Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans
Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters
St George Illawarra Dragons v Parramatta Eels
Newcastle Knights v North Queensland Cowboys
Wests Tigers v Cronulla-Sutherland SharksPlucky Panthers hold out Cowboys in thriller
85 mins ago | Andrew Jackson
NRLW TEAMS - 2023 Round 2
It's Teamlist Tuesday - get all the NRLW teamlists and officials here from 4pm Tuesday, with updated squads and late mail across the round, PLUS previews of each game approaching game day.
- Tuesday afternoon: match official appointments
- Tuesday 4pm: squad lists released for all clubs
- 24 hours from kickoff: squad update (squads reduced to 19 players)
- One hour from kickoff: final lineups (17 players plus one reserve)
All times are listed in AEST (NSW/QLD/VIC/ACT). Variations on kickoffs in other time zones are shown where appropriate.
All matches are broadcast on the Nine Network and Fox Sports (check guides for channels) and streamed on 9Now and Kayo Sports.
NRL TEAMS: NRL R22
NSWRL TEAMS: KOE NSW Cup R22 | Jersey Flegg R22
QRL TEAMS: Hostplus Cup R19 | Hastings Deering Colts R13
NOTE: Several stadia across Australia are unavailable until late July due to the FIFA Women's World Cup.
Twitter: Follow @LeagueUnlimited
Facebook: Like LeagueUnlimited - NRL & Rugby League News
1. Hayley Maddick 2. Lauren Dam 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Shenae Ciesiolka 18. Jasmine Fogavini 6. Gayle Broughton 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Annetta Nuuausala 9. Destiny Brill 15. Breanna Eales 11. Tazmin Gray 12. Romy Teitzel 13. Mariah Denman 10. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 14. Jada Ferguson 16. Brianna Clark 17. Lavinia Gould 19. Toni Hunt
Out: Julia Robinson (wing), Filomina Hanisi (bench), Jasmine Fogavini (bench)
In: Brianna Clark (bench), Lavinia Gould (bench)
Changes: Lauren Dam (bench to wing)
Squad update: 5. Ashleigh Werner is out following her suspension at the judiciary last night. Fogavini is the new winger with 21. Keisha-Leigh Coolwell the omitted reserve. Hunt and Griffin are still in reserve.
Late mail: Lennarduzzi is benched, with Eales to start up front. Hunt is 18th player. 20. Grace Griffin drops out.
1. Evania Pelite 2. Destiny Mino-Sinapati 3. Jaime Chapman 4. Niall Williams-Guthrie 5. Emily Bass 6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu 7. Sienna Lofipo 8. Shannon Mato 14. Brittany Breayley-Nati 10. Jessika Elliston 18. Rilee Jorgensen 12. Shaylee Bent 13. Georgia Hale 9. Lauren Brown 15. Stephanie Hancock 16. Kaitlyn Phillips 20. Dannii Perese 19. Sophie Buller
Out: Taliah Fuimaono (five-eighth)
In: Sienna Lofipo (halfback)
Changes: Chantay Kiria-Ratu (halfback to five-eighth)
Squad update: 17. Laikha Clarke is out replaced by Perese on the bench. 21. Sienna Laing and 22. Taliah Fuimaono are cut from reserves, Jorgensen and Buller remain.
Late mail: Breayley-Nati starts hooker with Brown benched; Jorgensen comes into the side at second row with 11. Zara Canfield dropping out; Buller is 18th player.
Referees: Belinda Sharpe;Sideline Officials: Daniel Schwass, Ben Watts;Video Referees: David Munro;
PREVIEW - Josh Robertson
NRLW heads to the GABBA for the first time ever on Friday night as the Brisbane Broncos host a South Queensland Derby against the Gold Coast Titans.
After a poor 2022 season, the Broncos wanted/needed a good start to build a foundation for the season but it was anything but good as they went down 36-18 to the Roosters and created unwanted history on the Sunshine Coast.
The Broncos started poorly as they conceded three converted tries within the first 15 minutes. They had a moment of brightness when they were able to bring the score back to 22-18 at half-time before disaster struck. A scoreless second half was the least of the Broncos problems as new recruit Ashleigh Werner became the first ever player to be sent off in the NRLW after biting Roosters opponent Jaymie Fressard.
