With the season on the line, the Raiders will put their all into this Sunday’s clash against the Titans as they fight for their finals spot.
It is do or die this week for the Green Machine, with the fifth place Raiders hosting the third place Titans at GIO Stadium Canberra.
The Raiders will be more focused than ever as they need to win by 12 points or more to leapfrog either the Brisbane Broncos or Titans (pending results from the weekend) to secure their spot in the first week of finals.
It is still possible for the Titans to be knocked out of finals contention, and the stage is set for a huge match-up this Sunday as both teams fight to keep their season alive.
The Titans will be feeling confident after coming off a 34-12 win over the Eels, and a three-game winning streak.
The Green Machine are also locked and loaded, ready to fire as they return from a dominant 34-12 win over the Cowboys.
The Raiders have had an outstanding home record this season, having won three out of their four home games in 2023, and they will look to continue this trend and protect their arena when they take on the Titans at GIO.
Darrin Borthwick’s side will stay virtually unchanged, with the only difference being Elise Smith stepping up to replace the injured Hollie Mae-Dodd in second row.
The Titans are also showing faith in their lineup, with no changes being made to the visitor’s outfit.
Match: Raiders v Titans
Round 9 -
home Team
Raiders
away Team
Titans
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Apii NichollsFullback for Titans is number 1 Evania Pelite
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Winger for Raiders is number 2 Madison BartlettWinger for Titans is number 2 Karina Brown
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Centre for Raiders is number 3 Cheyelle Robins-RetiCentre for Titans is number 3 Jaime Chapman
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Centre for Raiders is number 4 Mackenzie WikiCentre for Titans is number 4 Niall Williams-Guthrie
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Winger for Raiders is number 5 Shakiah TungaiWinger for Titans is number 5 Destiny Mino-Sinapati
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Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Zahara TemaraFive-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Chantay Kiria-Ratu
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Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Ashleigh QuinlanHalfback for Titans is number 7 Lauren Brown
Forwards
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Prop for Raiders is number 8 Tommaya Kelly-SinesProp for Titans is number 8 Shannon Mato
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Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Chanté TemaraHooker for Titans is number 9 Brittany Breayley-Nati
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Prop for Raiders is number 10 Sophie HolymanProp for Titans is number 10 Jessika Elliston
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Monalisa Soliola2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Zara Canfield
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elise Smith2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Shaylee Bent
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Lock for Raiders is number 13 Simaima TaufaLock for Titans is number 13 Georgia Hale
Interchange
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Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Emma BarnesInterchange for Titans is number 14 Sienna Lofipo
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Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Grace KempInterchange for Titans is number 15 Steph Hancock
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Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Kerehitina MatuaInterchange for Titans is number 16 Rilee Jorgensen
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Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Tara ReinkeInterchange for Titans is number 17 Dannii Perese
Reserves
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Replacement for Raiders is number 21 Jessica GentleReplacement for Titans is number 22 Taliah Fuimaono
Match Officials
- Referee: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Peter Gough
Last updated:
Key Match-Ups
Apii Nicholls v Evania Pelite
Broken play is where these two fullbacks can cause serious problems and break the game open, with speed, elusive attack, and strength being their strongest attributes and biggest threats for their opposition.
Nicholls is a decorated player, having represented New Zealand in two World Cups, whilst also being named in the Women’s Team of the Tournament following last year's event.
This experienced veteran is no stranger to the big stage, and will help to guide her side around the park on Sunday and lead them to victory.
Nicholls has proven to be an attacking threat and a team player this season, with four try assists, 23 tackle breaks while averaging 146 running metres.
Pelite is having a standout 2023 campaign, and is cementing herself as one of the competition's best fullbacks.
Pelite is a valuable asset in both attack and defence, scoring four tries in eight games whilst also recording an 82% tackle efficiency.
Simaima Taufa v Georgia Hale
These two locks are the definition of hard work, with their experience shining bright this season as they lift the tempo and inspire their side each week with their strong runs and hard hits.
Taufa is an NRLW veteran, having an abundance of experience after winning two world cups, whilst also having a Dally M Medal under her belt.
The reliable workhorse is the complete lock, having scored two tries in eight games this year, whilst holding her side together in defence with an impressive 95.2% tackle efficiency.
Titans Captain Georgia Hale is a versatile player, and will be on the Raiders radar this Sunday as she poses a huge threat across the park.
Hale is having yet another dominant season as she inspires her side with her strong runs, resulting in 256 post contact metres, 21 tackle breaks, and one try, she will be hard to stop for the Green Machine.
Defence is also one of Hale’s best attributes, with the Gold Coast forward recording a staggering 99.2% tackle efficiency this season.
Sophie Holyman v Jessica Elliston
The stage is set for these two front rowers to go head-to-head and battle it out on Sunday.
Holyman has a wealth of experience, having played both union and league, whilst also representing the Prime Minister’s XIII last year, she will look to break down the Titans defence as she chargers her way into battle, and fights for her season.
The Raiders prop has scored two tries this season, whilst also recording 21 tackle breaks and a 91.5% tackle efficiency.
Elliston will be fighting for her second NRLW Premiership after winning with the Broncos in 2019.
The experienced prop will showcase her dominance on Sunday, with the enforcer having scored three tries already this season.
Elliston’s defence is also worth noting, as she boasts a remarkable 96.9% tackle efficiency.
