NRLW TEAMS and PREVIEWS - 2023 Round 4

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 R24

NSWRL TEAMS: KOE NSW Cup R24 | Jersey Flegg R24

QRL TEAMS: Hostplus Cup R21 | Hastings Deering Colts R15

NOTE: Suncorp Stadium, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium and Accor Stadium are unavailable until mid August due to the FIFA Women's World Cup.

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St George Illawarra Dragons v Canberra Raiders
Sat August 12 2023, 11:05am at WIN Stadium, Wollongong / Dharawal

1. Teagan Berry 2. Margot Vella 3. Keele Browne 4. Bobbi Law 5. Shenai Lendill 6. Tyla Nathan-Wong 7. Raecene Mcgregor 17. Maddison Weatherall 9. Renee Targett 10. Alexis Tauaneai 11. Sara Sautia 12. Jamilee Bright 13. Kaarla Cowan 8. Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa 14. Zali Hopkins 15. Sarah Riorden 16. Roxy Murdoch 19. Cheynoah Amone

Out: Cortez Te Pou (wing), Sophie Clancy (bench), Ella Koster (bench), Tara McGrath-West (bench)
In: Renee Targett (hooker), Jamilee Bright (second row), Zali Hopkins (bench), Sarah Riordan (bench)
Changes: Kaarla Cowan (hooker to lock), Roxette Murdoch-Masila (front row to bench), Shenai Lendill (second row to wing), Alexis Tauaneai (lock to front row)

Squad Update: 18. Cortez Te Pau, 20. Taylor Mapusua and 22. Tara McGrath-West are omitted. Amone and Carlile remain in the squad.

Late mail: Weatherall starts up front with Teakaraanga-Katoa benched. Amone is 18th player with 21. Macie Carlile omitted.

1. Apii Nicholls 2. Madison Bartlett 3. Cheyelle Robins-Reti 4. Alanna Dummett 5. Shakiah Tungai 6. Zahara Temara 7. Ash Quinlan 8. Tommaya Kelly-Sines 9. Chante Temara 10. Sophie Holyman 16. Kerehitina Matua 12. Hollie Dodd 13. Simaima Taufa 11. Monalisa Soliola 15. Grace Kemp 17. Tara Reinke 21. Ua Ravu 19. Ahlivia Ingram

Out: Mackenzie Wiki (centre)
In: Alanna Dummett (centre)

Squad Update: 14. Emma Barnes, 18. Elise Smith and 22. Ella Ryan omitted. Barnes is OUT, Ravu comes on the bench. Ingram and Gentle remain in the squad.

Late mail: Matua starts back row with Soliola benched. Ingram 18th player with 20. Jessica Gentle omitted.

Referees: Kasey Badger;Sideline Officials: Daniel Luttringer, Clayton Wills;Video Referees: David Munro;

Match Preview

with Josh Robertson

A battle of the South opens Round 4 of the NRLW as the St George Illawarra Dragons host the Canberra Raiders from WIN Stadium.

The St George Illawarra Dragons have had a far from ideal season only picking up one win from their opening three games but two heavy losses have seen them slip towards the bottom of the NRLW ladder including their big 30-0 defeat to the Sydney Roosters last week.

A lack of possession and discipline hurt the Red ‘V' last week as right from the opening few minutes, the Roosters were running rampant and although they only conceded two tries in the first half which both came inside the first 10 minutes, the Dragons were never able to put their stamp on the game. The second half became the issue for the Dragons as they conceded four tries in the period without ever looking to put a reply on the board.

Dragons coach Jamie Soward is never afraid to shake the boat and he does so again this week after Sophie Clancy has been ruled out after a head knock. Renee Targett comes into the hooker role whilst Kaarla Cowan comes into the lock role. Alexis Tauaneai gets a start at prop with Tara McGrath-West dropped to the reserves.

