Arabic version: رايدرز يُسكت تايغررز ويحقق أول فوز له في نهائيات دوري NRLW
According to ABC News, Canberra Raiders secured their first NRLW finals victory by defeating Wests Tigers 6-0 in an elimination final at Campbelltown Stadium on Friday night. Both clubs were playing their maiden finals match after four years in the competition, but Canberra’s experience and control proved decisive in a low-scoring contest.
Zahara Temara played a central role in the Raiders’ win. The former Queensland State of Origin star delivered a cut-out pass for Isabella Waterman’s first-half try, giving Canberra the only try of the match. With the Raiders protecting a four-point lead for much of the second half, Temara broke the line and drew a penalty that extended the margin to 6-0.
Temara’s game management also helped keep the Tigers scoreless. Canberra’s halfback forced two dropouts and repeatedly kicked the Tigers into difficult territory. When Wests Tigers fullback Caitlin Turnbull attempted a late kick-and-chase play, Temara was again on hand to clean up the danger.
Canberra controlled most of the match, with prop Chloe Saunders providing a major platform through 173 metres, including 73 post-contact metres. The Tigers made 85 more tackles as the Raiders spent much of the first half camped near their line. A 10-5 penalty count against Wests Tigers further limited their opportunities in the second half.
The loss ended a breakthrough season for the Tigers, who had won only five games across their first three NRLW seasons and collected the previous two wooden spoons. They had been in contention for a top-two place before losing 58-0 to Gold Coast and then 22-10 to Canberra. The Raiders will face Sydney Roosters if Brisbane beat Newcastle, or Gold Coast if Newcastle win through.
