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NRLW Legend Returns for Final Game: Titans Aim for a Farewell Victory Against Raiders

22 September, 2024 - 4:24AM
NRLW Legend Returns for Final Game: Titans Aim for a Farewell Victory Against Raiders
Credit: abc-cdn.net.au

Two teams playing for pride in the final round will be hoping to finish their difficult seasons on a high when the Raiders take on the Titans.

After reaching the great heights of the grand final last year, the Gold Coast have found the going tough this season, not helped by a tough run of injuries that included three season-ending ones to key personnel before the competition even kicked off. 

That has affected their potency in attack, with their halves changing almost every week. However, coach Karyn Murphy would be most concerned with their defence this season which has leaked 175 points this season, the fifth worst in the competition. 

The Raiders too have had their share of setbacks, but mostly will be left to rue their inability to stay in games for the full 70.

The side have shown plenty of guts and some great football in patches, but have been guilty of giving away leads and unable to mount continuing pressure on their opposition.

That all being said, both sides boast some genuine game-breakers in their team and can put on some exciting football, so it is bound to be an entertaining game with both clubs looking to end on a high.

Titans Captain Calls For Unity As Side Farewell's Legend

Titans captain Georgia Hale has found it hard to hide the disappointment of Gold Coast's 2024 season, but the influential leader is urging her side to deliver for a very special occasion this weekend.

Despite a lacklustre campaign after finals success last year, the 29-year-old believes her side has plenty of inspiration and motivation to perform when the Titans face the Raiders this Sunday, with NRLW Titan #1 Karina Brown set to return for the final game of her impressive career.

“It’s been a rollercoaster ride and I think with losses come learnings, but we have an occasion to celebrate this weekend with our last round of the season and farewelling our teammate Goose,” Hale said.

“When we think of Goose and the type of person she is - a beautiful person and extraordinary player - it’s been so nice to have celebrated her over the week and we look forward to the celebrations to come this weekend.

“Casting back to the season awards last Tuesday night and hearing about her extraordinary career, we feel very privileged to have been part of her journey in some small way and we wish her nothing but the best.”

Celebrating a Titans Icon

Reflecting on a tough year with seven season-ending injuries occurring across the campaign, the Titans captain praised the six NRLW debutants that have stepped up and donned the jersey this season.

“When someone is injured, we feel sad and sorry for our sister, but I’ve been really proud of the way the next cab off the rank has stepped up and done their job,” Hale said.

“The game is in very good hands and I love seeing the girls that have come through the pathway that are Gold Coast or wide Queensland bred and are now representing that Gold Coast Titans badge.

“We look at some of our younger players in Lailani Montgomery and Sarina Masaga, we're so proud of their efforts and they've held jerseys each week because of that so I think there's lots to celebrate.”

Key Returns For Titans’ Final Round Clash

With the curtains closing on their season this weekend, Hale is preparing for a tight contest with the Raiders as the home side will be looking to lift and overtake the Titans on the final ladder.

“We're looking forward to a really close challenge; they've got a strong pack and Zahara (Temara) leads them around the field really well,” she said.

“But the focus this Sunday needs to come back internally with the unity in our group and the strengths that we have taking the field.”

Looking Ahead To The Pacific Championships

Following NRLW duties, Hale will her sights set on International duties at the upcoming 2024 Pacific Championships, where the co-captain of the Kiwi Ferns will look to come up against quite a few familiar faces.

“I'm really looking forward to seeing the spread of our Titans players that are going to be casted across different sides,” she said.

“We're suiting up in our Titans armour this weekend but in a couple weeks time we're going head-to-head and I enjoy that battle and believe it makes us better players.”

Ending Australia's seven-year streak of wins against them during last years Pacific Championships, the seasoned International is looking forward to facing the Jillaroos in their opening match on October 27.

“We got the one over them last year but didn’t have much to show for it but any opportunity to play the Jillaroos is an exciting one, so I look forward to that,” Hale said.

Key Returns for the Titans’ Final Round Clash

With the final round of the NRLW season upon us, the Gold Coast Titans will be hoping to end their season on a high as they prepare for the final clash against the Raiders. Coach Karyn Murphy has confirmed that two key backs will return to the squad for the match, giving the team a much-needed boost.

NRLW Titan #1 Karina Brown, who announced her retirement last week, has been given the all clear to return from a calf injury that threatened to rule her out indefinitely. Brown will be eager to finish her stellar 14-year career on a high note, wearing the No. 1 jersey for her final game.

Jamie Chapman has also received the all clear after suffering a hamstring complaint in last week's match. The return of these two key players will provide a much-needed boost to the Titans' backline, as they look to take on a strong Raiders team.

Titans Look to Finish the Season With Pride

The Titans have faced a difficult season, with a series of injuries that have hampered their progress. However, despite the setbacks, the team remains determined to finish the season on a high note, particularly with the return of Brown for her final game.

The game will also provide an opportunity for the team to celebrate Brown's illustrious career, and her contributions to the Titans. The team is looking forward to this final match and the chance to give Brown a memorable send-off.

Raiders Aim for a Strong Finish

The Raiders will also be looking to end their season on a high note. The team has faced a number of challenges throughout the season, but remains determined to put in a strong performance in the final round. The team will be looking to use this match as an opportunity to build momentum going into the off-season.

A Match to Remember

The final clash between the Raiders and the Titans is set to be a tense and exciting match. Both teams will be looking to finish the season on a positive note, and with Brown's return for her final game, the match will be a special occasion. Fans can expect a thrilling contest, filled with emotion and determination, as both teams fight for victory.

Tags:
NRL Women's Premiership Rugby league Gold Coast Titans Karina Brown Canberra Raiders NRLW Titans Raiders Karina Brown Georgia Hale
Nneka Okoro
Nneka Okoro

Sports Reporter

Covering sports events and bringing you live updates.