The Canberra Raiders have impressed in their first season as they have won two of their three games and surprised many picking up a Round 2 win against the Roosters to sit themselves in fifth position with two wins and a loss.

It was a rollercoaster ride for the Raiders in their 28-22 win over the Wests Tigers in Canberra last weekend. The Raiders started fast opening a 12-0 lead before the Tigers were able to hit back and the game was even for a large period. The Raiders then extended their lead into the second half before another Tigers fightback nearly came off and the Green Machine held on for a six-point win.

The Raiders have lost Makenzie Wiki to a foot injury with debutant Alanna Dummett named in the centres. Canberra have confidence that winger Shakiah Tungai will overcome a leg injury after being named on the wing this week despite hobbling off last weekend.

Player to watch: The Dragons have struggled in 2023 and from the back, Teagan Berry can stand up and make a big difference from the back for the Red ‘V'. Berry has been a proven performer for the Saints and she can stand up here if the Dragons want to win and get their season back on track.

Raiders halfback Ash Quinlan plays second fiddle to some bigger names in the Canberra team but Quinlan herself is a star of the future to watch. The Maori Ferns star came to Canberra after a successful season with the Eels and can be a big part of a successful season in the Nation's capital.

Tip: It is hard to go past the Raiders for this one, the home-factor was probably a big factor in their two wins but the excitement of their performances makes it easy to tip them. The Dragons can and need to improve but I like the Green Machine to win this one. Raiders by 10.

North Queensland Cowboys v Wests Tigers
Sat August 12 2023, 12:50pm at Totally Workwear Stadium, Coorparoo / Turrbal

1. Francesca Goldthorp 2. China Polata 3. Jasmine Peters 4. Mia Middleton 5. Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly 6. Tahlulah Tillett 7. Kirra Dibb 8. Tallisha Harden 9. Emma Manzelmann 10. April Ngatupuna 11. Shaniah Power 12. Shellie Long 13. Makenzie Weale 14. Sera Koroi 15. Vitalina Naikore 17. Essay Banu 21. Jessikah Reeves 18. Jetaya Faifua

Out: Krystal Blackwell (five-eighth), Tiana Raftstrand-Smith (front row), Bree Chester (second row), Sareka Mooka (bench)
In: Mia Middleton (centre), Tahlulah Tillett (five-eighth), Essay Banu (bench), Jessikah Reeves (bench)
Changes: Vitalina Naikore (wing to bench), Shellie Long (centre to second row), China Polata (front row to wing), Tallisha Harden (bench to front row), April Ngatupuna (bench to front row)

Squad Update: 20. Bree Chester, 22. Krystal Blackwell and 23. Merewalesi Rokouono omitted. Faifua and Joseph remain in the squad.

Late mail: 19. Shaylee Joseph drops out with Faifua 18th player.

1. Pauline Piliae 2. Jakiya Whitfeld 3. Rikeya Horne 4. Leianne Tufuga 5. Josephine Lenaz 18. Rebecca Pollard 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. Imogen Gobran 16. Taylor Osborne 17. Jessica Kennedy 19. Hope Tevaga

Out: Botille Vette-Welsh (fullback)
In: Imogen Gobran (bench)
Changes: Pauline Piliae-Rasabale (five-eighth to fullback), Losana Lutu (bench to five-eighth)

Squad Update: 6. Losana Lutu, 21. Bianca Bennetts and 22. Folau Vaki omitted. Lutu is a late OUT for the visitors. Pollard starts at 5/8. The reserves remaining are Tevaga and Nour.

Late mail: Tevaga 18th player with 20. Salma Nour cut.

Referees: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski;Sideline Officials: Daniel Schwass, Tori Wilkie;Video Referees: Wyatt Raymond;

Match Preview

with Kelly Hollis

Coming off losses in Round 3, both teams are going to be looking to bounce back when they meet on Saturday during the first game of the NRLW double-header at Totally Workwear Stadium in Brisbane.

