Newcastle Knights v Brisbane Broncos
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46 days ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
NRLW R2: Knights v Broncos preview
Josh casts his eye over Sunday afternoon's game between the Newcastle Knights and the Brisbane Broncos at WIN Stadium.
The toughest challenge in NRLW stands in the way of the Newcastle Knights, who need to put a heart-breaking single point loss behind them as they take on the Brisbane Broncos - who put their stamp on the competition yet again last week.
One of three newcomers in the NRLW, the Knights came into the competition as the most inexperienced side, relying on predominantly local talent. The Knights squad though didn't look like they were lacking NRLW experience in their first hit out.
Newcastle impressed many last weekend despite falling to their heartbreaking 13-12 defeat against Parramatta Eels last Sunday in front of a healthy home crowd. The Knights started fast early, led 6-0 and could've led by more if it wasn't for errors and missed opportunities up against a heavily-favoured Parramatta. Ultimately, the pressure and those errors came back to bite the Knights, who gave up some strong attacking opportunities and, in the end, an 80th minute Maddie Studdon field goal sunk their hopes of an opening game victory.
Despite naming the same 1-17 initially, Newcastle will be forced into a change with Caitlan Johnson ruled out with an elbow injury, meaning that Knights coach Casey Bromilow will reshuffle the Knights' pack.
Brisbane are the clear front runners and they are definitely 'Goliath' in this battle, as they look to continue their competition dominance with the most experienced squad.
Last weekend, the Broncos were given an early fright, but ended up showing that they are the team to beat for the fourth consecutive season, recording a 20-4 victory over the Sydney Roosters. While the Tricolours started brightly, their errors helped the Broncos dominate, the three-time premiers taking a 10-0 lead into the break and then ultimate lyopening up a 20-0 lead before their opponents could make any impact on the scoreboard.
Brisbane coach Kelvin Wright has been forced into a change with winger Julia Robinson ruled out with a fractured cheekbone, meaning Hagiga Mosby come onto the wing for her NRLW debut.
Last meeting: first ever meeting
Who to watch: Fullback ROMY TEITZEL starred in her first outing as Knights captain and the Novocastrians will be hoping that she can star against her old club. Teitzel can pop up anywhere on the field and create plays which will be dangerous for the Broncos defence if they aren't on their game.
Broncos prop MILLIE BOYLE is no stranger to being the focus and last week the New South Wales forward starred for the Broncos. Boyle possesses size and power which can rip apart any defence which she was able to do last week notching up a four pointer by backing up on a Tamika Upton burst.
The favourite: The Broncos are far and away favourites with their experience and coming off a last start win up against the Knights who fell to defeat.
My tip: The Broncos have too much power in all parts of the park and sadly it looks like it could be a long afternoon for the Knights to try and match the power of the Broncos. Brisbane have strength across the park whilst the Knights look a little weak in parts. BRISBANE BY 18.
1. Romy Teitzel 2. Katelyn Vaha'akolo 3. Jayme Fressard 4. Bobbi Law 5. Katie Green 6. Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly 7. Tahlulah Tillett 18. Maitua Feterika 9. Krystal Rota 10. Annetta Nuuausala 11. Rangimarie Edwards-Bruce 12. Georgia Page 13. Charntay Poko 14. Emma Manzelmann 15. Charlotte Scanlan 17. Kirra Dibb 20. Ngatokotoru Arakua 19. Kyra Simon
1. Tamika Upton 2. Hagiga Mosby 3. Amy Turner 4. Shenae Ciesiolka 5. Emily Bass 6. Tarryn Aiken 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Millie Boyle 9. Lauren Brown 10. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 11. Tallisha Harden 12. Amber Hall 15. Kaitlyn Phillips 13. Sara Sautia 14. Hayley Maddick 16. Roxy Murdoch 17. Lavinia Gould 19. Toni Hunt
Referees: Kasey Badger; Sideline Officials: Clayton Wills, Kailey Beattie; Video Referees: Matt Noyen;