The Broncos have named Ashleigh Werner on the wing although she has been found guilty of biting which means Brisbane will be forced into another change on the edges after Julia Robinson suffered a hamstring injury. Lauren Dam fills the void for the Robinson injury but it's a wait and see for the other wing spot. Brisbane have also lost Filomina Hanisi from the bench but do see the return of Brianna Clark.
Also needing a better start for 2023, the Gold Coast Titans got that better start they needed but were far from perfect as they got an all important 16-6 win over newcomers the North Queensland Cowboys at home last week.
It was a slow start for the Titans as they struggled to find any sort of rhythm whatsoever as they conceded the first points and could've been more had the Cowboys not had a try overturned. The performance from the Titans was almost a replica of their 2022 season with combinations not clicking and struggling to hold the ball and put themselves under pressure.
The Titans are hoping that the ankle injury to Taliah Fuimaono is not as bad as it looked as she races the clock to be fit for Round 2 as she is named in the reserves. In her place, Gold Coast coach Karyn Murphy has named Sienna Lofipo in the five-eighth role in what is the only change for the Titans this weekend.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Star recruit Gayle Broughton had an ok start to her Broncos career but as the season goes on she will need to step up her game and against the Titans can be the perfect opportunity for the NZ international. Broughton has a strong running game and if she can use that more than what she did in Round 1 then she can set the game alight for the Broncos.
The running game of Evania Pelite is one of the best in the competition and that was evident in Round 1 for the Gold Coast Titans as she dominated from the back and lead the competition in tackle busts across the first round. The Titans need Pelite to dominate from the back to get the win.
TIP: Brisbane should get the job done here. Broncos by 4.
1. Apii Nicholls 2. Madison Bartlett 3. Cheyelle Robins-Reti 4. Mackenzie Wiki 5. Shakiah Tungai 6. Zahara Temara 7. Ash Quinlan 8. Tommaya Kelly-Sines 9. Chante Temara 10. Sophie Holyman 11. Monalisa Soliola 12. Hollie Dodd 13. Simaima Taufa 14. Emma Barnes 15. Grace Kemp 16. Kerehitina Matua 17. Tara Reinke 18. Elise Smith
Out: Ahlivia Ingram (bench)
Squad Update: 19. Ahlivia Ingram, 21. Ua Ravu and 22. Jessica Gentle omitted. Smith and Ryan maintain their place in the final squad before tomorrow's cut.
Late mail: 1-17. Smith 18th player, 20. Ella Ryan cut.
1. Corban Baxter 2. Brydie Parker 5. Jayme Fressard 4. Isabelle Kelly 17. Joeli Morris 6. Tarryn Aiken 7. Jocelyn Kelleher 8. Millie Boyle 9. Keeley Davis 10. Mya Hill-Moana 11. Otesa Pule 12. Olivia Kernick 13. Keilee Joseph 14. Shawden Burton 15. Kalosipani Hopoate 16. Lexi Kiriwi 18. Teuila Fotu-Moala 19. Lily Rogan
Out: Amber Paris-Hall (second row), Teuila Fotu-Moala (bench)
In: Alexandrea Kiriwi (bench)
Changes: Otesa Pule (bench to second row)
Squad Update: 20. Tyler Bentley and 21. Amelia Pasikala omitted. Fotu-Moala and Rose remain in the squad.
Late mail: 3. Jessica Sergis is out; Morris comes in on the wing with Fressard moving to centre. Fotu-Moala joins the bench with Rogan 18th player.
Referees: Cameron Paddy;Sideline Officials: Billy Greatbach, Karra-Lee Nolan;Video Referees: Todd Smith;
PREVIEW - Josh Robertson
The first of two Saturday NRLW contests comes from the National Capital as the Canberra Raiders host their first ever home match when they look for their maiden NRLW win against the Sydney Roosters at GIO Stadium.
Coming up against fellow NRLW debutants the Cronulla Sharks, the Raiders were far from disgraced in their first ever match as they went down 28-14 at Shark Park in a match that they were expected to lose a lot bigger than what they did.
