There were plenty of surprises in the opening round of the expanded NRLW and the element of unpredictability should continue this week.
There are some big match-ups on the schedule while the Raiders will create history when they host their first match in Canberra, Hannah Southwell is on the comeback trail for Newcastle and there’s a double-header for fans in Sydney to get extra bang for their buck.
This game forms part of a double header with the Broncos taking on the Sydney Roosters in the NRL.
Both teams have made changes. The Broncos are without Ashleigh Werner who has been suspended for two games for biting and Julia Robinson remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. For the Titans, Tahliah Fuimaono has been named on the reserves list as she tries to overcome the ankle injury she suffered last week.
The Titans are coming off the back of a win against little sister team North Queensland, whilst the Broncos lost to the premiership favourites, the Roosters.
There are a couple of key contests which will determine this game. Last week, Evania Pelite shone for the Titans, running for 248 metres with 15 tackle breaks. Her opposing fullback Hayley Maddick had some nice touches last week.
Both teams have new halfback combinations, although you would say with Ali Brigginshaw in the halves, Brisbane hold the advantage.
There are electric players across both backlines, so will be dependent on their forwards to give them the advantage. Look for some big hits early and some strong opening runs from Annetta Nu’uausala from the Broncos and Shannon Mato from the Titans.
Prediction: Broncos by four points.
It’s a big occasion for the Raiders, playing their first home game and their opponent in the Sydney Roosters could not be any tougher.
The Roosters made a statement last weekend against the Broncos and have really announced themselves in this competition. Millie Boyle was a standout, scoring for the Roosters early and Corban Baxter scored a double after returning from giving birth to her second child in January.
The Raiders may have lost their opening game, but there were plenty of positive signs, looking dangerous at points.
To win this game, the Raiders will be dependent on their experienced players like Simaima Taufa to lead from the front and for Zahara Temara to keep control with her kicking game.
But ultimately I think the Roosters have far too much experience for the Raiders, who are still a very young and a new team.
Prediction: Roosters by 8 points.
Both teams will be keen to post their first win. For the Eels, it doesn’t get any easier. With key signings Rachael Pearson and Elsie Albert ruled out during injury, it means they have lost two of their most experienced players.
This is important because the Eels are already the most inexperienced team in the competition.
While strong in the opening half, their defence did struggle in the second (part of this may have been because they didn’t have the ball for 16 minutes straight), however that needs to be tightened up against a Dragons team that can strike from anywhere on the field.
I’ll be keeping an eye on both fullbacks in this game, with Teagan Berry capable of slicing through tired defensive lines and Abbi Church also crucial to both tries Parramatta scored last weekend.
Prediction: Dragons by 2 points.
This is the first match-up in the NRLW double header scheduled for Belmore and the Knights will be looking to make it two in a row.
The Knights were impressive against the Dragons. I was looking to their pack to step up, especially after the loss of Boyle to the Roosters and they did through Tayla Predebon, Caitlan Johnston and Yasmin Clydesdale.
In exciting news for Newcastle fans, Georgia Roche and Hannah Southwell have been named on the reserves, which means Roche is close to making her club debut and Southwell is not far from returning from the serious injury which had her sidelined for most of last year.
The Cowboys’ focus will be their discipline – reducing errors and completing their sets. They showed some attacking class through Kirra Dibb last week, but will need a bit more polish to beat this talented Newcastle team.
Prediction: Knights by 4 points.
This is my match of the round. Many fans were unsure about these two teams leading into the competition, but with strong Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership teams, those combinations have flowed through into the NRLW sides.
The Tigers thrashed the Eels last weekend with Botille Vette-Welsh electric on debut. Her battle against teen speedster, Jada Taylor is one that I am extremely excited about.
Tiana Penitani. (Photo by Tim Allsop/Getty Images)
The Sharks were also impressive on debut, with Emma Tonegato starring in her first game in the halves.
This game will also feature some strong forward battles. I’m especially looking forward to seeing Sarah Togatuki up against Ellie Johnston. For the Tigers also keep an eye on interchange player Losana Latu, who caused the Eels plenty of problems last weekend.
Prediction: Tigers by six.
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