Knights v Broncos NRLW preview

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Newcastle Knights (W) v Brisbane Broncos (W) Sunday 6:10pm at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

Both having won four games so far this team, the Broncos and Knights have something to prove, with the Knights being reigning premiers, and the Broncos being knocked out by the Knights in the second week of finals in 2023. 

Brisbane have now won four on the trot, continuing to grow in strength and confidence with every passing week. They have kept two of six teams scoreless in the second half and have scored over 30 points in three games. 

Scott Prince has named the same starting 13-player side that took the field last week against the Cowboys, with one forced change. Due to her suspension for dangerous contact, Tazmin Rapana will miss one match, with Mariah Denman slotting back into the starting side. 

Reigning premiers, Newcastle, have had a back-and-forth season, winning two then losing two, before winning two again. Their last two games against the Eels and Tigers have seen them score over 30 points, and there two losses have been under a margin of ten points. 

The Knights see a few shifts in the squad with Jesse Southwell set to make her return to the halves after starting on the bench last week, which sees Evie Jones drop to the bench. Tayla Predebon starts on the bench, with Simone Karpani back at starting prop. 

Since the Knights joined the NRLW competition in 2021, these two sides have met four times, with Newcastle having the upper hand, having not only won three of four, but also defeating the Broncos both times they played each other in the 2023 season. 

Last meeting: Semi Finals 2023 - Knights 30 Broncos 24

Who to watch: Former Broncos player and QLD fullback, Tamika Upton is 2023 Dally M Medal winner, and has a total of four premierships to her name, winning two with Brisbane and two with Newcastle. She is a valuable asset to any team and continues to show her worth. So far in the 2024 NRLW season she has scored five tries whilst also making five try assists, 18 tackle breaks and four line breaks. 

Hayley Maddick joined the Broncos in 2021, playing in various positions, before becoming their fulltime fullback in 2023, continuing in 2024. Last match against the Cowboys Maddick broke the record for try assists in an NRLW game, with a total of five, along with two line breaks, seven line break assists and one try of her own. 

MY TIP: This game is a big one for both sides, who both have points to prove. This is the biggest match up yet for the Broncos who will be looking for revenge against the Knights. Whilst the Knights will be challenged coming against a Brisbane side who is on a roll. Brisbane by 16.

1. Tamika Upton 2. Sheridan Gallagher 3. Shanice Parker 4. Abigail Roache 5. Tenika Willison 6. Georgia Roche 7. Jesse Southwell 8. Rima Butler 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Simone Karpani 11. Laishon Albert-Jones 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Hannah Southwell 14. Evie Jones 15. Kayla Romaniuk 16. Tayla Predebon 17. Viena Tinao 18. Nita Maynard

1. Hayley Maddick 2. Julia Robinson 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Shenae Ciesiolka 5. Stacey Waaka 6. Gayle Broughton 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Brianna Clark 9. Jada Ferguson 10. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 11. Mariah Denman 12. Romy Teitzel 13. Keilee Joseph 14. Destiny Brill 15. Tafito Lafaele 16. Lavinia Gould 17. Annetta Nuuausala 18. Lauren Dam

Referees: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Sideline Officials: Ethan Klein, Bradley Kiehne; Video Referees: David Munro;