NRLW squad watch: Raiders ready to fly under the radar

The Raiders will have enough experience on paper to match it with rival clubs for their first season in the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership but like any side first up they'll need to gel quickly.

A total of 12 players arrive to the nation's capital having played in the NRLW previously while Raiders coach Darrin Borthwick was also able to recruit high-profile stars with international experience to add to the inaugural squad. 

The Green Machine are not expected to blow the competition away and win a premiership in their first year but with the squad built it sets up a great platform to work with for years to come while surprising a few people along the way. 

Predicted Round 1 Team

1. Apii Nicholls 2. Madison Bartlett 3. Cheyelle Robins-Reti 4. Felice Quinlan 5. Shakiah Tungai 6. Ash Quinlan 7. Zahara Temara 8. Sophie Holyman 9. Chante Temara 10. Tommaya Kelly-Sines 11. Hollie-Mae Dodd 12. Monalisa Soliola 13. Simaima Taufa 14. Emma Barnes 15. Ahlivia Ingram 16. Grace Kemp 17. Kerehitina Matua.

Other: Jessica Gentle, Petesa Lio, Ua Ravu, Tara Reinke, Eloise (Ella) Ryan, Elise Smith, Mackenzie Wiki.

Biggest strength  

The side have recruited some experience in key positions from fullback right through to their forward pack. 

Kiwi Ferns representative Apii Nicholls and Māori All Stars halves Ash Quinlan and Zahara Temara have been around a long time while the side's starting forward pack boasts representative experience at either the Origin or international level. 

They've also got strong finishes in Madison Bartlett, who has 11 tries in 16 NRLW appearances, and Shakiah Tungai, who returned to rugby league last year via the Broncos. 

Borthwick has picked up some underrated purchases and project players who have their best footy in front of them to complement that experience - the likes of Monalisa Soliola, England star Hollie-Mae Dodd and Ahlivia Ingram.

Biggest question mark

There's a lot of growth to work with but how well a team can gel throughout their first season will be key for the Raiders. 

They probably lack 1-2 more players with the star factor that other sides have, and don't have a lot of depth outside their starting 13 with many cross-code converts coming on board.

You get the feeling it's going to be a bit of a slow burn for the Raiders - as we've seen with new clubs in the NRLW before - but with a longer nine-week competition in 2023 it gives them plenty of time to work on that. 

Best recruit

It's a tie between both co-captains Simaima Taufa and Zahara Temara, who will bring the leadership qualities required for an inaugural team.

Taufa will provide the go-forward through the middle after averaging 148 metres per game during her stint at the Eels which included 37 tackle busts and five tries.

Temara is the NRLW's leading try-scorer with 95 points during her time at the Roosters and will take control of the side. She will also be the club's first-choice goal-kicker in an area that will prove crucial this season. 

Rookie to watch

The Raiders will blood plenty of players in their inaugural season but keep an eye on Grace Kemp, who has come across from rugby union at the peak of her career in the 15s game.

Kemp is a 22-year-old prop expected to follow the likes of Raiders teammate Sophie Holyman and star forward Millie Boyle in a successful code switch.

Kemp represented the Wallaroos at the Rugby World Cup last year but is eyeing a possible long-term future in the NRLW and if the trend continues, these cross-coders should waste no time in settling into their new surroundings.