Broncos v Raiders NRLW preview

Embed from Getty Images

Brisbane Broncos (W) v Canberra Raiders (W) Saturday 11:05am at Totally Workwear Stadium, Coorparoo / Turrbal

The Broncos are looking to start a 2024 winning streak, whilst the Raiders have now gone back-to-back in losses and are hoping to get back into the winning circle. 

After starting the season on a low, losing to the Eels and Roosters, the Broncos finally found their groove and ignited their season last week, beating their "little sister" 44-4. The game saw NRLW records broken, with Mele Hufanga scoring four tries in one match for the second time in her career, which equals the NRLW and Broncos record for tries scored in one match, and the Brisbane side also breaking their record for biggest win margin. 

Shenae Ciesiolka moves back into starting centre, returning to the squad through the bench last week after recovering from a fracture. Lavinia Gould moves onto the bench, with Jada Ferguson playing as starting hooker. Lauren Dam returns to the squad after missing the Titans clash, and Skyla Adams is 18th player. 

The Raiders started their season on a high note, beating the Tigers 32-12 on away turf. They then descended into a slump, losing to the Knights and Sharks at home in Round 2 and 3 respectively. 

Darrin Borthwick has named the same starting 17 that were defeated by the Sharks to take on the Brisbane side this weekend. 

These two sides met once last year in the Raider's inaugural season in 2023, where the Broncos came out on top, piling points on and winning 40-8.

Last meeting: Round 6 2023 - Broncos 40 Raiders 8

Who to watch: After missing the back end of last season and the opening match of this season, Gayle Broughton returned for the Broncos at five-eighth. The former rugby-sevens and Parramatta Eels player has played 16 NRLW matches and scored five tries, and in her 2023 season with Brisbane she made four try assists, along with scoring four of her five tries. Broughton brings experience to the squad and is an important half pairing alongside halfback and captain, Ali Brigginshaw. 

Having joined the Raiders last season after being with the Roosters since the start of the NRLW in 2018, Zahara Temara is an important player is the Canberra side. The halfback and co-captain has already scored two tries in the three games so far this year, having only scored three previously in her career. Temera is an experienced, representative player who brings leadership and class to the side. 

MY TIP: Brisbane have started the ride up the ladder, whilst Canberra have started the descent down the ladder, and they both want to be in the winning circle. After the performance of the Broncos last week, I just can't look past them as they look to continue to dominate and get themselves back into the top of the ladder. Broncos by 16.

1. Hayley Maddick 2. Julia Robinson 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Shenae Ciesiolka 5. Stacey Waaka 6. Gayle Broughton 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Keilee Joseph 9. Jada Ferguson 10. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 11. Tazmin Rapana 12. Romy Teitzel 13. Jasmine Fogavini 14. Destiny Brill 15. Tafito Lafaele 16. Lavinia Gould 17. Lauren Dam 18. Skyla Adams

1. Apii Nicholls 2. Madison Bartlett 3. Cheyelle Robins-Reti 4. Mackenzie Wiki 5. Shakiah Tungai 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. Relna Wuruki-hosea

Referees: Clayton Wills; Sideline Officials: Rochelle Tamarua, Izzy Davidson; Video Referees: Matt Noyen;