Sydney Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons
North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Gold Coast Titans
Parramatta Eels v Newcastle KnightsThe Late Mail: Cowboys v Panthers
29 mins ago | Andrew Jackson
NRLW TEAMS and PREVIEWS - 2023 Round 3
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 R23
NSWRL TEAMS: KOE NSW Cup R23 | Jersey Flegg R23
QRL TEAMS: Hostplus Cup R20 | Hastings Deering Colts R14
NOTE: Several stadia across Australia are unavailable until late July due to the FIFA Women's World Cup.
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1. Corban Baxter 2. Brydie Parker 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Jayme Fressard 6. Tarryn Aiken 7. Jocelyn Kelleher 8. Millie Boyle 9. Keeley Davis 10. Teuila Fotu-Moala 11. Amelia Pasikala 12. Olivia Kernick 13. Keilee Joseph 14. Shawden Burton 15. Grace Hamilton 16. Lexi Kiriwi 17. Otesa Pule 18. Joeli Morris
Out: Joeli Morris (wing), Mya Hill-Moana (front row), Kalosipani Hopoate (bench)
In: Jessica Sergis (centre), Amelia Pasikala (second row), Grace Hamilton (bench), Mia Wood (bench)
Changes: Jayme Fressard (centre to wing), Otesa Pule (second row to bench), Teuila Fotu-Moala (bench to front row)
Squad update: 20. Tyler Bentley, 21. Lily Rogan and 22. Kalosipani Hopoate drop out with Morris and Wood remaining.
Late mail: 1-17. Morris 18th player, 19. Mia Wood drops out.
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. Kaarla Cowan 10. Roxy Murdoch 11. Sara Sautia 12. Shenai Lendill 13. Alexis Tauaneai 14. Sophie Clancy 15. Ella Koster 16. Tara McGrath-West 17. Maddison Weatherall 18. Zali Hopkins
Out: Renee Targett (hooker)
In: Sophie Clancy (bench), Cheynoah Amone (bench)
Changes: Kaarla Cowan (bench to hooker)
Squad update: 20. Renee Targett, 21. Macie Carlile and 22. Sarah Riorden drop out with Hopkins and Amone remaining.
Late mail: 1-17. Hopkins 18th player, 19. Cheynoah Amone cut.
Referees: Wyatt Raymond;Sideline Officials: Clayton Wills, Daniel Luttringer;Video Referees: David Munro;
Match preview
Josh Robertson
Thursday night NRLW action heads to the Sydney Cricket Ground as the Sydney Roosters are looking to bounce back from a shock loss against the Canberra Raiders when they play host to the St George Illawarra Dragons.
The two performances from the Roosters this season have been a polarising contrast between each other with a very impressive win to start the season but then were concerningly outplayed and out-enthused by the Canberra Raiders last weekend. Coming up against the Raiders in their first ever home game was always going to be tough for the Tricolours but their performance was pretty poor even considering the opposition. The early dominance without points for the Roosters would be the concern as they dominated territory without getting on the board. The Roosters then went down 18-0 midway through the second half as they made a minor comeback attempt before the Raiders held on. The Roosters will be boosted by the expected return of Jess Sergis who was a late withdrawal due to a hamstring issue last week. The Roosters have lost Mya Hill-Moana after a head knock last week with Teuila Fotu-Moala coming into the starting side and former Australian Rugby International Grace Hamilton on the bench.
The St George Illawarra Dragons like their opponents come into round 3 with a 1-1 record following last weeks impressive 38-12 win over the Parramatta Eels to find some form after being outplayed by the defending premiers in Round 1. Starting fast, the Dragons scored inside the first two minutes of the game as the changes made by Red ‘V' coach Jamie Soward worked with a debutant scoring so early. After things evened up for a while, things clicked for the Dragons as they were able to score consistently five tries in the space of half an hour to put the game quickly beyond doubt. Dragons coach Jamie Soward has made one change to his team with Renee Targett ruled out of the side after playing in the hooker role. Kaarla Cowan will come into the side whilst Sophie Clancy comes onto the bench.
Player To Watch: Roosters centre and captain Isabelle Kelly is one of the best players in the NRLW and is a key part of the Tricolours attack. Kelly was slightly disappointing last week and the Roosters will need her to improve her performance from last week and lead the Roosters to victory.
