North Queensland Cowboys (W) v Newcastle Knights (W)
NRL TEAMS - 2024 Semi Finals
3 days ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Cowboys v Knights NRLW preview
The Knights are looking to push for a third or fourth position on the ladder, with no realistic mathematical chance of dropping out of finals, whilst the Cowboys are extremely unlikely to play finals with their poor points differential.
The Cowboys faced their fourth loss of the season last week, unable to beat the Roosters who are currently camped in first place. The Cowboys sit in sixth place on an equal number of wins and losses, however with a points differential of -49, even if they manage to beat the Knights, they will have to win by over 100 points to slide into fourth, which is virtually impossible.
Some forced changes have been made for this final regular season match for the Cowboys, with both Tiana Raftstrand-Smith and Lillian Yarrow ruled out due to concussion and ankle sprains respectively. Tallisha Harden comes in for Yarrow, with Shellie Long joining the team in the second row. After suffering a quad injury Krystal Blackwell returns to the wing, meaning Vitalina Naikore reverts to the reserves.
Reigning minor premiers have had an up and down season, but are looking to make their third finals appearance, which will be guaranteed if they can get the job done against the Cowboys. The Knights recorded a major win against the Titans last week, which marks their fifth win of the season, bouncing back after a loss to the Broncos.
Ben Jeffries makes one change to the side that got the job done against the Titans last week, with Nita Maynard dropping out of the squad and Evie Jones taking her place on the bench.
These sides met once last year during the Cowboys inaugural season, which saw the Cowboys come out on top against the Knights, winning 31-20.
Last meeting: Round 2 2023 - Knights 20 Cowboys 31
Who to watch: Joining the Cowboys side this season, centre Jakiya Whitfeld leads the club for the number of tries scored, with a total of six in eight games. Whitfeld has also made 56 tackle breaks and six line breaks.
Reigning Dally M Medallist, Tamika Upton has so far had a season to remember, with an impressive highlights reel at both club and representative level. She is leading the competition for line breaks with a total of nine (tied with Hayley Maddick from the Broncos) and leads the Knights for tries scored with seven in eight matches.
MY TIP: With the season about to end, and with finals on the line I think the Knights will put the pedal on the gas and get the season finished on a high, looking upon a third consecutive finals campaign. Knights by 12.
1. Francesca Goldthorp 2. Krystal Blackwell 3. Jakiya Whitfeld 4. Jasmine Peters 5. Lavinia Tauhalaliku 6. Tahlulah Tillett 7. Kirra Dibb 8. Tallisha Harden 9. Emma Manzelmann 10. Essay Banu 11. Shaniah Power 12. Shellie Long 13. Bree Chester 14. Jetaya Faifua 15. Lily Peacock 16. Sareka Mooka 22. Libby Surha 18. Jazmon Tupou-witchman 21. Ebony Raftstrand-Smith 24. Vitalina Naikore
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. Lilly-Ann White 19. Evah McEwen 20. Jules Kirkpatrick 21. Jacinta Carter 22. Grace Kukutai
Referees: Belinda Sharpe; Sideline Officials: Rochelle Tamarua, Jack Klein; Video Referees: Kasey Badger;