With Maroons coach Nathan Cross at the helm, the Red V have a notable new face in young fullback Montaya Hudson, while Maroons gun Shenae Ciesiolka also adds spark to a Dragons backline that will be looking to create more attacking variation.

Dragons captain Brooke Anderson said the gap between all of the teams this year was closing and she was “excited to see how everyone goes”.

The Raiders will be fired up to improve on their 3-8 record in 2025 and have set themselves up for success with the recruitment of Sheridan Gallagher, Bobbi Law, Krystal Blackwell and Ellie Brander, adding to a squad that already boasted established leaders Simaima Taufa, Zahara Temara, Grace Kemp and Hollie-Mae Dodd.

Control and composure will be key as Canberra’s experienced spine and forward leadership aims to drag the Dragons into a physical contest, while the Red V Iwill want to use width and Hudson’s involvement to stretch the defence.

Team News

Dragons: Taliah Fuimaono will start at five-eighth in her return to the Dragons and partner emerging talent Kasey Reh in the halves. Fellow recruit Brooke Anderson will line up at lock, with former Bronco Shenae Ciesiolka named in the centres. Nita Maynard-Perrin will wear the No.9 jumper, while Teagan Berry will start her final season as a Dragon at fullback. 

Raiders: Former Cowboy Krystal Blackwell has been named at five-eighth and is set to partner co-captain Zahara Temara in the halves. Fellow recruit Sheridan Gallagher will wear the No.1 jumper, while Bobbi Law is listed in the centres and Charlotte Basham in the back row. Simaima Taufa will line up at lock after recovering from off-season surgery that forced her out of the Origin series.

Stat Attack

Dragons fullback Teagan Berry has scored four tries in three games against the Raiders.
Raiders lock Simaima Taufa will make her 50th NRLW appearance.
The Dragons have won only one of their last six games at St George Venues Jubilee Stadium.
Raiders fullback Elise Simpson scored six tries in her last five games in 2025.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.

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