Broncos v Raiders: Same 17 for Prince; Borthwick keeps faith
The Broncos are looking to continue building as they prepare to host the Raiders in the opening game of Round 4 of the NRLW season.
Brisbane claimed their first win of the campaign in commanding fashion last week, a dominant 44-4 victory over fierce rivals the Gold Coast.
The result came as a host of big names returned, with five-eighth Gayle Broughton lining up for her first game since off-season back surgery.
Olympics gold medallist Stacey Waaka also impressed in her NRLW debut just a week after leading New Zealand to rugby sevens glory in Paris.
Their attention now turns to a desperate Raiders team eager to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the Sharks.
Canberra led 12-0 early in the second half before Cronulla ran rampant in the final 25 minutes to claim a 24-12 win.
The Raiders have now lost two on the trot after opening their season with a victory in Round 1.
Simaima Taufa has led from the front so far this year and Canberra will need another big performance from her if they are to defeat the Broncos on Saturday at Totally Workwear Stadium.
Match: Broncos v Raiders
Round 4 -
home Team
Broncos
4th Position
away Team
Raiders
8th Position
Venue: Totally Workwear Stadium, Brisbane
Team news
Broncos: The Broncos are 1-17 with no late changes. After putting in a record-breaking performance last week, coach Scott Prince has named an unchanged side. Stacey Waaka enjoyed a fruitful debut on the wing and will line up there again. Four-try star Mele Hufanga pairs in the centres with Shenae Ciesiolka, who made a successful return from injury last week. Skyla Adams is the 18th player.
Raiders: The Raiders team remains unchanged following last week's loss to the Sharks. Canberra had a strong to lead 8-0 at half-time but fell away in the second half to lose 24-12 and come to Brisbane on the back foot against a Broncos side who have found their groove. Forward Amelia Pasikala has been named to make her injury return off the bench for Mounties this week, with coach Darrin Borthwick happy to see their off-season signing back in action after breaking her leg playing for the Kiwi Ferns in a Test against Tonga. "To see her run out this week and at least get some footy under her belt will be good, we'll see where it goes from there," Borthwick said. "Just happy that's she's getting back on the field from a serious injury and hopefully she plays well this weekend."
Match: Broncos v Raiders
Round 4 -
home Team
Broncos
away Team
Raiders
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Hayley MaddickFullback for Raiders is number 1 Apii Nicholls
-
Winger for Broncos is number 2 Julia RobinsonWinger for Raiders is number 2 Madison Bartlett
-
Centre for Broncos is number 3 Mele HufangaCentre for Raiders is number 3 Cheyelle Robins-Reti
-
Centre for Broncos is number 4 Shenae CiesiolkaCentre for Raiders is number 4 Mackenzie Wiki
-
Winger for Broncos is number 5 Stacey WaakaWinger for Raiders is number 5 Shakiah Tungai
-
Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Gayle BroughtonFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Zahara Temara
-
Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Ali BrigginshawHalfback for Raiders is number 7 Ashleigh Quinlan
Forwards
-
Prop for Broncos is number 8 Keilee JosephProp for Raiders is number 8 Tommaya Kelly-Sines
-
Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Jada FergusonHooker for Raiders is number 9 Chanté Temara
-
Prop for Broncos is number 10 Chelsea LenarduzziProp for Raiders is number 10 Sophie Holyman
-
2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Tazmin Rapana2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Monalisa Soliola
-
2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Romy Teitzel2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Hollie-Mae Dodd
-
Lock for Broncos is number 13 Jasmine FogaviniLock for Raiders is number 13 Simaima Taufa
Interchange
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Destiny BrillInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Emma Barnes
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Tafito LafaeleInterchange for Raiders is number 15 Grace Kemp
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Lavinia GouldInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Kerehitina Matua
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Lauren DamInterchange for Raiders is number 17 Sereana Naitokatoka
Reserves
-
Replacement for Broncos is number 18 Skyla AdamsReplacement for Raiders is number 18 Relna Wuruki-Hosea
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Broncos have won three from three at Totally Workwear Stadium.
- Raiders winger Madison Bartlett has scored eight tries in her past six games.
- Broncos centre Mele Hufanga has scored 14 tries in her past 13 games.
- The Raiders lost their only previous game in Brisbane (40-8 v Broncos in 2023).
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