Former Rooster Raecene McGregor controlled the show last week for the Dragons and coming up against her old side could be an advantage for the Red ‘V'. McGregor was impressive against the Eels and to pull off a major upset against the Roosters and put the Dragons forward in the competition.
TIP: The Roosters should be able to bounce back and win this game to make a statement that there aren't bigger issues at play. The performance last week from the Tricolours was poor and they want to show that they won't be easy beats or could be out-enthused by a Dragons side who will come in with confidence. Roosters by 10.
1. Francesca Goldthorp 2. Vitalina Naikore 3. Jasmine Peters 4. Shellie Long 5. Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly 6. Krystal Blackwell 7. Kirra Dibb 16. China Polata 9. Emma Manzelmann 10. Tiana Raftstrand-Smith 11. Shaniah Power 12. Bree Chester 13. Makenzie Weale 8. Tallisha Harden 14. Sera Koroi 15. Sareka Mooka 17. April Ngatupuna 18. Jetaya Faifua
Out: Jetaya Faifua (front row)
In: Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly (wing)
Changes: China Polata (wing to bench), Makenzie Weale (front row to lock), Tiana Raftstrand-Smith (lock to front row), Tallisha Harden (bench to front row)
Squad Update: 19. Merewalesi Rokouono, 22. Essay Banu and 24. Tahlulah Tillett have been omitted. Faifua and Reeves remain in the squad.
Late mail: Polata starts prop with Harden benched. Faifua is 18th player with 21. Jessikah Reeves omitted.
1. Hayley Maddick 2. Lauren Dam 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Shenae Ciesiolka 5. Toni Hunt 6. Gayle Broughton 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Annetta Nuuausala 9. Destiny Brill 10. Brianna Clark 11. Tazmin Gray 12. Romy Teitzel 13. Mariah Denman 14. Jada Ferguson 15. Filomina Hanisi 16. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 17. Jasmine Fogavini 18. Lavinia Gould
Out: Breanna Eales (front row), Lavinia Gould (bench)
In: Toni Hunt (wing), Filomina Hanisi (bench)
Changes: Jasmine Fogavini (wing to bench), Brianna Clark (bench to front row)
Squad Update: 19. Grace Griffin and 21. Keisha-Leigh Coolwell omitted. Gould and Eales remain in the squad.
Late mail: 1-17. Gould 18th player with 20. Breanna Eales omitted.
Referees: Nick Pelgrave;Sideline Officials: Josh Eaton, Rochelle Tamarua;Video Referees: Belinda Sharpe;
Match Preview
Beth Nicholls
The winless Broncos take on the Cowboys for a historical first time derby in the NRLW competition, as the precursor game to the Cowboys v Broncos NRL derby at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
North QLD are heading into their Round 3 clash fresh off their first ever win as an NRLW team, where they fought their way to a historical win against the reigning premiers in Belmore last Sunday. The Cowboys were in a 20-20 deadlock with the Knights halfway through the second half, which was broken by co-captain Kirra Dibb where she kicked a field goal and then went on to set up two of the last three tries, to make the final score line 31-20. Autumn-Rain Stephens Daly is named to make her first appearance in 2023 on the wing after a false start during Round 2 (knee complaint), this forces Jetaya Faifua to drop out of the side after playing in the front row during Round 2. China Polata is also named on the bench for the team.
After a poor 2022 season, Brisbane have still not managed to have a much-needed good start, losing their second game of the season to the Gold Coast. The Broncos let the Titans slip through, with 40+ missed tackles and a 69 per cent completion rate, where they ultimately fell during extra time to a Lauren Brown field goal. Jasmine Forgavini is named on the bench after previously playing on the wing, with Toni Hunt replacing her. Brianna Clark joins the starting side, after playing 23 minutes from the bench during her first game of 2023 last week. Filomina Hanisi joins the team, with Lavinia Gould and Breanna Eales out of the starting 17.
Player To Watch: Steering her side to their first NRLW win, Cowboys co-captain Kirra Dibb is an upcoming playmaker and important player who will only continue to grow with time. In the 2023 season, she leads kick metres with a total of 703, along with kicking a 40/20 and field goal.
Former New Zealand rugby sevens player, Gayle Broughton, has started to settle in at her debut season with the Broncos. Despite scoring her own four-pointer against the Titans and being an excellent and experienced playmaker, she cost the team a chance to win against the Titans in golden point and needs to remember the simple and basic plays.
