Canberra Raiders Women

Australian rugby league football club From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Canberra Raiders Women is an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the national capital city of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. They compete in the National Rugby League Women's Premiership (NRLW), Australasia's premier rugby league competition for female players. The Raiders were admitted to the NRLW in June 2022 to commence in the 2023 NRL Women's season.[1]
The Raiders' home ground is Canberra Stadium (GIO Stadium) in Bruce, Australian Capital Territory. The official symbol for the Canberra Raiders Women is the same as the men’s team, which is the Viking.

Full nameCanberra Raiders
Rugby League Club
NicknameThe Green Machine
Colours  Lime Green
  White
  Navy
Founded30 March 1981; 45 years ago (1981-03-30) in Queanbeyan NSW[original research?]
Quick facts Club information, Full name ...
Canberra Raiders Women
Club information
Full nameCanberra Raiders
Rugby League Club
NicknameThe Green Machine
Colours  Lime Green
  White
  Navy
Founded30 March 1981; 45 years ago (1981-03-30) in Queanbeyan NSW[original research?]
Websiteraiders.com.au
Current details
Ground
CEODon Furner Jr
ChairmanDennis Richardson
CoachDarrin Borthwick
CaptainSimaima Taufa
Zahara Temara
CompetitionNRL Women's Premiership
Home colours
Away colours
Current season
Records
Biggest winRaiders 56 – 24 Bulldogs
Belmore Sports Ground
(23 Aug 2025)
Biggest lossRaiders 6 – 56 Sharks
GIO Stadium
(12 Jul 2025)
First gameRaiders 14 – 28 Sharks
Pointsbet Stadium
(23 Jul 2023)
Most recent gameRaiders 16 – 17 Titans
Cbus Super Stadium
(13 Sep 2025)
Most capped29Sophie Holyman and Chanté Temara
Highest try scorer19Madison Bartlett
Highest points scorer156Zahara Temara
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Seasons

More information Season, Regular season ...
Season Regular season Finals Ref
P W D L F A Pts Pos Top Placing
2023 950417320610 5th 4 [2]
2024 93061942166 7th 4 [3]
2025 113081833256 11th 6
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2026 Draw

The draw for the 2026 season was announced on 14 November 2025.[4][5][6]

More information Round, Opponent ...
RoundOpponentScoreDateTimeVenue
1 Dragons204Sat 4 Jul 20263:15 PMAwayJubilee Stadium
2 WarriorsSun 12 Jul 202612:00 PMHome GIO Stadium
3 RoostersSat 18 Jul 202612:45 PMHome GIO Stadium
4 SharksSat 25 Jul 202612:45 PMHome GIO Stadium
5 CowboysSat 1 Aug 20264:15 PMNeutralGeohex Stadium, Wagga Wagga
6 BroncosSun 9 Aug 202611:35 AMHome GIO Stadium
7 KnightsSun 16 Aug 202611:50 AMAwayMcDonald Jones Stadium
8 BulldogsSat 22 Aug 20263:15 PMAwayBelmore Sports Ground
9 TitansSat 29 Aug 202612:45 PMAwayCbus Super Stadium
10 EelsSun 6 Sep 20266:15 PMHome GIO Stadium
11 TigersFri 11 Sep 20265:40 PMAwayLeichhardt Oval
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Head-to-head records

More information Opponent, First Meeting ...
OpponentFirst MeetingPWDLPFPAWin %Share
Sharks23 Jul 20233003321080.00%22.86%
Roosters29 Jul 20233102587433.33%43.94%
Tigers6 Aug 202333007750100.00%60.63%
Dragons12 Aug 20234301919275.00%49.73%
Eels20 Aug 20233102568633.33%39.44%
Broncos27 Aug 20233003581120.00%34.12%
Knights2 Sep 2023300332640.00%33.33%
Cowboys10 Sep 20233102526633.33%44.07%
Titans17 Sep 20233102385933.33%39.18%
Warriors16 Aug 202511002016100.00%55.56%
Bulldogs23 Aug 202511005624100.00%70.00%
Totals23 Jul 2023301201857075140.00%43.15%
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Notes

  • Share % is the percentage of points For over the sum of points For and Against.
  • Clubs listed in the order than the Raiders Women first played them.
  • As of 6 July 2026

Coaches

More information Coach, Season Span ...
CoachSeason SpanMWDLForAgstWin %Share %
Darrin Borthwick2023present301201857075140.00%43.15%
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As of 6 July 2026

Captains

All players that have captained the Canberra Raiders women's team in the NRLW.

