Knights v Wests Tigers NRLW preview

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Newcastle Knights (W) v Wests Tigers (W) Sunday 12:00pm at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

Newcastle Knights will mount the ramparts at McDonald Jones Stadium as the Wests Tigers turn up to town for the round 6 clash.

After a couple of weeks of losses, the Knights were able to put on a good show against the Parramatta Eels last round, winning convincingly 36-16. Knights coach Ben Jefferies was pleased that the team took the Eels to the sword early and were able to maintain the momentum for a big win. Jefferies praised halfback Evie Jones, who was clear about her role in filling in for Jesse Southwell.

Evie Jones will again rum out in the halfback role as Southwell recovers from a head knock.

The Wests Tigers looked like they were on their way to a victory, being up 14-6 against the Brisbane Broncos in the last round, only to falter and go down 16-44 by full-time. Coach Brett Kimmorley cited the over 50 missed tackles as too big a hill for the girls to come back from, and even though there are moments of promise, they have to turn it into 70 minutes of fight.

With centre Rikeya Horne out due to HIA protocols, Shaianne McGlone will take her place in the run on side.

Last meeting: Round 9 2023 - Wests Tigers 8 Knights 28

Who to watch: Tamika Upton continues to produce top efforts for the Knights. She is dangerous in attack and inspiring in defence for the knights. Abigal Roche is also finding out about the cinetre. Up front, Captain Hannah Southwell and Yasmin Clysdale have been making an impression.

West's captain, Botille Vette-Welsh, will hopefully instigate some fire but will need some of the team to get on board the journey with her. Sarah Togatuki is one of the Tigers better forwards and needs to inspire her pack to get a much-needed win in the bank.

MY TIP: Newcastle have too much class to finish their movements and can dance with the best. The defending premiers are to have a field day. Knights by 20.

1. Tamika Upton 18. Sheridan Gallagher 3. Shanice Parker 2. Tenika Willison 5. Lilly-Ann White 6. Georgia Roche 7. Evie Jones 8. Rima Butler 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Simone Karpani 11. Laishon Albert-Jones 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Hannah Southwell 14. Nita Maynard 15. Kayla Romaniuk 20. Viena Tinao 22. Jesse Southwell 19. Jules Kirkpatrick

1. Botille Vette-Welsh 2. Rebecca Pollard 18. Tess Staines 4. Shaianne McGlone 5. Tiana-Lee Thorne 6. Pauline Piliae 7. Losana Lutu 8. Sarah Togatuki 9. Salma Nour 10. Christian Pio 11. Brooke Talataina 12. Montana Clifford 13. Najvada George 14. Sophie Curtain 15. Natasha Penitani 16. Tara Reinke 17. Ebony Prior 19. Jessica Kennedy

Referees: Luke Saldern; Sideline Officials: Ethan Klein, Dillian Wells; Video Referees: Peter Gough;