The start for the Raiders was slow as they conceded three tries inside the first half an hour and it could have been more had the Sharks not blown a umber of opportunities. The game risked becoming a blow out but the Green Machine were able to fight back and close the gap to 14-10 just after the half-time break before the Sharks pulled away before the Raiders put on a consolation try just before half time.
Canberra coach Darrin Borthwick has changed a completely unchanged line-up despite the defeat to the Sharks last week.
The Sydney Roosters continued their dominance from most of the 2022 season as they picked up an important 36-18 victory over the Brisbane Broncos on the Sunshine Coast last Saturday night.
It was a classy performance by the tricolours who started the game strongly as combinations kicked into gear strongly and new recruits such as Millie Boyle added to the impact of the forwards. The concern out of the performance though for the Roosters was that after opening up an 18-0, the Broncos were able to close the gap to just 4 points at half time before the Roosters put on a clinical second half.
The Roosters only have one change from last week's winning side with Origin representative Amber Hall ruled out with an ankle injury. This sees young Kiwi Otesa Pule coming into the second row in jersey 12 with new signing Lexi Kiriwi coming onto the interchange bench.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Raiders co-captain Simaima Taufa had an excellent debut in the Canberra green last week as she dominated the forwards despite being on the losing team. Taufa possesses strong experience and go-forward that she showed last week but it was her tackling that made the difference with 40 tackles to go with her 142 running metres. The impact Taufa can make will be key for the Raiders if they want to pick up their first win.
A fan favourite, Isabelle Kelly never fails to impress when she's on the park and in Round 1 she was at her impressive best yet as her ball running from the back made a huge impact. Running for 175m, Kelly was able to set up a platform that got the Roosters into the best attacking position possible and will be a handful for the Raiders to deal with.
TIP: It's hard to look past the Roosters at all in this one, they have explosiveness running from 1-17 and should make a big dent into the Raiders even if it is in Canberra. If the tricolours can be strong for the full 70 minutes they should put a big score on. Roosters by 16.
1. Teagan Berry 2. Margot Vella 3. Keele Browne 4. Bobbi Law 5. Cortez Te Pau 6. Tyla Nathan-Wong 7. Raecene Mcgregor 8. Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa 9. Renee Targett 10. Roxy Murdoch 11. Sara Sautia 12. Shenai Lendill 13. Alexis Tauaneai 14. Kaarla Cowan 15. Ella Koster 16. Tara McGrath-West 17. Maddison Weatherall 18. Zali Hopkins
Out: Taylor-Adeline Mapusua (wing), Zali Hopkins (bench), Jamilee Bright (bench), Sophie Clancy (bench)
In: Margot Vella (wing), Cortez Te Pou (wing), Kaarla Cowan (bench)
Changes: Shenai Lendill (wing to second row), Tara McGrath-West (front row to bench), Roxette Murdoch-Masila (second row to front row)
Squad Update: 19. Cheynoah Amone, 20. Sophie Clancy and 21. Taylor Mapusua omitted. Hopkins and Carlile remain in the squad.\
Late mail: Soward's women are 1-17. Hopkins is 18th, 22. Macie Carlile drops out.
1. Abbi Church 2. Zali Fay 3. Mahalia Murphy 5. Cassey Tohi-Hiku 17. Monique Donovan 6. Pihuka Berryman-Duff 7. Rosemarie Beckett 12. Talesha O'neill 9. Rueben Cherrington 10. Ruby-Jean Kennard 11. Amelia Mafi 4. Shontelle Stowers 13. Kennedy Cherrington 8. Madeline Jones 14. Capri Paekau 15. Nakia Davis-Welsh 16. Shannon Muru 19. Kyra Simon
Out: Jade Fonua (halfback), Kyra Simon (bench)
In: Rosemarie Beckett (halfback), Nakia Davis-Welsh (bench)
Squad Update: 18. Tyla Amiatu, 21. Taneka Todhunter and 22. Chloe Jackson are omitted. Simon and Hunt remain in the squad.