More information Cap No., Name ...
Cap No.NameYears As CaptainDebut RoundGames As CaptainGames for Club
1.Simaima Taufa2023-presentRound 12828
2.Zahara Temara2023-presentRound 12828
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Current squad

The team is coached by Darrin Borthwick.

Jersey numbers in the table reflect the team list announced for Round 2.[7]
Table last updated on 7 July 2026.

More information J#, Player ...
J# Player Age Position(s) NRLW seasons NRLW stats Origin Tests All
Stars
Debut 2018-24 2025 2026 M T G Pts Prems
1Sheridan Gallagher24Fullback, Wing2023 19 13 133258116 1
2Elise Simpson19Wing, Fullback2025 9 1106024
3Leianne Tufuga24Centre, Wing2021 12 16 11 14011044 1 1 7
4Bobbi Law29Centre, Wing2019 2 11 13 2 1298032 1 5
5Mackenzie Wiki24Wing, Centre2023 14 9 1248032 3 1
6Krystal Blackwell23Five-eighth, Fullback2023 15 12 1287028 1
7Zahara Temara29Halfback, Five-eighth2018 24 18 10 1537111253 1 8 5 1 6
8Chloe Saunders26Prop, Lock2023 18 11 1304016
9Chanté Temara25Hooker2020 2 1 18 11 133104 1 3
10Sophie Holyman28Prop, Lock2022 5 18 11 1354016 7
11Jordyn Preston23Second-row, Centre2024 2 11 1144016
12Charlotte Basham20Second-row2022 8 9 118104
13Simaima Taufa32Lock, Prop2018 9 12 17 11 15016064 12 18 2
14Emma Barnes22Hooker2023 14 10 1253012
15Grace Kemp25Prop, Lock2023 18 8 1274016 3 3
16Hollie-Mae Dodd22Second-row, Lock2023 15 6 1224016 11
17Grace Kukutai29Lock2024 3 8 112000
18Lili Boyle21Hooker, Lock2025 77000
19Relna Wuruki-Hosea20Wing, Centre2024 3 36208 1
20Madison Bartlett31Wing2019 5 6 5 18 640300120 6
21Sereana Naitokatoka25Five-eighth, Hooker2021 4 9 6 9283012 6
22Ellie Brander18Prop R0000
Madyson Tooth23Centre R0000
Isabella Waterman26Wing, Fullback2024 1 783012 2
ZAaliyah Lomas21Lock0000
ZEvie McGrath20Fullback, Five-eighth2024 3 69104
DVMarley Cardwell21Prop2025 22000
DVIsabella Piper19Lock U0000
DVGabriella Savage18Centre U0000
Holly Williams18Wing U0000
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Notes:

  • Evie McGrath and Aaliyah Lomas were each signed on a supplementary contact for 2026.[8]
  • The following players were signed on a development contract for 2026.[9]
    • Marley Cardwell
    • Isabella Piper
    • Gabriella Savage
  • In late May 2026, Monalisa Soliola withdrew from the 2026 season at her own request.[10]
  • The following players were signed on a development contract for 2025.[11]
    • Lili Boyle
    • Milly Caldwell
    • Madyson Tooth
    • Uta Utaisone Poka
  • Lili Boyle was elevated into the 2025 squad to replace Ua Ravu.[12]

The Canberra Raiders announced the release of seven players in late November 2025.[13] The Raiders announced player signings in several instalments from December 2025.[14][15][16][17][18][8][19][9] The Raiders announced contract extensions in several instalments from January 2026.[20][21][22][23]

2026 Gains & Losses

Off contract after 2026

Individual awards

Players of the Year

The Canberra Raiders player of the year award winners since 2023.

More information Year, Name ...
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Club records

Win-loss record since entering the NRLW in 2023

More information Games, Wins ...
GamesWinsDrawnLossPoints ForPoints Against+/-Win %
301201857075118140.00%
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Player records

Lists and tables last updated: 6 July 2026.

Career records (at the Raiders)

More information Rank, Player ...
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More information Rank, Player ...
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Season records

Season length has increased over time as the competition has expanded.

