Palmerston forward pack proves key as Raiders move on in finals

Sports Reporter PALMERSTON Raiders convincingly defeated Rabbitohs 14-0 in the first round of NRL NT Women’s finals yesterday, eliminating Souths from the premiership campaign trail.

Star women’s competition five-eighth Jasmine Castro crossed for a try for the Raiders, as well as hooker Kiah Hazel and Stevie Kelly in lock.

Katrina Mills also kicked a goal for Palmerston.

Raiders coach Anthony Smith was relieved to progress to the next round of finals.

Smith said he’s proud of his players.

“We’re very stoked, it was very physical,” he told the Sunday Territorian.

“We got the points early and that’s what pushed us through.

“Playing during the day being hot, the fitness kicked in and our skill set and completion rate was much better than the last few rounds.”

Smith said his forwards were the key in yesterday’s victory.

“Our forward pack, they were workhorses today and covered defence spot on,” he said.

“We knew they would be physical, and we matched them and did better.”

Souths coach Yo Morris felt the pressure of finals may have impeded her team’s performance.

“We went out and I think I’d mainly put it down to a lack of communication nerves,” she said.

“The finals excitement and jitters. We prepped well but when we got out there it was a different story.”

Nightcliff Dragons defeated Sharks 26-16, progressing straight to the grand final in two-weeks. Raiders will now go to the preliminary final against Sharks. and ANTHONY SMITH, RAIDERS COACH