Salma Nour 10. Christian Pio 11. Kezie Apps 12. Shaianne McGlone 13. Najvada George 14. Sophie Curtain 15. Tara Reinke 16. Natasha Penitani 17. Brooke Talataina 18. Jessica Kennedy 20. Rebecca Pollard
1. Apii Nicholls 2. Madison Bartlett 3. Cheyelle Robins-Reti 4. Mackenzie Wiki 5. Alanna Dummett 6. Zahara Temara 7. Ash Quinlan 8. Tommaya Kelly-Sines 9. Chante Temara 10. Sophie Holyman 11. Monalisa Soliola 12. Hollie Dodd 13. Simaima Taufa 14. Emma Barnes 15. Grace Kemp 16. Kerehitina Matua 17. Sereana Naitokatoka 18. Felice Quinlan 19. Jaida Faleono
Referees: Karra-Lee Nolan; Sideline Officials: Ethan Klein, Luke Saldern; Video Referees: Peter Gough;