Palmerston Raiders to face Northern Sharks in 2025 NRL NT Round 3
Strong inclusions have helped the Palmerston Raiders to the perfect start to the season, but they will be put to the test against a Sharks outfit eager for a first win. Catch up on the latest NRL NT action.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Palmerston Raiders are building in confidence following a strong start to the season, but know they’re in for a test against a Sharks outfit eager to grab their first win.
Palmerston kicked off their season in style beating South Darwin 46-6 and then last year’s minor premiers Nightcliff 48-20 to sit on top of the table after two rounds.
It’s exactly the start the Raiders needed after finishing outside of finals in 2024 and gives them the chance to build momentum under new coach and club great Chuck Norris.
The recruitment of Tevita Koloamatangi from Litchfield and A-grade return of Jarrad Lane, who scored a hat-trick against the Dragons, has been integral to that early success.
“The feeling is pretty great around the squad and the boys are pretty geed up about the game and what’s ahead of us,” Norris said.
“Beating Nightcliff at home gave us a big boost in confidence in finding where we’re at and showed our strength at home.
“Our structure in attack has been a weapon, but our focus has been on our defence, that’s what wins games and we know we’ve just got to get in the grind and show we’re the fitter side.
“We believe in each other, we have a strong forward pack and a backline that will come into life when it’s time.”
Koloamatangi has been key in the forwards bringing strong running alongside Blake Blomley, while Lane has helped bring stability to the side.
Captain Brad Hansen has been another to have an influence leading by example while Lamonta Banderson will get his taste of senior action up from the under-18s against the Sharks.
The Sharks have been the benchmark side of recent times playing in the past four grand finals and despite failing to win from their opening two matches have shown they’re still dangerous.
They’ve led both reigning premiers Brothers and Litchfield at half time but fallen off the lead in the second half, an area they will want to rectify against the strong finishing Raiders.
Simaika Salaa has been among their best in his play making while Adam Hall and Jacob Collie are other experienced heads ready to throw the Raiders off their game.
“They’re hungry for a win so we basically have to stick to our game plan and focus on what we need to do,” Norris said.
“They’re a tough team and have been for a long time, we know that so we have to go out there and treat it as any other game and be confident in ourselves as we do.
“Tevita has had a big input for us alongside Blake, they’ve both been great for us so far and it’s great to see Jared back where he belongs too bringing stability to our forwards.
“Brad’s another who brings a lot to the boys, he leads by example and he brings confidence to everyone in the way he plays.”
Meanwhile, the Nightcliff Dragons will take on South Darwin Rabbitohs with both sides hunting a first win and Litchfield and Brothers compete to secure their respective undefeated runs.
More Coverage
Originally published as Palmerston Raiders to face Northern Sharks in 2025 NRL NT Round 3
Lest we forget: Alice Springs gives standing ovation to those who served
Alice Springs has delivered a standing ovation for armed service members past and present, as veterans share what Anzac Day means to them. See the pictures.
‘I’ve always wanted one’: Unique warbird arrives in Darwin
A unique airframe has caught the eye of plane enthusiasts this week, intriguing those on the ground. What we know about the ‘Kaitaia Sweetheart’.