More information Rank, Player ...
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Match records

Most points in a game for the Raiders

Qualification: 10 points

More information Rank, Player ...
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Most tries in a game for the Raiders

Qualification: 2 tries

More information Rank, Player ...
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Most goals in a game for the Raiders

Qualification: 4 goals

More information Rank, Player ...
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Oldest and youngest players

The oldest and youngest players to represent the Canberra Raiders women's team in the NRLW.

More information Name, Age ...
NameAgeYear
Apii Nicholls31 and 208 days2024
Jaida Faleono18 and 206 days2024
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First try and Last try

Who scored the first try and most recent try for the Raiders.

More information Name, Year ...
NameYearRoundMinute
Madison Bartlett2023133'
Simaima Taufa2026167'
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Margins and streaks

Biggest winning margins
Qualification: 10 point margin

More information Margin, Score ...
MarginScoreOpponentVenueDateRound
325624 BulldogsBelmore Sports Ground23 Aug 20258
223412 CowboysCbus Super Stadium10 Sep 20238
203212 TigersCampbelltown Sports Stadium28 Jul 20241
16204 DragonsJubilee Oval4 Jul 20261
102414 RoostersGIO Stadium29 Jul 20232
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Biggest losing margins
Qualification: 15 point margin

More information Margin, Score ...
MarginScoreOpponentVenueDateRound
50656 SharksGIO Stadium12 Jul 20252
341246 EelsGIO Stadium19 Jul 20253
32840 BroncosTotally Workwear Stadium27 Aug 20236
26026 CowboysQueensland Country Bank Stadium26 Jul 20254
24630 TitansGIO Stadium17 Sep 20239
221436 DragonsGIO Stadium5 Jul 20251
18018 KnightsMcDonald Jones Stadium3 Aug 20255
162844 BroncosGIO Stadium10 Aug 20256
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Most consecutive wins

  • 4 (29 July 2023 20 August 2023)

Most consecutive losses

  • 6 (5 July 2025 10 August 2025)

Biggest Comeback

Worst Collapse

  • Surrendered 12 point lead. Led Cronulla Sharks 12-0 after 44 minutes at GIO Stadium on August 10 2024 and lost 12-24

History

Women’s rugby league was introduced to Canberra in 1991 through the efforts of local citizens. From an early February expression of interest in forming a team in the Canberra Times, a committee was formed, contact and affiliation with the ACT Rugby League was instigated and twenty minute, seven-a-side exhibition matches were held in March 1991.[33][34][35][36][37] A four team competition commenced in late May 1991, initially with nine-a-side but this became ten-a-side later in the season.[38][39] Two club teams were sent to an eight-team women's rugby league tournament in the Illawarra in mid-July, with East Canberra winning it.[40][39] On 28 July 1991, an exhibition match was played at half-time of an NSWRL men's match between the Canberra Raiders and Brisbane Broncos.[39]

A combined ACT women's team toured the North Island of New Zealand in April 1992, winning three of the four matches they played against club sides.[41] An ACT representative team was selected to play Illawarra in late August 1992.[42]

Canberra club teams competed in subsequent National Championships between 1992 and 1994, with several of these competitions hosted in the Australian Capital Territory.[43][44][45]
The National Championships switched to representative teams in 1995 and Canberra or Australian Capital Territory teams competed in several if not all years until 2003.

Canberra hosted the second-ever women’s rugby league test match in July 1995, against New Zealand.[46] Six members of the Australian team were from Canberra clubs.[47]

The following year, Canberra hosted a tour match and the First Test in Great Britain’s tour.[48][49]

The region again hosted the 2002 Great Britain tourists, with a tour match at Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan.[50] The Third and deciding Test match of this series was played ahead of a Canberra Raiders match at Bruce Stadium.[51]

After a break of fifteen years, Canberra next hosted a women’s rugby league Test Match in 2017.[52]

In 2018, an idea to name the future women's team as the Canberra Valkyries was explored.[53][54]

In November 2021, the Canberra Raiders announced their intent to apply for an NRLW licence.[55][56] In April 2022 the club submitted their application to enter the 2023 NRL Women’s Premiership. In June 2022 the NRL announced that the Raiders were one of four clubs accepted into the NRLW for the 2023 season.[1]

First game

More information Margin, Score ...
MarginScoreOpponentVenueDate
141428 Cronulla SharksPointsBet Stadium23 July 2023
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First Team

The first ever Canberra Raiders team who played the Cronulla Sharks on the 23rd July 2023 at PointsBet Stadium. The Cronulla Sharks won the match 28-14. [57]

