NRLW finals live updates: One last ride for Roosters pioneers as retirement lingers
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One last ride for Roosters veterans
While it’s highly unlikely, the Roosters could be farewelling two champions and pioneers of the NRLW era tonight, should they be eliminated.
Corban Baxter and Millie Elliott will both hang up the boots at season’s end, but are hoping to add another piece of silverware before retiring.
Elliott has won four premierships during her career with the Broncos, Knights and Roosters, while teammate Baxter was the inaugural captain for the Chooks.
Millie Elliott is retiring at the end of 2026. Getty Images
Last time these two teams met
Earlier this season, the Roosters defeated the Raiders 22-18 in what was a tight battle that pushed the premiership favourites to their limits.
In fact, it was the second-closest margin for the Chooks all season, who wiped the floor with the majority of their NRLW rivals.
The narrow 12-10 win over the Wests Tigers in round two was their closest.
The Roosters are NRLW minor premiers for the second year straight. Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Roosters receive grand final boost
Victor Radley has narrowly escaped suspension for the NRL grand final, with the Roosters star copping a $3000 fine for a hip drop tackle on Herbie Farnworth.
Radley was placed on report in the 29th minute after conceding a penalty when he tackled Farnworth from behind.
He was then penalised again for a high shot – also on Farnworth.
On Saturday morning, Radley was hit with a grade one dangerous contact charge, and he will be free to play the grand final against the winner of Sunday’s other prelim between the Panthers and Knights.
Radley has been fined for his hip drop tackle on Farnworth. Nine
Cleary set to play with foot injury
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary insists star halfback and son Nathan is ready to go for the preliminary final against the Knights on Sunday afternoon.
But he also conceded there is a chance he might be playing with a foot fracture that could rule him out of the Rugby League World Cup.
“Nath’s ready to play. He’s obviously carrying an injury, but there wouldn’t be many players out there at the moment for any team that aren’t,” the coach said.
Nathan Cleary. Getty Images
Late mail for NRLW prelim
The final teams have been confirmed for tonight’s NRLW prelim.
No late changes for either side. Roosters and Raiders both line up 1-17 as per program. Mia Wood and Ellie Brander are the 18th player.
Roosters team: 1. Corban Baxter 2. Brydie Parker 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Jayme Fressard 6. Jocelyn Kelleher 7. Tarryn Aiken 8. Millie Elliott 9. Keeley Nizza 10. Otesa Pule 11. Sariah Paki 12. Jasmine Strange 13. Olivia Kernick 14. Taina Naividi 15. Aliyah Nasio 16. Rima Butler 17. Amber Hall 18. Mia Wood
Raiders team: 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. Chante Temara 10. Sophie Holyman 11. Jordyn Preston 12. Charlotte Basham 13. Hollie Dodd 14. Emma Barnes 15. Grace Kemp 16. Lili Boyle 17. Grace Kukutai 18. Ellie Brander
Zahara Temara in action. Getty Images
Crazy betting odds for prelim final
Is this the most ridiculous betting odds in rugby league finals history?
Heading into tonight’s clash, the Roosters are incredibly short and unbackable $1.04 favourites with bookmakers, while the Raiders are $11 roughies.
That’s got to be some type of record in 118 years of the game.
Jessica Sergis celebrates a try with Roosters teammates. Getty Images
Canberra’s best player sidelined
Canberra are already massive underdogs tonight and they’ll have to try climb the mountain without their best player, Simaima Taufa.
The 32-year-old is serving a three-game suspension for dangerous contact on Eels fullback Abbi Church towards the end of the regular season.
Taufa could return for the grand final, if the Raiders miraculously advance.
Simaima Taufa’s hip-drop on Abbi Church. Nine
Historic way Raiders advanced
Canberra played their first NRLW finals game last weekend and advanced to the prelims in historic fashion against the Wests Tigers.
The gritty 6-0 result was the lowest-scoring finals game in the competition’s history, with Isabella Waterman’s first-half try enough for the Raiders.
It will be a much tougher task this evening for the Green Machine however, coming up against a star-studded Roosters outfit.
The Raiders celebrate moving forward to the prelims. Ayush Kumar
Welcome to the blog!
Welcome to nine.com.au’s LIVE coverage of the NRLW preliminary final between the Sydney Roosters and Canberra Raiders.
After taking out the minor premiership in dominant fashion, the Tricolours will be looking to join their male counterparts in next weekend’s grand final.
Kick off is scheduled for 7.50pm at Allianz Stadium.
