Match Details
Match Date	23rd Aug, 2025
Opponent	Canberra
Result	Loss 24-56
Coach	Brayden Wiliame
Captain	Tayla Preston , Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
Venue	Belmore Sports Ground
Crowd	2,535
Referee	Tori Wilkie

It wasn't the result the Bulldogs had hoped for as they hosted their first-ever NRLW match at Belmore Sports Ground with the Bulldogs v Raiders Round 8 clash, but it will mark the history books.

With a sunny afternoon and a large, enthusiastic crowd, the stage was set for an exciting clash – and while the scoreboard ultimately favoured the Canberra Raiders 56-24, there were plenty of moments to celebrate as the Bulldogs continued to build their story in the premier competition.

The Canberra Raiders simply outpowered the Bulldogs side, dominating possession and laying on the points thick and fast. Head Coach Brayden Wiliame said while it hurts in the now, the experience will prove to be a great learning for the future.

The Bulldogs were forced into a few late changes with Adi Vani Buleki replacing Simina Lokotui on the wing one hour before kick-off (due to a hamstring injury), while at the 24-hour mark, Anneka Wilson stepped in at five-eighth for Ashleigh Quinlan (hamstring niggle), and Ebony Prior shifting to the starting hooker position.

Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau joined the bench, Alexis Tauaneai returned from a three-game hamstring absence, and Shannon Muru and debutant Leio Fotu-Moala made their first appearances for the Club.

In the first half: Canberra set the tone early, with Cheyelle Robins-Reti and Mackenzie Wiki combining for the opening try. Temara added the conversion to give the Raiders a 4-0 lead. In the 9th minute, veteran Simaima Taufa crashed over just outside the posts, with Temara converting again to push the score to 10-0.

An error from Bulldogs’ Latisha Smythe on a tricky grubber allowed Chloe Saunders to extend the Raiders’ lead. With another successful conversion, it was 16-0 in favour of the visitors.

The Bulldogs hit back in the 18th minute with a dynamic midfield play: Holli Wheeler linked with Co-Captain Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, who powered over from short range. Tayla Preston converted, bringing the score to 16-6.

The Raiders responded through a line break by Sereana Naitokatoka, finding Elise Simpson who raced 40 metres to score under the posts. Temara converted, making it 22-6. With minutes remaining in the half, Taufa, taking advantage of her experience, crashed over again just outside the posts. Temara’s boot pushed the half-time score to 28-6.

The Bulldogs showed resilience in the final moments before the break though, with Kalosipani Hopoate offering an opportunity only to be held up on a close-range effort, and two tackles later, Alexis Tauaneai charging across for her first try back from injury. Preston’s conversion narrowed the gap to 28-12 at the break.

At the break, the Raiders had held 62% possession, completed 16 of 17 sets at 94% and made 22 tackle breaks to the Bulldogs' 12 and 4 line breaks to the Bulldogs' two.

Come the second half: The Raiders were back in action, coming out strongly after the break. Jordyn Preston outpaced an equally dynamic Andie Robinson, to extend the score to 34-12. Shaniece Monschau was sin-binned for a late shot on Lili Boyle in the lead-up play, leaving the Bulldogs a player down.

Despite the disadvantage, the Bulldogs’ middles powered through: Alexis Tauaneai scored her second try from close range, and Preston converted to bring the Bulldogs back to 34-18.

Canberra quickly struck back with Kiwi winger Isabella Waterman breaking free from an Elizabeth MacGregor tackle to score, making it 38-18. Cheyelle Robins-Reti added another for the Raiders at the 54-minute mark (44-18), and Waterman completed her brace off a well-placed cross-field kick from Temara (50-18). Temara then set up Jordyn Preston for another Raiders try, pushing the scoreline to out to 56-18 - setting the match up to record the most points ever scored in an NRLW match to date.

A consolation try for the Bulldogs came in the 67th minute when Andie Robinson powered through the Green Machine’s defence. Tayla Preston converted to bring the final score to 56-24 at the whistle.

Source: bulldogs.com.au

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