North Queensland’s effort areas have kept them relevant in the 2024 NRLW premiership race but their middling attack is costing them, six rounds in.
Kirra Dibb, Talullah Tillet and Emma Manzelmann have all enjoyed highlight reel moments in the spine this year but without a genuine ballplaying threat at fullback, defending systems are compressing on the Cowboys attack.
Backrower Tiana Raftstrand-Smith and centre Jakiya Whitfeld have been standouts on North Queensland’s left edge this year and will both feature heavily again in this one, but their opportunities have been limited throughout the regular season.
With key forwards China Polata and Lily Peacock both missing this week, there’s value in Wests to keep this one close.
Ebony Prior is dangerous off a quick play-the-ball and we’re yet to see Losana Lutu enjoy positive receptions at a retreating defence.
With both strike centres back this week and some likeable changes wider out, I’m happy to back the Tigers to notch their first win of the year.
Fresh of a season-best 42-14 win over Parramatta, St George-Illawarra Head Coach Jamie Soward was this week informed he will not be needed beyond this year.
We’re going to get a better idea of where the playing group sits on this decision from their response on Saturday afternoon.
On paper, the Dragons pack will like their chances against the Raiders here.
With star lock-forward Simaima Taufa ruled out, Canberra’s already light forward rotation is now missing its most productive contributor on both sides of the ball.
The Raiders have points in their backline but aren’t creating enough positive looks in the lead up to give themselves a chance.
St George however have proven comfortable in the grind and capable of piling on the points.
They’re getting the most out of strike centres on either edge, using the speed of Teagan Berry to stress the defence before putting the big bodies of Keele Brown or Bobbi Law into half spaces close to the line where they’re proving difficult to stop.
I gave Cronulla their flowers last week but still backed the Gold Coast Titans to beat them at their own game… I won’t be making that mistake again.
Even before Millie Elliott was ruled out, the Sharks profiled well to get the better of the Roosters in this heavyweight clash.
Cronulla have assembled an extremely well-balanced pack that gets the most out of their key players; Ellie Johnston is a human wrecking ball but is being wonderfully supported by hard-working, mobile bodies like Holli Wheeler and Brooke Anderson through the middle of the field.
On the back of momentum generated in yardage, Tayla Preston continues to impress as arguably the form halfback in the women’s game.
She’s taking the right options between pass, kick and run to consistently translate Cronulla’s field position into points.
The form of Cassie Staples deputising at fullback has also been a key factor in the Sharks current win streak.
Easts might match it physically with Cronulla early on but the Sharks are playing too smart right now.
They’ll soak up the pressure with Preston’s boot before pulling the trigger on a variety of repeatable actions down either edge.
After being comfortably the most consistent team of season 2023, the Gold Coast Titans have been difficult to track so far this regular season.
With arguably the best starting forward pack in the NRLW and the experience of Lauren Brown at halfback, the Titans look good on paper every week but have been shut-out twice this year by fellow contenders Sydney and Brisbane.
They get a great chance here to finetune their attack against a Parramatta side without Kennedy Cherrington (season ending knee injury) and there’s value in the line if the Titans play anywhere near their potential.
Parramatta’s middle-third have conceded an NRLW-high nine tries heading into Round 7 and it’s an area the Titans can target through the big bodies of Shannon Mato, Jessika Elliston or Jaime Chapman cutting back against the grain.
This one could end up as the 2024 NRLW Grand Final preview.
Brisbane have played themselves into form on the back of a destructive forward pack and a lethal left edge in attack.
Like Cronulla, the Broncos employ a nice mix of big bodies and mobile workers around the ruck to consistently win the yardage battle and play with the lion’s share of possession.
From there, Gayle Broughton has a variety of shapes to fall into down a Broncos left edge that features Mele Hufanga (six tries) and Julia Robinson (five tries).
They’re missing key backrower Tazmin Rapana this week but I still like the Broncos left edge to feature in the end-game highlights reel.
For the Knights, Jesse Southwell is back in the No.7 jumper despite Newcastle producing some of their best attacking football while Evie Jones filled in at halfback.
Georgia Roche and Tamika Upton were both brilliant in elevated roles during that period and it’s imperative the Knights find a balance with Southwell back in the side.
They’re more than capable of putting it all together on Sunday but it’s Brisbane with all the confidence and momentum right now.
Written by Oscar Pannifex | rugbyleaguewriters.com