More information Jersey, Position ...
Jersey Position Player
1FullbackApii Nicholls
2WingMadison Bartlett
3CentreCheyelle Robins-Reti
4CentreMackenzie Wiki
5WingShakiah Tungai
6Five-eighthZahara Temara (c)
7HalfbackAshleigh Quinlan
8PropTommaya Kelly-Sines
9HookerChante Temara
10PropSophie Holyman
11Second-rowMonalisa Soliola
12Second-rowHollie-Mae Dodd
13LockSimaima Taufa (c)
14HookerEmma Barnes
15PropGrace Kemp
16Second-rowKerehitina Matua
17PropTara Reinke
CoachDarrin Borthwick
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Players

The following players have appeared in NRL Women's Premiership matches for the Raiders. Inaugural coach Darrin Borthwick was assigned number one. Inaugural joint captains Simaima Taufa and Zahara Temara were assigned numbers two and three.[58]

Table last updated: 6 July 2026.

More information Order, Player ...
Order Player Raiders First Appearance
M T G FG Pts Game Date Opponent
2Simaima Taufa2990036123 Jul 2023 Sharks
3Zahara Temara295682158123 Jul 2023 Sharks
4Madison Bartlett24190076123 Jul 2023 Sharks
5Hollie-Mae Dodd2240016123 Jul 2023 Sharks
6Sophie Holyman3040016123 Jul 2023 Sharks
7Tommaya Kelly-Sines120000123 Jul 2023 Sharks
8Apii Nicholls171004123 Jul 2023 Sharks
9Ashleigh Quinlan1730012123 Jul 2023 Sharks
10Cheyelle Robins-Reti2850020123 Jul 2023 Sharks
11Monalisa Soliola2040016123 Jul 2023 Sharks
12Chanté Temara301004123 Jul 2023 Sharks
13Shakiah Tungai1683038123 Jul 2023 Sharks
14Mackenzie Wiki2480032123 Jul 2023 Sharks
15Kerehitina Matua202008123 Jul 2023 Sharks
16Tara Reinke70000123 Jul 2023 Sharks
17Grace Kemp2740016123 Jul 2023 Sharks
18Emma Barnes2530012123 Jul 2023 Sharks
19Alanna Dummett42008412 Aug 2023 Dragons
20Ua Ravu20000412 Aug 2023 Dragons
21Elise Smith30000520 Aug 2023 Eels
22Ahlivia Ingram20000520 Aug 2023 Eels
23Jessica Gentle21004627 Aug 2023 Broncos
24Petesa Lio20000627 Aug 2023 Broncos
25Ella Ryan10000627 Aug 2023 Broncos
26Sereana Naitokatoka1510041028 Jul 2024 Wests Tigers
27Relna Wuruki-Hosea620081424 Aug 2024 Cowboys
28Felice Quinlan510041424 Aug 2024 Cowboys
29Amelia Pasikala82008151 Sep 2024 Roosters
30Georgia Willey10000151 Sep 2024 Roosters
31Jaida Faleono30000167 Sep 2024 Dragons
32Tatiana Finau90000167 Sep 2024 Dragons
33Chloe Saunders122008195 Jul 2025 Dragons
34Georgia Thomas30000195 Jul 2025 Dragons
35Leianne Tufuga121004195 Jul 2025 Dragons
36Isabella Waterman730012195 Jul 2025 Dragons
37Jordyn Preston1240016195 Jul 2025 Dragons
38Lili Boyle70000195 Jul 2025 Dragons
39Elise Simpson10600242119 Jul 2025 Eels
40Marley Cardwell200002123 Aug 2025 Bulldogs
41Charlotte Basham10000304 Jul 2026 Dragons
42Krystal Blackwell10000304 Jul 2026 Dragons
43Sheridan Gallagher10102304 Jul 2026 Dragons
44Bobbi Law11004304 Jul 2026 Dragons
45Grace Kukutai10000304 Jul 2026 Dragons
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Representative honours

