Round 8: Titans v Knights NRLW preview
Hosts on their last chance saloon, reigning premiers just need to make the four
Saturday's second match of a Cbus Super Stadium double header sees a rematch of the 2023 decider. It couldn't come at a more needed time for the Gold Coast, who are a win out of the top four with two games remaining, requiring two wins and other results falling their way to make it to the pointy end once more.
The most notable thing about last year's runners-up in their last-start loss to Parramatta on Sunday was that they absolutely dominated possession - but somehow failed to turn that into a victory. Their attack was clunky (largely down to a lack of consistency in their spine) and defensively they struggled when the Eels used the ball.
Newcastle's title defence has had a couple of stumbles itself. Their results have gone in twos - two wins, two losses, two wins... and then they lost last weekend in a thriller against Brisbane at home. On pattern, they're due a loss - but they are surely made of sterner stuff. Their loss to the Broncos was a familiar story, not quite being able to put together a full 70-minute performance.
Glancing at the team sheets, the Gold Coast have a bunch of issues to contend with. Lauren Brown (halfback, hand) is out which brings Lailani Montgomery in. Thankfully they do get prolific tryscoring centre Jaime Chapman (hamstring) back after she was a withdrawal ahead of the Eels game, and Taliah Fuimaono returns along side her in the centres. Niall Williams-Guthrie (lisfranc) is out and Sarina Masaga is benched.
By comparison, Newcastle bring Nita Maynard into their 17 at the expensive of Evie Jones in the only change.
Last meeting: Grand Final 2023 - Knights 24 Titans 18
Who to watch: Both fullbacks are well-known names in the NRLW with Evania Pelite setting the field alight for the Gold Coast and Newcastle's Tamika Upton one of the league's stand-out stars.
Expect both of these electric number 1's to have a key impact in the Grand Final re-match.
MY TIP: The settled nature of the Newcastle teamsheet is really what is influencing my tip this week. Keeping a consistent lineup - particularly the spine - is important, and the loss of Lauren Brown cannot be understated.