The North Queensland Cowboys suffered their second loss of the season in their clash with the Brisbane Broncos in Townsville on Saturday afternoon. A scoreless second half from the Cowboys saw them go down 40-12 with the Broncos' centre, Mele Hufanga, scoring four out of their 8 tries. A few areas of their game that the Cowboys are going to need to be conscious of moving forward is their defence with over 50 missed tackles in 70 minutes. Although they had a completion rate of 81%, 11 errors would have also played a role in their inability to capitalise in the second half with more than half of these errors occurring after the break. 
 
The Wests Tigers suffered their first loss of the season against the Canberra Raiders in a game that was riddled with errors, injuries and a sin-binning of co-captain, Kezie Apps. The Raiders came out firing and scored two early tries in the first ten minutes. By the time the teams went into the sheds for the break, the Wests Tigers had hit back with tries to Leianne Tufuga and Kezie Apps to draw the game at 12-all and it was definitely game on. The loss of Botielle Vette-Welsh toward the end of the first half resulted in a shuffling of players and the introduction of Losana Lutu into the game However, an injury in the 49th minute saw Lutu also leave the field. Even though the Raiders scored three quick tries to blow the score out to 28-12, the Wests Tigers weren't going to go down without a fight with centre Leianne Tufuga crossing the stripe for two tries, taking her total to 3 for the game. With the score 28-22 and 90 seconds to go, the Wests Tigers had one last chance to score, however, there just wasn't enough time remaining. 

Players to watch: North Queensland fullback and England international, Francesa Goldthorp, had a huge game in a losing side running over 187 metres and making 17 tackle breaks and a line break - the most out of the Cowboys so far in the 2023 NRLW season. An experienced player having played 44 games for Leeds before joining the Cowboys this year, the Wests Tigers defence will need to ensure that they shut her down and not allow her the opportunity to break as many tackles this weekend.

Leianne Tufuga bagged herself a hat trick in Sunday's game against the Raiders while also running over 160 metres, making 7 tackle breaks and three line breaks. A strong and powerful centre who joined the Wests Tigers from the Sydney Roosters, Leianne isn't afraid to take on the line and her powerful legs help her to average over 47 post-contact metres per game. Not only great in attack, Tufuga is also solid in defence causing an error in the Sharks game that led to the Tigers' second try.

Tip: Brett Kimmorley has needed made his first changes to the starting 17 this season with Vette-Welsh set to miss the game after failing her HIA. Crafty five-eighth Pauline Piliae-Rasabale will make a move to the back, while Losana Lutu gets her first start in the halve. Although she is a massive loss for the Tigers, the team showed that they could overcome the diversity of losing their co-captain for the second half to just narrowly miss out on the win. Cowboys look like they still have quite a bit of work to do in defence. Wests Tigers by 6.

Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels
Sat August 12 2023, 3:10pm at Totally Workwear Stadium, Coorparoo / Turrbal

1. Hayley Maddick 2. Lauren Dam 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Shenae Ciesiolka 5. Ashleigh Werner 19. Grace Griffin 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Breanna Eales 9. Lavinia Gould 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. Toni Hunt

Out: Toni Hunt (wing), Annetta Nu'uausala (front row), Destiny Brill (hooker)
In: Ashleigh Werner (wing), Breanna Eales (front row), Lavinia Gould (hooker)

Squad Update: 6. Gayle Broughton is OUT replaced by Griffin. Hunt and Coolwell remain in the squad. Brisbane only named 20 players on Tuesday so no others are omitted as yet.

Late mail: Hunt is 18th player with 20. Keisha-Leigh Coolwell dropping out.

