'I want to make a statement': Tiana out to lock down finals spot

At just 22, Tiana Raftstrand-Smith is already considered a seasoned member of the Cowboys forward pack. 

After serving a three-game suspension from the All Stars game in February, the hard-hitting forward has made her long-awaited NRLW return in a timely boost for North Queensland's inaugural finals series. 

Raftstrand-Smith spent four games regaining fitness and form in the BMD Premiership with the Northern Pride before Cowboys coach Ricky Henry recalled her for last weekend's Round 9 clash against the Roosters.

It was a tough re-entry against the competition’s unbeaten benchmark, but the secondrower turned lock ensured she made her presence felt in a 22-minute stint off the bench.

“I enjoyed every moment of it,” Raftstrand-Smith told 94ddz.com. “It wasn’t the result we wanted, but it was good to be back out there with the girls.

"I just wanted to make a statement that I belong in this team and I’ll keep working hard to stay there.”

Raftstrand-Smith's return comes at a crucial time for the Cowboys, who have enjoyed a breakout season under Henry. 

With six wins in 2025, more than the club managed across their first two campaigns combined, North Queensland sit inside the top four and are locked in for a maiden finals appearance.

Henry has been clear about his approach, prioritising effort and consistency across the park, and Raftstrand-Smith is determined to deliver on that front.

“I think it comes down to work ethic,” she said. “We’ve got really good coaches behind us, and if we keep sticking to the plan, I think we’ll do well.”

The Māori All Stars representative and two-time Origin forward is now in her third NRLW season after moving north from the Titans. 

Raftstrand-Smith has an outstanding sporting pedigree, with her aunt being triple Olympian Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, who this week broke the New Zealand tryscoring record at the Women's Rugby World Cup in England.

Woodman-Wickliffe's father Kawhena and uncle Fred Woodman both played for the All Blacks, while her aunt Te Aroha Keenan also represented New Zealand in netball with the Silver Ferns.

Contracted to the Cowboys until 2027, along with younger sister Ebony, Raftstrand-Smith has become a key member of Henry’s squad and a leader in a relatively young group.

Her impact almost went to another level in her return match when she came close to crossing the line.

“I was a bit close,” she laughed. “But really, it’s about making sure I nail the little things and just keep improving as a player.”

For Raftstrand-Smith, the move to Townsville has been as rewarding off the field as it has on it.

“It’s been great being up here,” she said. “We’ve got awesome fans and members in the north. It feels really good to be up here.”

In the second last regular-season game against the Dragons on Saturday, Raftstrand-Smith has again been named on the bench and will be out to solidify her spot as the Cowboys charge into their first-ever finals campaign.