Knights v Broncos NRLW preview

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

Knights look for improvement on debut season, Brisbane want to return to the summit.

A special match-up first round will see former teammates face off, with premiership-winning former Broncos Millie Boyle and Tamika Upton set to make their club debuts for Newcastle on Sunday night against their old club.

Upton and Boyle aren't the only departures that have played havoc with Brisbane's list, Lauren Brown, Hagiga Mosby and Roxette Murdoch all left Red Hill between seasons, the latter three set to line up for "little sister" club the Titans in 2022.

The departures did open up space for the Broncos to make their first big recruitment surge since their inception in 2018. Jaime Chapman headlines the signings along with Crystal Tamarua, Nita Maynard and Shakiah Tungai, as they look to reclaim the title they gave up in losing a dramatic semi final earlier this year against the Roosters.

Newcastle welcome two Southwells - sisters Jesse and Hannah, the latter with 16 NRLW matches to her name for both the Roosters and Dragons. Jesse, who played for the Knights' NSW Women's team for one game back in May this year, has been overseas since, starring most notably in Australia's Rugby 7's gold at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The 17-year-old will partner Kirra Dibb in the halves.

As a result of their recruitment, the Knights now field a formidable team which is still searching for its maiden NRLW victory after a 0-5 campaign at the start of this year.

When these teams met in Wollongong in March, Brisbane triumphed 28-10 - you can expect a much narrower margin this time around.

Last meeting: Round 2 2021 - Knights 10 Broncos 28

Who to watch: The battle of the halves will pit one of the oldest and most experienced women's players in Ali Brigginshaw against the game's newest - and youngest - in Jesse Southwell.

Southwell's whirlwind year not only took her to Birmingham, but saw her guide the Newcastle side to the NSWRL U19 Tarsha Gale Cup finals, although ultimately missed the Grand Final (where the Knights lost to the Roosters Indigenous Academy) as she headed to Canada for a Rugby 7's World Series event in April. Returning to play one NSW Premiership game for the Knights in May, she then headed to France for another World Series 7's event, ultimately leading her to Birmingham - and Commonwealth gold.

With 18 NRLW appearances, three premierships, five tries and a Dally M Female award to her name, Brigginshaw is one of the game's most decorated players. With a long list of state and international rep honours, she is ready and raring to go for another season. She managed to fit three games of QRLW premiership action in for the Brisbane Tigers between the two NRLW seasons this year.

The favourite: Brisbane's experience counts for plenty here, and they are firm favourites.

My tip: I'm expecting Brisbane to win this one, but I think the Knights really are a good chance. A tight, low-scoring contest. Broncos by 6.

1. Tamika Upton 2. Kiana Takairangi 3. Shanice Parker 4. Bobbi Law 5. Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly 6. Kirra Dibb 7. Jesse Southwell 8. Caitlan Johnston 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Millie Boyle 11. Romy Teitzel 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Hannah Southwell 14. Emma Manzelmann 15. Tayla Predebon 16. Kyra Simon 17. Simone Karpani 18. Caitlin Moran

1. Jaime Chapman 2. Julia Robinson 3. Amy Turner 4. Shenae Ciesiolka 5. Emily Bass 6. Tarryn Aiken 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Sophie Holyman 9. Nita Maynard 10. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 11. Sara Sautia 12. Amber Hall 13. Tallisha Harden 14. Jada Ferguson 15. Kaitlyn Phillips 16. Crystal Tamarua 17. Jasmine Fogavini 18. Shakiah Tungai

Referees: Kasey Badger; Sideline Officials: Jake Sutherland, Tori Wilkie; Video Referees: Matt Noyen;