Late mail: Widders has changes. Jones drops to the bench, Donovan comes into the side on the wing, Tohi-Hiku to centre, Stowers to 2nd row, O'Neill to prop. Simon is 18th player, wiith 20. Kimberley Hunt omitted.
Referees: Wyatt Raymond;Sideline Officials: Mitchell Currie, Daniel Luttringer;Video Referees: Kasey Badger;
PREVIEW - Josh Robertson
The second of Saturday's NRLW matches also comes from the South of Sydney but this time from Wollongong as the St George Illawarra Dragons play host to the Parramatta Eels at WIN Stadium.
Given the toughest task of the NRLW season heading to Newcastle to take on the defending premiers in Round 1, the Dragons acquitted themselves well despite a slow start as they fell to a 32-16 defeat at the hands of an impressive Knights side.
It was a slow start for the Red ‘V' as the Knights just seemed to click into the perfect gear straight away as they fell behind early and the scoreboard began to snowball out of control as they trailed 18-0 inside the first half-hour of action. The struggles with the ball didn't help them as they lacked possession until a much better second half showed the good signs that are there for the Dragons as they began to match the Knights for a while before eventually falling to the 32-16 defeat.
Following the loss to the Knights, Jamie Soward has shaken things up in the Gong to sharpen things up big time. A new wing pairing of Margot Vella and Cortez Te Pou are set to make their debuts with Taylor Mapusa dropping out of the 17 and Shenai Lendill moving to the second row. As a result of Lendill's move, Roxy Murdoch moves to prop and Tara McGrath-West to the interchange bench.
The Parramatta Eels suffered a major blow prior to kick-off with new recruits Rachael Pearson and Elsie Albert ruled out of the contest with calf injuries and the impact their loss made was on full show as the Eels collapsed badly in the second half as they fell to a massive 36-8 defeat to the Tigers.
Despite losing heavily, the Eels could've been considered the better first half team as they were strong in the opening 35 of the contest as they were able to hold an 8-4 lead into the break before the Eels weren't swimming but found themselves stuck on the banks of the Parramatta River as the Tigers just blew them off the park. The Blue and Gold conceded six tries in the space of twenty minutes as an 8-4 lead evaporated into a 36-8 defeat.
The Eels are going to again be without Rachael Pearson and Elsie Albert which becomes a big concern for them. Rosemary Beckett is named in the 7. The Eels also welcome back Nakia Davis-Welsh who missed Round 1 through injury.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Former NZ rugby star Tyla Nathan-Wong has only played two Rugby League games in her life as self-admitted and she has the potential to star but to come straight into the NRLW is a very steep learning curve for the young Kiwi. Paired up with Raecene McGregor is perfect but the Dragons after their Round 1 loss don't have a lot of time to settle in and get things going and it can be Nathan-Wong who can be that spark.
Winger Zali Fay is a player with so much x-factor as shown in the past and by the fact that she picked up both tries for the Blue and Gold on Sunday afternoon. Fay possesses explosive speed and she will need to use that both on her wing and through the middle of the park if Parramatta want to make a big difference in the contest.
TIP: The Dragons should run away with this victory and by a big margin as well. Despite their Round 1 struggles, the Red ‘V' played some strong football last week at times and the depletion that the Blue and Gold is facing doesn't fill me with that much confidence. They should be stronger than last week but there isn't a lot to like about the Eels this week (sorry Parra fans). Dragons by 20.
1. Tamika Upton 2. Sheridan Gallagher 3. Shanice Parker 4. Abigail Roache 5. Jasmine Strange 6. Caitlin Moran 7. Jesse Southwell 8. Tayla Predebon 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Rima Butler 11. Caitlan Johnston 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Kayla Romaniuk 14. Nita Maynard 15. Tiana Davison 16. Simone Karpani 17. Viena Tinao 18. Hannah Southwell 21. Felila Kia
Out: Laishon Jones (lock), Tamerah Leati (bench)
In: Tiana Davison (bench)
Changes: Kayla Romaniuk (bench to lock)
Squad update: 19. Georgia Roche, 20. Tamerah Leati and 22. Jayde Herdegen cut with Hannah Southwell still a chance to make her ACL return along with Kia in reserves.
