Raiders v Cowboys NRLW preview

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Canberra Raiders (W) v North Queensland Cowboys (W) Saturday 12:45pm at GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce / Ngunnawal

After starting the season with a strong performance, the Raiders have found themselves falling short for three straight weeks... while the Cowboys are riding high into Saturday afternoon's contest after pipping the Titans by a field goal at home last Sunday.

With the halfway point of the season hitting this round, the stakes are high for both clubs who sit outside the top four. A win for the Cowboys puts them well in contention for the pointy end, while the Raiders need the two competition points just to keep pace.

In terms of team news the Raiders lose Monalisa Soliola (shoulder), which sees Kerehitina Matua start in the second row, and Reina Wuruki-Hosea - 18th player for the last several weeks - finally getting a crack and set to debut on the bench. Elsewhere in the Green Machine lineup, Shakiah Tungai is out with Alana Dummett replacing her.

The Cowboys welcome back Queensland Origin forward Makenzie Weale, who has been named on the bench. Out since the opening round with a head injury, she pushes Sareka Mooka out of the side. English import Fran Goldthorp moves to fullback and pushes Krystal Blackwell to the wing.

Last meeting: Round 8 2023 - Cowboys 12 Raiders 34

Who to watch: Zahara Temara has seen plenty of NRLW success across her career but so far has yet to really have a strong impact on the Raiders in the halves. If she can recpature the form that helped her guide the Roosters to the 2021 title, it could be the tonic the team from the capital need to crack their first finals series.

Kirra Dibb is an obvious choice to focus on for the Cowboys ahead of Saturday's clash, given her vital role in securing victory for the Townsville club last weekend. A 75th minute field goal proved the difference over a tenacious Gold Coast team, as well as playing a key role throughout the contest - it'll be her presence that provides the visitors the impetus to get their third victory of the season.

MY TIP: Home ground advantage is important and this will be a tight, hard-fought contest but the Raiders sadly have shown an inability to ice the contest this year - while the Cowboys have. Dibb to star again. Cowboys by 2.

1. Apii Nicholls 2. Madison Bartlett 3. Cheyelle Robins-Reti 4. Mackenzie Wiki 5. Alanna Dummett 6. Zahara Temara 17. Sereana Naitokatoka 8. Tommaya Kelly-Sines 9. Chante Temara 10. Sophie Holyman 11. Kerehitina Matua 12. Hollie Dodd 13. Simaima Taufa 14. Emma Barnes 15. Grace Kemp 16. Relna Wuruki-hosea 18. Felice Quinlan 21. Jaida Faleono

2. Krystal Blackwell 21. Vitalina Naikore 3. Jakiya Whitfeld 4. Jasmine Peters 5. Libby Surha 6. Tahlulah Tillett 7. Kirra Dibb 15. Lily Peacock 9. Emma Manzelmann 17. Harata Butler 11. China Polata 12. Tiana Raftstrand-Smith 13. Bree Chester 8. Tallisha Harden 14. Jetaya Faifua 16. Makenzie Weale 18. Shellie Long 19. Sareka Mooka

Referees: Luke Saldern; Sideline Officials: Billy Greatbatch, Dillian Wells; Video Referees: Matt Noyen;