With just four rounds to go in the NRLW, there are several games this weekend that could see big shifts in the ladder.
We’re now past the mid-point of the season and realistically, the only team that we can put the red line through for finals footy is the Parramatta Eels.
It’s a very tight ladder with just four points separating first and ninth. But with some key matchups this weekend, the ladder could look very different by the end of the round.
Here’s your Round 6 preview.
This could be the Eels opportunity to jag their first win of the season.
It’s no secret that the Eels have struggled, but since the return of Rachael Pearson in Round 4, their attack has looked more focused with the Eels coming within six of the equal first Raiders.
The Cowboys defence was poor last week, conceding 40 points to Cronulla. The Eels will look to capitalise on this through Zali Fay and Cassey Tohi-Hiku, particularly when the Cowboys are forced to defend their own try line.
The Cowboys will be challenged in this game as their casualty ward grows with Shaniah Power and Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly suffering season-ending injuries. Both these players have proved explosive and Power in particular has combined well with Kirra Dibb.
I’ll be keeping an eye on China Polata in this game, who has traditionally played on the wing but will move to the forwards this week.
Prediction: Eels by 4
I am really looking forward to this game.
The Dragons sit in eighth spot on the ladder, but in my view this doesn’t necessarily reflect the Dragons’ performances and in particular, how well stars Raecene McGregor and Teagan Berry have played.
The Titans started the season strong but have now had back-to-back losses to the Roosters and the Knights. Injury certainly hasn’t helped, but this weekend they will welcome back representative centre Jamie Chapman.
In my view, the Titans pack will be too strong for the Dragons in this game, but I am looking forward to an explosive fullback battle between Berry and Pelite.
Should the Dragons win this game, they will find themselves on equal points with the Tigers.
Prediction: Titans by 6
It’s been a challenging period for the Tigers who have now lost their last three games.
It’s certainly not through a lack of talent – but what the team may be lacking is a bit of game management. That was on show last week with their loss to the Dragons, who scored two tries in the last three minutes.
They face a big test against the Sydney Roosters who sit on top of the ladder for a reason.
After an exceptional performance last week where she set up two tries and scored one of her own, it will be key for the Tigers to shut down Tarryn Aitken; but the challenge for the Tigers will be the strike power that the Roosters have all over the field.
At the end of this game, we should know a bit more about the Tigers and whether they can realistically challenge for the Premiership this year.
Prediction: Roosters by 8
Evania Pelite is tackled. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
The Brisbane Broncos have not been in the top four at all this season, but that might change this weekend when have the chance to equalise with the Raiders who sit just two points above them on the ladder.
The Raiders have been so much fun to watch this season and have certainly overachieved. Simaima Taufa has proved week in week out with her huge workloads why she is one of the best forwards in the game and has been supported by Grace Kemp and Sophie Holyman. It’s extremely unfortunate that Monalisa Soliola will also be unavailable for this game.
Brisbane will be shattered after losing to Newcastle in the final minute and welcome back Julia Robinson into the fold this weekend. I can’t wait to see her combine with Mele Hufunga and think the Broncos will cause plenty of damage on the right edge.
Prediction: Broncos by 4
The Sharks got back on track last week with a huge win over the Cowboys and welcoming back several key players.
But they face a big test this week in the Newcastle Knights who continue to improve each week and will no doubt play in front of a bumper crowd again.
The Knights will benefit from the return of Hannah Southwell. This is another game which will give us an indication of just how far Jada Taylor, Emma Tonegato and Tiana Penitani can take the Sharks in 2023.
Prediction: Knights by 6
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