Raiders' Taufa banned from first finals; can only return via grand final
Star lock Simaima Taufa is suspended for three games and can play again only if Canberra reaches the grand final.
The Raiders face Wests Tigers in an elimination final Friday without their suspended star. Simaima Taufa, a three-time player of the year, was banned for dangerous contact and missed the Raiders' final regular-season game.
There is only one way Taufa can return to the field: if the team reaches the grand final. Taufa has already missed one week but is driving the team's campaign from the sideline.
Playmaker Krystal Blackwell said Taufa remains the Raiders' heart and soul, mentoring younger players and setting the team's tone even while benched. Back-rower Charlotte Basham called her leadership invaluable.
This is Canberra's first finals campaign since joining the NRLW.
- 3
- Player of year awards
- 3 games
- Suspension length
- Wests Tigers
- Opponent
- 4
- Canberra's NRLW seasons
Why it mattersThe Raiders must reach the grand final to bring back their best player, adding enormous pressure to a young team in its first finals run.