National team representatives

More information Player, Club Debut ...
PlayerClub DebutCountryInternational
Debut
YearsRef
Hollie-Mae Dodd23 Jul 2023 England23 Oct 202120242025[59][60]
Tatiana Finau7 Sep 2024 Tonga25 Oct 20252025[61]
Petesa Lio27 Aug 2023 Samoa15 Oct 20232023[62]
Kerehitina Matua23 Jul 2023 Cook Islands2 Nov 202220232025[63]
Sereana Naitokatoka28 Jul 2024 Fiji22 Jun 201920242025[64][61]
Apii Nicholls23 Jul 2023 New Zealand16 Nov 201720232024[65]
Ashleigh Quinlan23 Jul 2023 New Zealand14 Oct 202320232024[65]
Ua Ravu12 Aug 2023 Papua New Guinea9 Nov 201920232024[66][67]
Cheyelle Robins-Reti23 Jul 2023 New Zealand21 Oct 20232023[65]
Monalisa Soliola23 Jul 2023 Samoa19 Oct 20242024[68]
Simaima Taufa23 Jul 2023 Australia9 Nov 201420232025[66]
Leianne Tufuga5 Jul 2025 New Zealand14 Oct 20232025[61]
Isabella Waterman5 Jul 2025 Fiji21 Oct 20252025[61]
Mackenzie Wiki23 Jul 2023 New Zealand3 Nov 20242024[69]
Relna Wuruki-Hosea24 Aug 2024 Papua New Guinea1 Nov 20252025[61]
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Notes:

  • International Debut dates in bold indicate that the player made her first international appearance prior to playing for the Canberra Raiders NRLW team.
  • Janelle Williams was a development member of the Raiders NRLW squad in 2023 prior to making her debut for Samoa in October 2023.[62]
  • Leianne Tufuga previously played for Samoa, in 2020.
  • Mackenzie Wiki previously played for Cook Islands, in 2022.
  • Cheyelle Robins-Reti was 18th player for New Zealand on 3 November 2024, but did not take the field.

Women's State of Origin representatives

Past and current players that have played for Queensland and New South Wales in the State of Origin.

More information Player, State ...
Player State Year(s)
Simaima TaufaNew South Wales20232025
Grace KempNew South Wales2024
Zahara TemaraQueensland20232024
Sophie HolymanQueensland20232025
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Prime Minister's XIII representatives

Past and current players that have been selected to play in the Prime Minister's XIII.

More information Player, Year(s) ...
Player Year(s)
Sophie Holyman20242025
Monalisa Soliola2024
Chante Temara2024
Grace Kemp2024
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All-Stars Representatives

Past and current players that have played for the Indigenous All-Stars or for the Māori All-Stars.

Indigenous All Stars

More information Player, Year(s) ...
Player Year(s)
Grace Kemp20242026
Tommaya Kelly-Sines2024
Ahlivia Ingram2023
Krystal Blackwell2026
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Māori All Stars Māori people

More information Player, Year(s) ...
Player Year(s)
Zahara Temara20232024, 2026
Ashleigh Quinlan20232025
Chante Temara20242026
Kerehitina Matua20242025
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Feeder team seasons

The Canberra Raiders run a women's team in the Tarsha Gale Cup and have an arrangement with Mount Pritchard Mounties for the NSWRL Women's Premiership.

Tarsha Gale Cup

For Under 18 players from 2018 to 2020. Since 2021, the Cup is for Under 19 players.

More information Season, Regular Season ...
Season Regular Season Finals Ref
P W D L B F A Pts Pos Top Placing
2018 810711544404 10th 8
2019 911701062763 9th 8
2020 63030118966 5th 8
2021 821511281687 7th 6
2022 820611022186 10th 6
2023 8413115817611 6th 6 Elimination Finalist
2024 8404118213410 7th 6
2025 8404115420010 9th 8 [70]
2026 830511521828 10th 8 [71][72]
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Lisa Fiaola Cup

The Cup is for Under 17 players. The Raiders entered in 2025.

More information Season, Regular Season ...
Season Regular Season Finals Ref
P W D L B F A Pts Pos Top Placing
2025 8404117014810 8th 8 Qualifying Finalist [70][73]
2026 821511422107 10th 8 [71][74]
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NSWRL Women's Premiership

More information Season, Regular Season ...
Season Regular Season Finals Ref
P W D L B F A Pts Pos Top Placing
202310604125414214 4th 6 Premiers [75][76]
202411713018520415 3rd 4 Semi-Finalist [77]
202511803028816016 2nd 4 Semi-Finalist [78]
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Members of Mounties' 2023 premiership-winning team that subsequently were included in the Raider's extended NRLW squad were: Alanna Dummett, Tommaya Kelly-Sines, Petesa Lio, Aaliyah Lomas, Kerehitina Matua, Mackenzie Wiki, Janelle Williams, and captain Simaima Taufa.[75]

References

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