TIP: Both sides will be out for a win on Saturday afternoon, with the Broncos looking to wrong some rights and the Cowboys wanting to get a one-up against Brisbane for the first time ever. The game could go either way, but my Broncos supporter heart can't go past my own girls. Broncos by 4.
1. Andie Robinson 4. Kiana Takairangi 2. Annessa Biddle 3. Tiana Penitani 5. Cassie Staples 6. Emma Tonegato 7. Tayla Preston 8. Ellie Johnston 9. Quincy Dodd 10. Chloe Saunders 11. Talei Holmes 12. Vanessa Foliaki 13. Brooke Anderson 14. Sereana Naitokatoka 15. Fiona Jahnke 16. Tegan Dymock 23. Holli Wheeler 20. Maddie Studdon
Out: Harata Butler (front row)
In: Fiona Jahnke (bench)
Changes: Chloe Saunders (bench to front row)
Squad update: 17. Jazmon Tupou-Witchman, 19. Fatafehi Hanisi and 22 Georgia Ravics drop out. Wheeler joins the bench while Studdon and Taylor remain as reserves.
Late mail: A backline change sees Takiarangi and Biddle switch between wing and centre. Studdon is 18th player, 21. Jada Taylor omitted.
1. Evania Pelite 2. Destiny Mino-Sinapati 4. Niall Williams-Guthrie 24. Hailee-Jay Maunsell 22. Karina Brown 6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu 7. Sienna Lofipo 8. Shannon Mato 14. Brittany Breayley-Nati 10. Jessika Elliston 11. Zara Canfield 12. Shaylee Bent 13. Georgia Hale 9. Lauren Brown 15. Stephanie Hancock 16. Rilee Jorgensen 17. Dannii Perese 18. Kaitlyn Phillips
Out: Kaitlyn Phillips (bench)
In: Zara Canfield (second row)
Changes: Brittany Breayley-Nati (hooker to bench), Rilee Jorgensen (second row to bench), Lauren Brown (bench to hooker)
Squad update: 3. Jaime Chapman and 5. Emily Bass are out, with Maunsell and Brown coming in. 20. Sophie Buller is omitted with Phillips and Clarke remaining in reserve.
Late mail: Breayley-Nati starts hooker with Brown benched. Phillips is 18th player, 19. Laikha Clarke cut.
Referees: Darian Furner;Sideline Officials: Mitchell Currie, Karra-Lee Nolan;Video Referees: Belinda Sharpe;
Match Preview
AJ Lucantonio
Sharks look to end undefeated run for Titans The Cronulla Sharks will be looking to end the undefeated start to the year for the Gold Coast Titans when they go head to head at Pointsbet Stadium.
Cronulla were bitterly disappointing in their 10-0 defeat against the Tigers at Belmore last Sunday and coach Tony Herman will be looking for a fast turnaround in front of their home faithful for the second time this season. Although they did miss Jada Taylor who was a late scratching, the Sharks looked out of sync for the full 70 minutes against a side that was simply more hungrier for the win. To beat the Titans, they need to contain Evania Pelite. She's been the metre-eater of the tournament thus far and has been a nightmare to tackle. Elsewhere, their forwards have been immense up front all year and Cronulla's pack was bullied against the Tigers so it's important to see how they turn it around especially in front of their home faithful. Ellie Johnston's battle with Shannon Mato will be one to watch. For now Andie Robinson is again the fullback and Cassie Staples named on the wing with Taylor named in the reserves. In the absence of Harata Butler, who was suspended after Sunday's loss to the Wests Tigers, Chloe Saunders starts at prop and Fiona Jahnke joins the 17 on the bench. The side is otherwise unchanged from Round 2.
For the Titans, after finishing with the wooden spoon last year, not much was expected with the diluted player talent this season. However, they are one of two undefeated sides so far this season with some open and enterprising footy with a sense of resilience not seen under Karryn Murphy last season. In both matches, they've had to come from behind to taste victory including a rare win over big sister, the Broncos in golden point. To beat Cronulla, they need to shut down their edges particularly the left edge, Wests did that to great effect last week and shut down their attacking chances brilliantly. Also, they need Pelitie to continue her strong start to the season and win her positional battle. Elsewhere, their halves need to outmatch and kick the Sharks halves with Chantay Kiria-Ratu having to outpoint Emma Tonegato. Rilee Jorgensen moves back to the bench to accommodate the return of Zara Canfield in the second row. Kaitlyn Phillips is the player to make way and reverts to be the 18th woman. Lauren Brown is named to start at hooker but could drop back to the bench in a swap with Brittany Breayley-Nati prior to kick-off, which was the case last week.
