After joining the league together in 2023, the Wests Tigers and Canberra Raiders will make their finals debut against each other at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Friday night.
Read Full Previews
- Wests Tigers vs Raiders → wests-tigers-vs-raiders-nrlw-finals-week-1-preview-2026
- Broncos vs Knights → broncos-vs-knights-nrlw-finals-week-1-preview-2026
Matchday Details
Friday, 18 September 2026 – 7:50pm AEST – Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney
📺 Nine Network / Nine Now / Foxtel / Kayo
Referee: Belinda Sharpe | Senior Review Official: Todd Smith
Wests Tigers: 1. Caitlin Turnbull, 2. Harmony Crichton, 3. Rikeya Horne, 4. Portia Bourke, 5. Lily Rogan, 6. Losana Lutu, 7. Raecene McGregor, 8. Sarah Togatuki, 9. Salma Nour, 10. Shaniece Monschau, 11. Kezie Apps, 12. Shaylee Bent, 13. Holli Wheeler, 14. Christian Pio, 15. Shenai Lendill, 16. Jetaya Faifua, 17. Brooke Talataina, 18. Tara Reinke, 19. Namoe Gesa, 20. Kayla Henderson, 21. Emily Bass, 22. Tyla Amiatu
Canberra Raiders: 1. Sheridan Gallagher, 2. Isabella Waterman, 3. Leianne Tufuga, 4. Bobbi Law, 5. Mackenzie Wiki, 6. Krystal Blackwell, 7. Zahara Temara, 8. Chloe Saunders, 9. Chanté Temara, 10. Sophie Holyman, 11. Jordyn Preston, 12. Charlotte Basham, 13. Hollie-Mae Dodd, 14. Emma Barnes, 15. Grace Kemp, 16. Lili Boyle, 17. Grace Kukutai, 18. Ellie Brander, 19. Sereana Naitokatoka, 20. Madison Bartlett, 21. Madyson Tooth, 22. Relna Wuruki-Hosea
Match Preview
There’s a double boost for the fourth-placed Tigers, with captain Kezie Apps and fullback Caitlin Turnbull both returning to the side after missing last week’s loss against the Raiders. Shaniece Monschau moves to prop, with Christian Pio dropping to the bench and Tara Reinke and Kayla Henderson back to the reserves. Emily Bass has also been named among the reserves as she looks to make her return after six weeks out with a leg injury.
Canberra coach Darrin Borthwick has opted for the same 17 that defeated the Tigers last week. Simaima Taufa remains suspended.
The two teams last met just a week ago when the Raiders ran out winners 22-10 at Leichhardt Oval. They’ve now faced each other four times in NRLW history with the Raiders winning all four.
After winning just five games across their first three seasons (winning back-to-back wooden spoons), the Tigers have turned a corner in 2026 under new coach Craig Sandercock. Halfback Raecene McGregor, in her first season at the club, was named Tigers player of the year during the week and holds the key to a Tigers victory on Friday night. In 11 matches this season, she has 11 try assists, eight line break assists and seven forced drop outs.
Of the Raiders’ six wins this season, only one has been by less than 12 points. Conversely, only one of their defeats has been by more than six points. For the Raiders to win, they have to improve their ability to close out close matches.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Raiders by 12
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