1. Abbi Church 2. Zali Fay 3. Kimberley Hunt 4. Cassey Tohi-Hiku 5. Monique Donovan 6. Pihuka Berryman-Duff 7. Rachael Pearson 8. Talesha O'neill 9. Rueben Cherrington 10. Elsie Albert 11. Amelia Mafi 12. Mahalia Murphy 15. Madeline Jones 14. Capri Paekau 16. Shannon Muru 17. Kyra Simon 22. Tyla Amiatu 18. Taneka Todhunter

Out: Rosemarie Beckett (halfback), Ruby-Jean Kennard (bench), Kelsey Clark (bench)
In: Rachael Pearson (halfback), Elsie Albert (front row), Shannon Muru (bench)
Changes: Madeline Jones (front row to bench)

Squad Update: 13. Kennedy Cherrington was suspended on Tuesday and is OUT replaced by Jones at lock. Also cut are 20. Chloe Jackson and 21. Lindsay Tui. Remaining in the squad are Todhunter and Kennard-Ellis.

Late mail: Todhunter is 18th player with 19. Ruby-Jean Kennard-Ellis omitted.

Referees: Rochelle Tamarua;Sideline Officials: Dan Munroe, Jack Ebert;Video Referees: Belinda Sharpe;

Match Preview

with Andy P

Round 4 sees the Broncos hosting the Eels at the Gabba, with the Broncos looking to make amends for the Eel's shock win last year that squeezed the Broncos out of 2022 finals contention.

The Broncos will be out to make a point not only for last year's loss but also to show that their dominating Round 3 performance over the Townsville Cowboys wasn't a fluke. The Eels are still to rack up any points on the ladder for the 2023 season and will have to do it without Captain Kennedy Cherrington, who was dished out a 4-game suspension for a Grade Three Dangerous Throw on Knights forward Laishon Albert-Jones.

Broncos centre Mele Hufanga had a breakout game against the Cowboys, scoring 4 tries, and the Kiwi Ferns International seems primed to make another statement out on the Broncos left edge against the Eels. Broncos number 6 and former Eel Gayle Broughton showed she is troublesome when she ran with the ball setting up Mele Hufanga's tries down the Broncos left edge last round.

The Eels will have their start recruits, Rachael Pearson and Elise Albert, return to the run-on side from injury and will hope they can inspire a return to form. Even though they will be down their Captain and Origin representative, Kennedy Cherrington, the Eels showed last year that the side shouldn't be taken lightly and can cause an upset.

Who to watch: The Broncos halves combination of Ali Brigginshaw and Gayle Broughton were commanding in the middle last round. Gayle Broughton's running game and set-ups for the left edge backs should worry other teams. Mele Hufanga will be keen to add more tries to her tally against a team with the least effective tackles of the NRLW.

The Eels forwards will have Elise Albert to provide leadership and strength up front, with Racheal Pearson's boot likely to trouble the Broncos defence. 

Favourite: With a commanding Round 3 performance, the Broncos will go into Saturday's clash at the Gabba as favourites. Both teams have one up on each other, but the Eels hapless 2023 defence and the Broncos renewed edge attack may prove too much.

My Tip: Eels may put up some brave defence in the middle with the return of Elise Albert, but after the Broughton/ Hufanga combination on the left edge last week, I see the Broncs bringing it home by 20 points.

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Sydney Roosters
Sun August 13 2023, 12:00pm at PointsBet Stadium, Woolooware / Dharawal

6. Emma Tonegato 2. Kiana Takairangi 3. Tiana Penitani 4. Annessa Biddle 5. Andie Robinson 18. Maddie Studdon 7. Tayla Preston 8. Ellie Johnston 13. Brooke Anderson 10. Holli Wheeler 11. Talei Holmes 12. Vanessa Foliaki 17. Chloe Saunders 9. Quincy Dodd 14. Sereana Naitokatoka 15. Harata Butler 16. Tegan Dymock 22. Cassie Staples

Out: Cassie Staples (wing), Fiona Jahnke (bench)
In: Jada Taylor (fullback), Harata Butler (bench)
Changes: Andie Robinson (fullback to wing), Chloe Saunders (front row to bench), Holli Wheeler (bench to front row)

Squad Update: 1. Jada Taylor is out, with Tonegato shifting to fullback and Studdon making her club debut at NRLW level at five-eighth. 20. Georgia Ravics and 21. Fiona Jahnke drop out with Staples and Hanisi remaining.

