Raiders v Sharks: Canberra eye rebound; Penitani to fullback
The Canberra Raiders are looking to bounce back from a tight loss as they prepare to host the Sharks on Saturday afternoon.
The match will be the first of a double-header at GIO Stadium, with the Raiders men to host Manly immediately after.
Canberra suffered their first loss of the season last week when they fell to the Knights 26-20. Darrin Borthwick's side was impressive in defence and came within two minutes of sending the match to golden point before Newcastle were awarded a penalty try.
The loss came on the back of a commanding victory over the Wests Tigers in Round 1 and the Raiders are eager to emulate that performance when the Sharks come to town.
Cronulla are sitting pretty in second on the ladder with two wins from two matches after a late Annessa Biddle try secured a two-point victory over the Eels last weekend.
The Sharks forward pack has laid the foundation for their impressive start, with Ellie Johnston setting the tone up front and adding to her impressive try-scoring record.
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Apii NichollsFullback for Sharks is number 1 Tiana Penitani
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Winger for Raiders is number 2 Madison BartlettWinger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples
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Centre for Raiders is number 3 Cheyelle Robins-RetiCentre for Sharks is number 3 Rhiannon Byers
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Centre for Raiders is number 4 Mackenzie WikiCentre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle
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Winger for Raiders is number 5 Shakiah TungaiWinger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics
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Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Zahara TemaraFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway
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Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Ashleigh QuinlanHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla Preston
Forwards
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Prop for Raiders is number 8 Tommaya Kelly-SinesProp for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
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Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Chanté TemaraHooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
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Prop for Raiders is number 10 Sophie HolymanProp for Sharks is number 10 Holli Wheeler
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Monalisa Soliola2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Hollie-Mae Dodd2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Vanessa Foliaki
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Lock for Raiders is number 13 Simaima TaufaLock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson
Interchange
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Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Emma BarnesInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Nakia Davis-Welsh
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Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Grace KempInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Chloe Saunders
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Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Kerehitina MatuaInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Manilita Takapautolo
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Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Sereana NaitokatokaInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Tegan Dymock
Reserves
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Replacement for Raiders is number 18 Relna Wuruki-HoseaReplacement for Sharks is number 18 Leki Leilua
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Reserve for Raiders is number 19 Alanna DummettReserve for Sharks is number 19 Pia Tapsell
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Reserve for Raiders is number 20 Felice QuinlanReserve for Sharks is number 20 Emma Tonegato
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Reserve for Raiders is number 21 Georgia Willey
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Reserve for Raiders is number 22 Jaida Faleono
Raiders Ins
- Alanna Dummett
- Felice Quinlan
- Jaida Faleono
- Relna Wuruki-Hosea
Sharks Ins
- Emma Tonegato
- Leki Leilua
- Pia Tapsell
Raiders Outs
Sharks Ins
- Jada Taylor
Match Officials
- Referee: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Peter Gough
Last updated:
Team News
Raiders: The Raiders are unchanged 17 from the side that fell just short against the Knights, including prop Sophie Holyman who was unable to finish the game with what was reported to be a biceps injury and watched on from the sidelines in a sling. Alanna Dummett, who missed last round due to concussion protocols, is in the extended squad. Relna Wuruki-Hosea the new 18th player.
Sharks: With the crushing news that Jada Taylor is out for the season with an ACL tear, captain Tiana Penitani will play fullback. Her move has caused a shuffle of the starting side, with Rhiannon Byers moving to centre and Vanessa Foliaki coming from the bench to the second row. Former Jillaroo Nakia Davis-Welsh will make her first appearance for Cronulla from the bench. Emma Tonegato has been named in the extended squad and could make a return from a calf injury.
Stat Attack
- The Raiders have won four from six at GIO Stadium.
- The Sharks are aiming for their fifth consecutive NRLW victory.
- Raiders winger Madison Bartlett has scored five tries in her past four games at GIO Stadium.
- Sharks prop Ellie Johnston has scored six tries in her past seven NRLW games.
Match: Raiders v Sharks
Round 3 -
home Team
Raiders
5th Position
away Team
Sharks
2nd Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