Player To Watch: Looking at Tiana Penitani's start to 2023 and there's some rust since arriving at the Sharks. Her numbers are well down on previous seasons with just one try and 5 tackle breaks so far. With more chances to possess possession, expect Penitani to dominate against a Titans edge that was vulnerable last week and conceded quickly early on against the Broncos at the GABBA.
Shannon Mato has had a strong start to the season. Mato had a breakout game with a 245 metre effort against the Broncos, constantly causing the opposition grief throughout the epic encounter. With a strong work ethic, it's no wonder why she's become an important piece of the Titans puzzle for the 2023 NRLW season.
TIP: After the Sharks poor performance last week, I expect a bounce-back vibe from them in this clash. However, I do see the Gold Coast not giving up without a fight and will be competing and tasting victory at the final siren in another epic arm-wrestle showcasing how close this competition will be. Titans by 6.
1. Abbi Church 2. Zali Fay 20. Kimberley Hunt 4. Cassey Tohi-Hiku 5. Monique Donovan 6. Pihuka Berryman-Duff 7. Rosemarie Beckett 8. Talesha O'neill 9. Rueben Cherrington 17. Madeline Jones 11. Amelia Mafi 3. Mahalia Murphy 13. Kennedy Cherrington 10. Ruby-Jean Kennard 14. Capri Paekau 19. Kyra Simon 21. Kelsey Clark 16. Shannon Muru
Unchanged
Squad update: This is a mess. Widders has made 7 changes. 12. Shontelle Stowers and 15. Nakia Davis-Welsh are out. Murphy moves from centre to second row with Hunt coming into the 17 at centre; Kennard-Ellis is benched with Jones starting prop, and Clark is added to the bench. 22. Elsie Albert drops out with Amiatu and Simon retained as reserves.
Late mail: 18. Tyla Amiatu drops out with Simon into the side on th ebench and Muru the 18th player.
1. Tamika Upton 2. Sheridan Gallagher 3. Shanice Parker 4. Abigail Roache 5. Jasmine Strange 6. Georgia Roche 7. Jesse Southwell 8. Rima Butler 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Simone Karpani 11. Caitlan Johnston 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Hannah Southwell 14. Nita Maynard 15. Kayla Romaniuk 16. Laishon Albert-Jones 17. Tayla Predebon 18. Felila Kia
Out: Caitlin Moran (five-eighth), Tiana Davison (bench), Viena Tinao (bench)
In: Georgia Roche (five-eighth), Hannah Southwell (lock), Laishon Jones (bench)
Changes: Kayla Romaniuk (lock to bench)
Squad update: 20. Jayde Herdegen, 21. Tamerah Leati and 22. Viena Tinao cut. Kia and Davison remain.
Late mail: 1-17. Kia is 18th player with 19. Tiana Davison the omitted reserve.
Referees: Belinda Sharpe;Sideline Officials: Luke Saldern, Tom Cambourn;Video Referees: Ben Cummins;
Match Preview
Josh Robertson
Sunday afternoon NRLW action returns to Parramatta as the Parramatta Eels will be looking to turn their fortunes around as they take on the defending premiers the Newcastle Knights in a Grand Final rematch.
The Parramatta Eels are far from the team that they were at the end of 2023 as they come into Round 3 staring down the barrel of a 0-3 start to the season especially after they were again beaten heavily in Round 2 going down 38-12 to the Dragons. Last weekend, the Eels were on the backfoot from the beginning in Wollongong as they conceded a try inside two minutes and then it went downhill from there for the Blue and Gold. The loss of Rachael Pearson and Elsie Albert was on show again for the Eels who have just lacked go forward and it showed as they could mount a strong attack nor in defence their fragilities were exploited big time by the Red ‘V'. The Eels could be boosted by a potential return from Elsie Albert who missed the first two rounds with a calf injury but Rachael Pearson is still out with her injury. The line-up for the Eels is otherwise unchanged coming into Round 3.
