The penultimate round of the NRLW season pitches the finals contending Eels against the 8th placed Raiders.
After a series of close calls this season, the Raiders finally secured their second win with a strong finish against the Dragons last week. As has been the trend this season, Canberra started strong but were soon caught by their opponents.
However, this time, they turned the tide in the second half, scoring and outpacing their opposition, with seven tries to six. Zahara Temara converted five attempts, sealing a 38-34 victory.
The Eels, on the other hand, delivered arguably the best win in their history, overcoming the possession-heavy Titans with determined defence.
Parramatta had opened well, with forward leader Elsie Albert powering over the line in just the third minute. However, with little possession and few calls going their way, they had to battle a desperate Titans side for the remainder of the game.
Rory Owen’s game-changing run to the try line eventually swung the momentum in her team’s favour, with the win keeping the Eels’ finals hopes alive with two games remaining.
Game Info
Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024
Kick-off: 1:45 PM AEST
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Referee: Karra-Lee Nolan
Broadcast: Foxtel and Nine Gem
Live Stream: Kayo & Nine Now
Team Lists
Parramatta Eels
1. Abbi Church 2. Zali Fay 3. Rory Owen 4. Rosie Kelly 5. Monique Donovan 6. Cassey Tohi-Hiku 7. Rachael Pearson 8. Elsie Albert 9. Taneka Todhunter 10. Madeline Jones 11. Chloe Jackson 12. Mahalia Murphy 13. Breanna Eales 14. Rosemarie Beckett 15. Tyla Amiatu 16. Jade Fonua 17. Lindsay Tui
18. Mia Middleton 19. Pihuka Berryman-Duff 20. Ruby-Jean Kennard 21. Kate Fallon 23. Tafao Asaua
Coach Steve Georgallis has named an unchanged lineup for this week’s clash, rewarding his side’s impressive effort against the Titans.
Canberra Raiders
1. Apii Nicholls 2. Madison Bartlett 3. Cheyelle Robins-Reti 4. Mackenzie Wiki 5. Shakiah Tungai 6. Zahara Temara 7. Ash Quinlan 8. Grace Kemp 9. Chante Temara 10. Sophie Holyman 11. Monalisa Soliola 12. Hollie Dodd 13. Simaima Taufa 14. Emma Barnes 15. Jaida Faleono 16. Amelia Pasikala 17. Felice Quinlan
18. Relna Wuruki-Hosea 19. Tatiana Finau 20. Georgia Willey 21. Alanna Dummett 22. Tommaya Kelly-Sines
Significant inclusions this week, beginning with co-captain Simaima Taufa returning at lock, shifting Chante Temara to hooker and Emma Barnes to the bench. Hollie-Mae Dodd returns from suspension in the second row, and Mackenzie Wiki is set to return at centre. Kerehitina Matua will miss the next few weeks due to suspension, with Felice Quinlan moving from the starting side to the bench. Tatiana Finau moves into the reserves, and Relna Wuruki-Hosea is named as the new 18th player.
Lead in Form
Last weekend, the Eels weekend showed their ability to overcome adversity. By the numbers, it’s clear the Eels should not have won their match against the Gold Coast Titans, with the stats heavily favouring the visitors across most key areas.
The Eels defensive workload was off the charts, and statistically they only led the line break count and kicking metres. Of course, this only goes to highlight their ability to capitalise on key moments throughout the game, and being efficient when they had the ball.
The rise to the occasion from rookie Rory Owen, making something out of nothing from loose second-phase play, and Chloe Jackson’s line break in the play before the Eels extended their lead to ten points, emphasised the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise.
The Game
The showdown between the five-eighths promises to be a thrilling contest for fans, as both players have the skill to control the game and create decisive moments.
Zahara Temara has been a key figure in the Canberra Raiders’ NRLW journey, joining the team last year after five seasons with the Sydney Roosters. She has played in all seven of the Raiders’ matches this season, showcasing her playmaking ability by setting up three tries and assisting five line breaks.
Sahara Tamara
In fact, Tamara is also a scoring threat in her own right, with her 50 points from two tries and 21 goals placing her second on the 2024 NRLW points scoring ladder.
For the Eels, Cassey Tohi-Hiku has been pivotal under coach Steve Georgallis, featuring in every game in 2024. In her third NRLW season after debuting in 2022, the young five-eighth is having a breakout year, with her running game driving the Eels’ attack. She has racked up 16 tackle breaks, three line breaks, one try, and averages 98 running metres per game.
But before these playmakers weave their magic the hard yards will be done by their forwards.
Canberra will look to shift the ball at every opportunity and play with pace, but they won’t do that without Taufa and Kemp earning them the right to do so. Simaima Taufa’s experience and leadership will be crucial for a Raiders team that has struggled with composure and holding onto leads. Her presence could provide the calm her team needs to go the distance.
Elsie Albert
Likewise, Elsie Albert is fulfilling the role of the experienced middle for the Eels, and is enjoying arguably her best NRLW season. Last week, she produced a standout performance, scoring two tries, running 144 metres from 15 carries, and delivering her strongest display of the year. The Eels will be looking for a repeat effort from Albert to establish forward dominance over the Raiders.
I expect the Eels to win the battle in the middle, with their second phase play unleashing attacking weapons like Rory Owen.
The stage will then be set for a round 9 blockbuster against the powerful Roosters outfit.
Prediction: Eels by 8
Player of the Game: Rory Owen
Kye
Massive game following on from what I rated last week as a statement game from the team. If not the best, then definitely the most resilient game in the short history of Parra’s NRLW team.
It’s a must win game this 1 as is next weekend vs chooks.
with Newcastle blowing gold coast of the park every game is a must win for our girls.
I think our 6 went missing last week n Rachel Pearson looked out of idea’s.
As you said we had no right to win that game but we did.
we need to have much better line speed n if we are to give the green machine possession it needs to be in their 20 zone.
But no point kicking them high we need to kick to the corners with a good kick chase.
eels by 12. lotm is our fullback Abbie church.
Thanks for the reply Rev. You’re right, it’s a huge game. I think you’re a bit harsh about Tohi-Hiku. Did you notice her defensive work in a game that was won on the back of defence?
yeah I notice.
You watching the girls know. twice Rachel has been clueless n been tackled.
please explain why we lack the attack that the top 4 have or even Canberra. they ran by turning understand.
we just shift from right to left. That’s why I think Rachel has to stop n try n run back to create the play.
looking at the table we need cow’s to beat Newcastle n us to beat chooks. I think we finish 5th. go manly vs dogs