Late Mail: 19. Fatafehi Hanisi is omitted. Anderson starts at hoooker with Saunders going into lock forward. Dodd moves to the bench with Staples the 18th woman!

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. Otesa Pule 22. Kalosipani Hopoate 18. Mia Wood

Out: Alexandrea Kiriwi (bench)
In: Mya Hill-Moana (bench)

Squad Update: 17. Mya Hill-Moana drops off the bench with Hopoate replacing her. 20. Joeli Morris and 21. Lily Rogan drop out of the squad with Wood and Kiriwi still there.

Late Mail: 19. Lexi Kiriwi is omitted. Wodd is 18th woman. John Strange is coaching remotely with Kylie Hilder coaching the team physically. 

Referees: Belinda Sharpe;Sideline Officials: Mitchell Currie, Luke Saldern;Video Referees: Todd Smith;

Match Preview

with Josh Robertson

Sunday NRLW action heads back to the Shire as the Cronulla Sharks play host to the Sydney Roosters as the Sharks look to return to form whilst the Roosters look to reclaim top spot on the ladder.

The Cronulla Sharks started the NRLW season with a bang ahead of a season of optimism where they were considered one of the competition favourites and after a first-round win, they've been quickly brought back to earth with back-to-back defeats against the Wests Tigers and the Gold Coast Titans.

Last weekend, the Sharks again struggled to score points but more concerningly their inability to see out a game after the Gold Coast Titans when they gave up an 8-0 lead to go down 10-8. The Sharks have only managed the 8 points in two games and although they have lost a few attacking weapons, their side should still be producing more points which is a concern given that they failed to score in three of their last 4 halves of football.

The Sharks are boosted by the return of Jada Taylor at fullback which will give them a lot more spark in attack along with the return of the experienced Holli Wheeler. Annessa Biddle returns to the wing with Harata Butler also coming onto the bench in a return from Suspension.

The Sydney Roosters have had a strong start to the season even with a shock road bump in the middle as they sit in third position with big wins against the Broncos in Round 1 and the Dragons last week split by a shock loss to the Raiders in Canberra a fortnight ago.

Last weekend, it was back to normal transmission for the tricolours as a second half blitz helped them shut out the Dragons completely in their 30-0 victory. The Roosters started fast with two tries inside the first ten minutes but it was their second half where they were able to run in four tries which was the most impressive thing. The Roosters even in their loss had moments of strong play this season which has helped them both through their history and this season.

Roosters coach John Strange has only made the one change and it comes on the bench with Mya Hill-Moana returning from a head knock suffered a fortnight ago with Lexi Kiriwi dropping back to the reserves.

Player to watch: For the Sharks, the return of Jada Taylor is going to a big key to their attacking weapons and how well they fire for Cronulla on Sunday. The Sharks have lacked a lot of attacking prowess over the last fortnight and the speed and x-factor of Taylor can have a huge impact for the Sharks in their toughest test to date.

The Roosters halfback Jocelyn Kelleher has slowly made a name for herself taking over the important 7 jersey for the Eastern Suburbs side after showing versatility all over the park. Kelleher's calm and confident play suits her for the role of moving a side with some of the most powerful weapons in the competition.

Tip: The Roosters should have enough to beat the Sharks, there is no doubt that the return of Jada Taylor will make the Sharks better but their lack of points in the past two weeks has been concerning against a Roosters side that can put points on. The defensive aspect of the Sharks game as well has been strong and could mean that points are a premium. I think the Roosters probably have just a few more attacking weapons to get the win. Roosters by 4.

