Raiders NRLW coach blasts players over commitment after 26-0 loss

Canberra’s NRLW coach has taken aim at his players after a shocking start to the season, amid rumours of off-field issues.

Canberra’s NRLW coach has taken aim at his players after a shocking start to the season, amid rumours of off-field issues.

Coach Darrin Borthwick aired his frustrations following Canberra’s 26-0 loss to North Queensland last Saturday night, when he questioned the commitment of some of his players.

CODE Sports reports that it comes after revelations a group showed up late to a recovery session amid the Raiders’ shocking start to the 2025 season.

The Raiders have now been outscored 164 to 32, and a fed-up Borthwick took aim at a group of his players, who he said were just happy to be there and weren’t showing up for their teammates.

FULL STORY: Falling standards at the 0-4 Canberra Raiders expose big NRLW issue

Raiders coach Darrin Borthwick looks on before the start of the round 4 NRLW match between Cowboys and Raiders. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“I feel sorry for some of these girls who are just turning up, week in, week out, to defend stupid errors and mistakes that zap so much energy out of you,” Borthwick said.

“One positive I suppose is people like this (Raiders co-captain Simaima Taufa), they just keep turning up and putting their body on the line each week. And then there’s some that aren’t turning up and, to be honest, they’re just happy to be here. I’m over it.”

CODE Sports reports whispers also circulated that a group had been out drinking midweek prior to the game, claims the club have vehemently denied.

The dramas in Canberra raise an issue clubs are constantly battling while the NRLW continues to grow.

Read the full story, what it all means for the Raiders, and when things might change for the NRLW and its players here on CODE Sports.

Originally published as Raiders NRLW coach blasts players over commitment after 26-0 loss