Roosters v Knights NRLW Semi Final preview

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Sydney Roosters (W) v Newcastle Knights (W) Sunday 4:05pm at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park / Gadigal

Roosters and Knights Battle for Grand Final Glory in Semi-Final Showdown

The second NRLW semi-final will see the Sydney Roosters take on the Newcastle Knights at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, with a 4.15 pm kick-off. Both teams are vying for a place in the Grand Final, with the Roosters hoping to secure their spot after missing out on the decider for the past two seasons, while the Knights aim to continue their dominance as reigning premiers.

The Roosters head into the semi-final on the back of a four-game winning streak, finishing the season tied on points with Brisbane but missing out on the Minor Premiership due to points differential. Their last outing saw them produce a dominant display with nine line breaks and 38 tackle busts, a testament to their powerful running game. Forwards Amber Hall and Millie Elliott were standouts, both cracking 100+ metres, while Hall also found the try line in four of her last five matches. Their only two losses came early in the season to the Knights in Round 1 and the Titans in Round 5, but they have been almost flawless since.

In terms of their squad, the Roosters are dealing with some key injury concerns ahead of this clash. Captain Isabelle Kelly is racing the clock to prove her fitness after sustaining an elbow injury. At the same time, the inclusion of Jess Sergis and Tarryn Aiken, who are named in the extended squad, will depend on their recovery in the lead-up to the game. The return of these senior players could give the Roosters a much-needed boost, especially with Kayla Jackson and Shannon Rose also named as reserves. The forward pack, featuring Amber Hall and Olivia Kernick, will be critical in setting the platform for the Roosters' attack.

The Newcastle Knights closed out the regular season in style, hammering the Cowboys 38-6 to cement their place in the top four. Fullback Tamika Upton was instrumental, recording 125 run metres and three try assists, while back-rower Yasmin Clydsdale was immense with 233 metres, five tackle breaks, and four offloads. Winger Sheridan Gallagher continues to be a try-scoring machine, crossing nine times in her past six games. Although they suffered three losses during the season, the Knights have shown they can bounce back, with their aggressive attacking style creating significant pressure on opposition defences.

Coach Ben Jeffries has named a 22-player squad for the semi-final, with Nita Maynard and Rima Butler making timely returns from injury to add depth to their forward pack. The Knights' backline remains a potent weapon, with Upton, Gallagher, and Parker forming a formidable combination capable of turning half-chances into points. The Knights will need all hands on deck to combat the Roosters' physicality, but their balanced squad and returning players make them well-equipped to fight for a spot in the Grand Final.

Last meeting: Round 1 2024 - Knights 12 Roosters 10

Who to watch: Millie Elliot will be looking to get one up on her old side as she leads the Sydney Roosters forward pack into this game. Leading the tackle count last week with 33 tackles at 100% efficiency, Elliot helped her side stay in front through solid defence. Team this with over 150 run metres; she's a force to be reckoned with.

Newcastle Knights fullback Tamika Upton will be looking to repeat her performance against the Cowboys to help her team get on top of the Sydney Roosters. As an attacking weapon, Upton averages 125 run metres per game and has achieved 12 try-assists while scoring seven of her own four-pointers this season.

MY TIP: These two teams have split their past four meetings, and while the Roosters carry momentum from a four-game winning streak, the Knights' ambitions for a threepeat will be hard to overcome. It's shaping up to be a tight contest with high stakes for both sides. Roosters by 2.

1. Sam Bremner 2. Jayme Fressard 3. Jasmine Strange 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Mia Wood 6. Brydie Parker 7. Jocelyn Kelleher 8. Millie Elliott 9. Keeley Davis 10. Otesa Pule 11. Amber Hall 12. Olivia Kernick 13. Tiana Davison 14. Tavarna Papalii 15. Pani Hopoate 16. Samantha Economos 17. Taina Naividi 19. Jessica Sergis 20. Tarryn Aiken

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. Nita Maynard 15. Kayla Romaniuk 16. Tayla Predebon 17. Viena Tinao 18. Evie Jones 19. Evah McEwen

Referees: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Sideline Officials: Dillian Wells, Ethan Klein; Video Referees: Matt Noyen;