Newcastle Knights v Gold Coast Titans
Sun August 13 2023, 1:50pm at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

1. Tamika Upton 2. Sheridan Gallagher 3. Shanice Parker 4. Abigail Roache 5. Jasmine Strange 6. Georgia Roche 7. Jesse Southwell 8. Simone Karpani 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Rima Butler 11. Felila Kia 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Hannah Southwell 14. Nita Maynard 15. Kayla Romaniuk 16. Laishon Albert-Jones 17. Tayla Predebon 18. Viena Tinao 22. Caitlin Moran

Out: Caitlan Johnston (second row)
In: Felila Kia (second row)

Squad update: 19. Tiana Davison, 20. Jayde Herdegen, 21. Tamerah Leati cut, Tinao and Moran remain.

1. Evania Pelite 2. Karina Brown 3. Jaime Chapman 4. Niall Williams-Guthrie 5. Emily Bass 6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu 7. Sienna Lofipo 8. Shannon Mato 9. Lauren Brown 10. Jessika Elliston 11. Zara Canfield 12. Shaylee Bent 13. Georgia Hale 14. Brittany Breayley-Nati 15. Stephanie Hancock 16. Rilee Jorgensen 17. Laikha Clarke 19. Sophie Buller 22. Kaitlyn Phillips

Out: Destiny Mino-Sinapati (wing), Hailee-Jay Maunsell (centre), Dannii Perese (bench)
In: Jaime Chapman (centre), Emily Bass (wing), Laikha Clarke (bench)
Changes: Brittany Breayley-Nati (hooker to bench), Lauren Brown (bench to hooker)

Squad update: 18. Hailee-Jay Maunsell, 20. Dannii Perese and 21. Destiny Mino-Sinapati drop out, Buller and Phillips remain.

Referees: Liam Kennedy;Sideline Officials: Billy Greatbach, Tom Cambourn;Video Referees: Kasey Badger;

Match Preview

with Beth Nicholls

Top of the table Titans travel down to Newcastle to take on the reigning premiers, the Knights, in what will be an interesting and exciting Sunday afternoon clash. 

Following a Round 2 loss to the Cowboys, the Knights managed to bounce back last round to defeat the Eels with a 38-4 scoreline. Newcastle played a dominant game for the whole 70 minutes, where they scored seven tries against the Eels one try. 

Felila Kia comes into the side to replace suspended forward Caitlan Johnson, who accepted a one-match ban for a high shot in the previous round. The side is otherwise unchanged, with Laishon Albert-Jones available to play, after being lifted by Kennedy Cherrington and continuing to play on against the Eels last week. Caitlin Moran has also been added to the extended squad. 

Gold Coast have so far been undefeated in the 2023 season, with two out of the three wins coming right down to the wire. Their victory against the Sharks last round came after a 68th minute try by Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell, keeping their perfect season intact. 

Emily Bass and Jaime Chapman return to the Titans side after missing last week through injury, with veteran Karina Brown also retaining her spot on the wing. Dannii Perese drops to the reserves with Laikha Clarke returning to her spot on the bench. 

Who to watch: Titans' fullback, Evania Pelite, is leading the Dally M leader board alongside Simaima Taufa, where she has scored two tries, made three line breaks and leads the competition with number of tackle breaks with a total of 31. The former rugby sevens player and Olympic gold medalist is already showing how important she is to the Gold Coast side. 

After moving to the Hunter in 2022, Tamika Upton opposes Pelite as the Knights fullback, who is continuing to settle into her newer side. Upton has scored one of her own tries this season, whilst also assisting with another two. Having won premierships for four of her five seasons, Upton is an experienced player, and I'm looking forward to what she brings to the rest of the 2023 season. 

My tip: Both sides will be hungry for win, with the Knights coming fresh off a convincing thrashing of the Eels and the Titans looking to continue their perfect winning streak in 2023. The Titans however have won two of their games in the final minutes or off opposing team errors, and I just think that Newcastle will be too good for them. Knights by 10.