The Green Machine host the defending premiers Newcastle at home at GIO Stadium and will be full of confidence of an upset after putting in a strong showing in their first round win.

Canberra ran in three tries in the opening 10 minutes of the game to go out to an unassailable lead on their way to posting a 32-12 win, with Kiwi winger Madison Bartlett scoring a double.  

The off-season focus on fitness and defence proved vital for the Knights who withstood wave after wave of Roosters attack early in their opening game to post a first-up win at home. 

While their first-half defence was impressive, they were made to survive a late scare as the visitors posted two second half tries to threaten a boil-over, but a successful penalty goal by halfback Jesse Southwell in the 67 minute proved crucial.

As expected, superstar fullback Tamika Upton was vital to their attacking play and shutting her down will be at the top of the list for the Raiders, while Canberra five-eighth Zahara Temara's kicking game proved a key component of their win. 

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Team News

Raiders: Only one change made to the side that overpowered the Wests Tigers last week, with representative winger Shakiah Tungai slotting into the side in place of Alanna Dummett, who was ruled out of their Round 1 win after failing her HIA. The former Jillaroos, Blues and Indigenous All Stars back played nine games for the Raiders last year and scored four tries. No late changes for the Raiders. Georgia Willey is 18th player. 

Knights: Youngster Lilly-Ann White has been named to make her NRLW debut on the wing for the Knights, with Isabella Waterman moving to the bench. White recently played as fullback for the triumphant New South Wales Under 19 side. After making her debut in Round 1, rugby union convert Grace Kukutai has not been named. The Knights will start 1-17 as originally named. Jacinta Carter is 18th player. 

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Stat Attack 

  • The Raiders have won three of their last five games at GIO Stadium.
  • Knights hooker Olivia Higgins has scored three tries in her past four NRLW games.
  • Raiders winger Madison Bartlett has scored four tries in her past three games at GIO Stadium.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,