The Canberra Raiders delivered a commanding performance to defeat the New Zealand Warriors 36-6 in their NRLW round 4 encounter at GIO Stadium on Saturday. The victory was built on a powerful forward pack and clinical finishing, with the Raiders crossing for five tries to secure their second win of the season.
First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone
Canberra took control from the opening whistle, with hooker Chantay Kiria-Ratu scoring the first try in the 12th minute after sustained pressure. The Raiders' forward trio of Simaima Taufa, Tommaya Kelly-Sines, and Kaitlyn Phillips laid the platform with strong carries and quick play-the-balls, forcing the Warriors to defend for extended periods. By halftime, the home side led 18-0, with winger Madison Bartlett adding two tries to extend the advantage.
Warriors Struggle to Contain Raiders' Attack
The Warriors' defensive line was repeatedly breached, particularly on the edges. Raiders fullback Apii Nicholls-Pualau orchestrated the backline with precision, setting up tries for centre Shanice Parker and lock Holli Wheeler. The Warriors' only response came in the 55th minute through a try to fullback Kalosioni Taniora, but it was too little too late. Canberra sealed the win with a late try to prop Alanna Dummett, converted by Kiria-Ratu to bring the final margin to 30 points.
Key Statistics and Player Performances
The Raiders completed 85% of their sets compared to the Warriors' 72%, and made 1,450 run metres to 1,023. Taufa led all players with 182 metres and 28 tackles, while Bartlett's two tries took her season tally to five. Warriors captain Georgia Hale was her side's best with 45 tackles and 112 metres, but the team's error count of 14 proved costly. Raiders coach Darrin Borthwick praised his side's discipline: "Our execution was sharp and we stuck to the game plan. The forwards set the platform and the backs finished off."
Impact on the NRLW Ladder
The win moves the Raiders into fourth place on the NRLW ladder with a 2-2 record, while the Warriors remain winless at 0-4. The result underscores the growing competitiveness of the Raiders, who have now won two of their last three matches after a round 1 loss. The Warriors, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to avoid the wooden spoon, with their next match against the ladder-leading Sydney Roosters.