1. Francesca Goldthorp 2. China Polata 3. Jasmine Peters 4. Shellie Long 19. Vitalina Naikore 6. Krystal Blackwell 7. Kirra Dibb 8. Tallisha Harden 9. Emma Manzelmann 10. Tiana Raftstrand-Smith 11. Shaniah Power 12. Bree Chester 13. Makenzie Weale 14. Sera Koroi 15. Sareka Mooka 16. Jetaya Faifua 21. April Ngatupuna 22. Jessikah Reeves 24. Tahlulah Tillett
Out: Mia Middleton (wing), April Ngatupuna (bench), Vitalina Naikore (bench)
In: Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly (wing), Essay Banu (bench)
Changes: Sareka Mooka (front row to bench), Tallisha Harden (bench to front row)
Late mail: Former Knight 5. Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly is out. Naikore comes in on the wing, while 17. Essay Banu drops off the bench with Ngatupuna back in. Reeves and Tillett remain on the reserves with 18. Shaylee Joseph cut.
Referees: Kasey Badger;Sideline Officials: Luke Saldern, Damian Brady;Video Referees: Liam Kennedy;
PREVIEW - Tim Costello
Reigning champs face newcomers with familiar faces.
There's no getting around the fact Newcastle started their title defence emphatically with a 32-16 defeat of the Dragons in Round 1.
While they aren't title favourites (that honour belongs to the Roosters) - they are certainly among the top echelon in this expanded competition and have the star power to back it up. The performance of Tamika Upton in particular was outstanding, and the news only gets better for the Novocastrians on Sunday with the likely return of Hannah Southwell. She's been named in the reserves for the match pending clearing fitness tests, and if she is promoted to the starting lineup will play her first game of rugby league since injuring her ACL in the opening round of the 2022 season (the one played August to October, for those playing at home).
Notably, the Knights have some other team news - Laishon Albert-Jones is going through the NRL's concussion protocol and will miss the match, so Kayla Romaniuk - another player who starred in last week's big win over the Red V - is promoted to the starting side at lock, and Tiana Davison joins the bench.
The Cowboys on the other hand... they did ok for a first run. Losing 16-6 to the Gold Coast at Cbus Super Stadium they did themselves fairly proud, but lost steam after halftime despite a strong first half. They missed plenty of tackles and made plenty of errors, so coach Ben Jeffries has a bit to work on there.
Crucially, the North Queensland teamsheet knows how Newcastle play pretty well, with Weale, Stephens-Daly, Manzelmann and Dibb all part of the Knights' squad last season, the last two picking up premiership rings in October. The Cowboys will be better for the outing last week and should be able to take the game to the nominal home team on Sunday. In team news, Stephens-Daly is the in, with Mia Middleton suspended for a dangerous throw in last week's loss. Banu and Faifua come onto the bench replacing Ngatunpuna and Naikore.
Player To Watch: Premiership halves pairing Kirra Dibb and Jesse Southwell suddenly find themselves as opposing #7's in this weekend's clash. The pair were instrumental on October 2nd last year as the Knights put the cleaners through Parramatta. Dibb, a Central Coast product, is somewhat of an NRLW journeywoman having had stints at the Roosters, Warriors and of course Newcastle before joining the Cowboys. Southwell in the meantime became the NRLW's youngest debutant last season when coach Ronald Griffiths handed her a debut at just 17 years of age. She went on to be the youngest NSW player at age 18 in this year's Origin series and already has an NRLW title to her name. An outstanding talent who will be decisive in Sunday's outcome.
TIP: Newcastle have now won four straight NRLW games going back to the end of last season and it's hard to see them giving up this one. They'll be made to work for it though. Knights by 8.
1. Botille Vette-Welsh 2. Jakiya Whitfeld 3. Rikeya Horne 4. Leianne Tufuga 5. Josephine Lenaz 6. Pauline Piliae 7. Emily Curtain 8. Sarah Togatuki 9. Ebony Prior 10. Christian Pio 11. Kezie Apps 12. Eliza Siilata 13. Najvada George 14. Sophie Curtain 15. Losana Lutu 16. Taylor Osborne 17. Folau Vaki 18. Jessica Kennedy 19. Rebecca Pollard
Out: Rebecca Pollard (bench - reserve)
Squad update: 20. Bianca Bennetts, 21. Salma Nour and 22. Imogen Gobran are cut. Kennedy and Pollard are left.
