Raiders v Knights: Shak attack; Young gun set to debut
The Green Machine host the defending premiers Newcastle at home at GIO Stadium and will be full of confidence of an upset after putting in a strong showing in their first round win.
Canberra ran in three tries in the opening 10 minutes of the game to go out to an unassailable lead on their way to posting a 32-12 win, with Kiwi winger Madison Bartlett scoring a double.
The off-season focus on fitness and defence proved vital for the Knights who withstood wave after wave of Roosters attack early in their opening game to post a first-up win at home.
While their first-half defence was impressive, they were made to survive a late scare as the visitors posted two second half tries to threaten a boil-over, but a successful penalty goal by halfback Jesse Southwell in the 67 minute proved crucial.
As expected, superstar fullback Tamika Upton was vital to their attacking play and shutting her down will be at the top of the list for the Raiders, while Canberra five-eighth Zahara Temara's kicking game proved a key component of their win.
Match: Raiders v Knights
Round 2 -
home Team
Raiders
5th Position
away Team
Knights
3rd Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Team News
Raiders: Only one change made to the side that overpowered the Wests Tigers last week, with representative winger Shakiah Tungai slotting into the side in place of Alanna Dummett, who was ruled out of their Round 1 win after failing her HIA. The former Jillaroos, Blues and Indigenous All Stars back played nine games for the Raiders last year and scored four tries. No late changes for the Raiders. Georgia Willey is 18th player.
Knights: Youngster Lilly-Ann White has been named to make her NRLW debut on the wing for the Knights, with Isabella Waterman moving to the bench. White recently played as fullback for the triumphant New South Wales Under 19 side. After making her debut in Round 1, rugby union convert Grace Kukutai has not been named. The Knights will start 1-17 as originally named. Jacinta Carter is 18th player.
Match: Raiders v Knights
Round 2 -
home Team
Raiders
away Team
Knights
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Apii NichollsFullback for Knights is number 1 Tamika Upton
-
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Madison BartlettWinger for Knights is number 2 Sheridan Gallagher
-
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Cheyelle Robins-RetiCentre for Knights is number 3 Shanice Parker
-
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Mackenzie WikiCentre for Knights is number 4 Abigail Roache
-
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Shakiah TungaiWinger for Knights is number 5 Lilly-Ann White
-
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Zahara TemaraFive-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Georgia Roche
-
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Ashleigh QuinlanHalfback for Knights is number 7 Jesse Southwell
Forwards
-
Prop for Raiders is number 8 Tommaya Kelly-SinesProp for Knights is number 8 Tayla Predebon
-
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Chanté TemaraHooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia Higgins
-
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Sophie HolymanProp for Knights is number 10 Caitlan Johnston-Green
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Monalisa Soliola2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Laishon Albert-Jones
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Hollie-Mae Dodd2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale
-
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Simaima TaufaLock for Knights is number 13 Hannah Southwell
Interchange
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Emma BarnesInterchange for Knights is number 14 Nita Maynard
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Grace KempInterchange for Knights is number 15 Kayla Romaniuk
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Kerehitina MatuaInterchange for Knights is number 16 Rima Butler
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Sereana NaitokatokaInterchange for Knights is number 17 Isabella Waterman
Reserves
-
Replacement for Raiders is number 21 Georgia WilleyReplacement for Knights is number 18 Jacinta Carter
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Raiders have won three of their last five games at GIO Stadium.
- Knights hooker Olivia Higgins has scored three tries in her past four NRLW games.
- Raiders winger Madison Bartlett has scored four tries in her past three games at GIO Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