Another shock loser in Round 2, the Newcastle Knights were poor by their regular standards in their 31-20 loss to the North Queensland Cowboys at Belmore last Sunday afternoon. The Novocastrians looked good early as they were able to open a 10-0 lead after as many minutes before the Cowboys were able to hit back in the lead-up to the half time break as the Knights trailed by two at the break. During the second half, the Cowboys went down to 12 players and the opened up a 20-12 lead and looked to go on with it but then suffered a collapse as they four tries in 15 minutes to lose by 11 points. A big boost for the Knights sees Hannah Southwell likely to return from her ACL injury after being ruled out last week. The return of Southwell sees Kayla Romaniuk drop back to the bench. English star Georgia Roche makes her NRLW debut to replace Caitlin Moran who is out of the side completely.
Player To Watch: Parramatta captain Kennedy Cherrington is a fan favourite and even though the Blue and Gold have performed poorly she has been a strong performer. The energy that Cherrington brings can have a big impact on what the Eels can do for the season and pull off a big upset.
Already a superstar in Women's Rugby League, English international Georgia Roche makes her NRLW debut for the Knights this week and could make a big impact straight away. Slotting into a successful side, Roche's attacking skill can get the Knights back onto the right track after their shock loss last week.
TIP: The Knights should have more than enough for the Eels and although we've seen plenty of upsets in the NRLW so far this season, this game shouldn't be one of them and the Knights could improve significantly after last week with a strong side on paper and key players being added. The Eels need to improve a lot to get to a better level but are unlikely to get close to the Knights here. Knights by 20.
Canberra Raiders v Wests TigersSun August 6 2023, 1:50pm at GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce / Ngunnawal
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 21. Ua Ravu
Unchanged
Squad update: 18. Elise Smith, 20. Ella Ryan and 22. Jessica Gentle omitted. Ravu and Ingram remain.
Late Mail: 1-17. Ravu 18th player with 19. Ahlivia Ingram dropping out.
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
Unchanged
Squad update: 20. Bianca Bennetts, 21. Salma Nour and 22. Imogen Gobran drop out with Kennedy and Pollard retained.
Late mail: 1-17. Kennedy 18th player, 19. Rebecca Pollard drops out.
Referees: Damian Brady;Sideline Officials: Daniel Luttringer, Clayton Wills;Video Referees: Matt Noyen;
Match Preview
Josh Robertson
The final NRLW match of Round 3 heads back to the Nations capital as two of the competitions surprise packets battle it out as the Wests Tigers head to Canberra to take on the Raiders.
Picking up one of the biggest upsets in the competition last weekend, the Canberra Raiders showed they aren't making up the numbers in the competition following their 24-14 victory over the Sydney Roosters last Saturday afternoon. The Raiders had their first home game and they fed off the passion of the parochial Canberra crowd as they were able to see off the dominance of possession and territory from the Roosters before being able to take a 6-0 lead into half-time. The Canberrans extend their lead out to 18-0 and were able to keep their nerve when the Roosters were looking to hit back late in the contest before sealing the win in the dying minutes. Unsurprisingly, Raiders coach Darrin Borthwick has made no changes to the 17 that took to the field and no changes to the reserves from last week's game.
The Wests Tigers on paper looked to be a worry leading into the pre-season but they have obliterated those worries and made certain previewers eat humble pie (hand here) as they have been impressive opening the season with two wins including their 10-0 win over the Cronulla Sharks. It wasn't the most clinical performance you'd ever see but they were impressive in defence against a lethal attacking Cronulla side at Belmore. The Tigers were able to open a 10-0 lead inside the first half against a 12 player Sharks side and although normally not enough, the defence of the Tigers was ultra impressive as they came under pressure from Cronulla multiple times but were able to see off the threat. Like their opponents, there are no changes to the successful Wests Tigers side from coach Brett Kimmorley as the same 17 is expected to take to the field.
Player To Watch: Raiders centre Cheyelle Robins-Reti was a star for Canberra last week as she dominated the running metres stats running for 198m and picking up a four pointer as well. The Raiders will be hoping that Robins-Reti can repeat that performance to get a strong Tigers defence on the backfoot.
Tigers winger Jakiya Whitfield put in one of the most impeccable NRLW performances that has been seen as she ran for nearly 300m and picked up her own four pointer. Whitfield is an underrated star of the competition and she can put the fear through her opposition if she has a strong day. The Tigers get a repeat of that performance and they can be confident of upsetting the Raiders.
TIP: It's hard to look past the Raiders here, the Tigers have been excellent in two games but being in Canberra, the Raiders looked to have a 14th player on the field last week with the crowd and the way they fed off that will boost them significantly. There is plenty of argument for the Tigers to win as well with what they've delivered but just the home crowd factor should get Canberra home. Raiders by 4.