5. Andie Robinson 2. Annessa Biddle 3. Tiana Penitani 4. Kiana Takairangi 18. Cassie Staples 6. Emma Tonegato 7. Tayla Preston 8. Ellie Johnston 9. Quincy Dodd 10. Harata Butler 11. Talei Holmes 12. Vanessa Foliaki 13. Brooke Anderson 14. Sereana Naitokatoka 15. Tegan Dymock 16. Chloe Saunders 17. Jazmon Tupou Witchman 20. Maddie Studdon 19. Fiona Jahnke
Out: Rhiannon Byers (bench)
In: Tegan Dymock (bench)
Squad update: 1. Jada Taylor is out. Robinson is fullback now with Staples coming in on the wing. 21. Fatafehi Hanisi and 22. Georgia Ravics drop out with Studdon and Jahnke remaining.
Referees: Rochelle Tamarua;Sideline Officials: Tom Cambourn, Billy Greatbach;Video Referees: Matt Noyen;
PREVIEW - AJ Lucantonio
Newbies look to continue their winning start
The two successful new clubs in the Sharks and Tigers will be looking to continue their undefeated start in NRLW when they go head to head at the Belmore Sports Ground.
Cronulla were impressive in their opening round victory over Canberra before a vocal home crowd last weekend. They completed at a high rate and were able to win the field position battle for the duration of the contest. What wouldn't please Tony Herman would be their discipline conceding 8 penalties, however their attacking class was on show for all to see. Emma Tonegato made a seamless transition to 6, while her combination with Jada Taylor is lethal enough to match it with some of the top class sides in the competition.
Just one change to the group who earned Cronulla their first ever NRLW win last week and it's a forced one, with Rhiannon Byers (wrist) replaced by Tegan Dymock on the interchange. Harata Butler is named to start in the front row this week after being promoted to the starting side prior to kick off against the Raiders.
Coming into the clash with the Tigers, they need to play for the full 70 minutes. Their opposition did that last week and poor old Parramatta were the sufferers in a ruthless second half. Ellie Johnston's positional battle with Sarah Togatuki will be a highlight of the match, while it's up to the middle third of the Sharks to contain the Tigers exciting attacking players.
For the Tigers, it was definitely an upset of sorts with a ruthless 36-8 victory away from home last start. Despite a slow start, they warmed into the contest and obliterated the Eels in the final analysis. Young hooker Ebony Prior impressed leading her team in and around the ruck, while young half Losana Lutu impressed in her cameo directing terms in attack. Bo Vette-Welsh didn't miss a beat returning from injuries in a ruthless display of attacking footy.
For a win to keep the dream start alive. It's important that they contain the ruthless Sharks left edge, they did concede both tries last week down that side of the field. With Tonegato and Tiana Penitani not shying away from the battle, it's going to be a tough test for the visitors in this one.
On the team front, Brett Kimmorley has retained the same 17 who thumped the Eels in their first outing at NRLW level last week, with teenage sensation Losana Lutu to again play a role off the bench.
Players to watch: For Cronulla, the focus is on Jada Taylor. Coming from the Roosters at the end of last year, she was hoping to make the 1 jumper her own. She's done that in droves and was dynamic against Canberra coming involved with some lovely sweep plays and efforts in defence. Watch for Jada to be at her best against a Tigers side that shocked everybody.
I touched on Ebony Prior's opening match earlier, but she was that impressive controlling the ruck. Prior's ability to see an opportunity to run is quite impressive at such a young age, she cut Parramatta's middle to shreds on a number of occasions and backed it up with some ruthless defending for a solid all round debut. Look for the effort to be on show again.
Tip: Both sides impressed in round 1, but for me the Tigers looked the most impressive and showed a more all-round effort to run away with the chocolates in the season opener. With that in mind, that's where my tip is headed for this one but it will be a close one. Tigers by 4.