NRLW TEAMS and PREVIEWS - 2023 Round 5

NRLW

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.

Click here for teamlists across all grades including NRL, NSWRL, QRL and squads from the UK.

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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North Queensland Cowboys v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Sat August 19 2023, 11:05am at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville / Wulgurukaba

North Queensland Cowboys

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 14. Sera Koroi 10. April Ngatupuna 11. Shaniah Power 16. Bree Chester 13. Makenzie Weale 9. Emma Manzelmann 17. Tiana Raftstrand-Smith 19. Sareka Mooka 21. Jessikah Reeves 18. Jetaya Faifua

Out: Essay Banu (bench), Jessikah Reeves (bench)
In: Bree Chester (bench), Tiana Raftstrand-Smith (bench)

Squad update: 12. Shellie Long is out, with Chester in at back row and Mooka joining the bench. 20. Krystal Blackwell and 22. Essay Banu drop off reserves with Faifua and Reeves remaining.

Late mail: Koroi starts hooker, Manzelmann benched. Reeves joins the bench. 15. Vitalina Naikore misses out, Faifua is 18th player.

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

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

Out: Kiana Takairangi (wing), Maddie Studdon (five-eighth)
In: Jada Taylor (fullback), Georgia Ravics (wing)
Changes: Emma Tonegato (fullback to five-eighth), Brooke Anderson (hooker to bench), Quincy Dodd (bench to hooker)

Squad update: 20. Maddie Studdon, 21. Jazmon Tupou Witchman and 22. Kiana Takairangi cut, Staples and Hanisi remain.

Late mail: 1-17, Staples 18th player, 19. Fatafehi Hanisi drops out.

Referees: Belinda Sharpe;Sideline Officials: Tori Wilkie, Josh Eaton;Video Referees: Liam Kennedy;

Match preview

by Andy P

Sharks looking to find form on the Cowboys home turf

Coming off the back of consecutive losses, the Sharks will be hungry for the win as they come up against the new Cowboys franchise at Queensland Country Bank Stadium this Saturday. This will also be a chance for the Townsville team to notch up a victory on their home turf after the Broncos dashed those hopes in round 3.

The Sharks showed some early promise in their last game at home against the Roosters in Round 4 but gave up an early lead to be convincingly beaten. The Cowboys showed good grit to stay in the game with the higher-placed Wests Tigers and were rewarded with playing the full 70 minutes with the close win via a last-minute try. Cowboys Coach Ben Jeffries said it was a courageous effort and was pleased to see the bounce back from the Round 3 beating.

After a promising start in Round 1 against the Canberra Raiders, the Sharks have since slipped down the NRLW ladder from fourth to ninth. The Sharks will welcome back Jada Taylor to fullback, allowing Emma Tonegato to step back into the halves. The round 5 clash will also see the debut of Sharks winger Georgia Ravics.

Tiana Raftstrand-Smith returns to the Cowboys team after a spell due to a head knock alongside Bree Chester. This leaves the Cowboy's run-on side unchanged for the clash against the Sharks.

Who to watch: The Shark's defence was rattled in broken play last round; if the Cowboys forwards lay a foundation for Tahlulah Tillett and Kirra Dibb to get the ball out to Francesca Goldthorp, then her run meters are sure to turn into tries.

With Emma Tonegato playing in her preferred position, watch for her to get a more coordinated lineup against the Cowboys, as their defence was worrying last round.

Favourite: Even after the Townsville Cowboys delivered a gritty win, it is the Cronulla Sharks that are edging them out as favourites.

My Tip: The Cowboys are keen to get the win at home and have shown they can play the full 70 minutes. Cowboys in a close one by 4.


Wests Tigers v St George Illawarra Dragons
Sat August 19 2023, 12:50pm at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta / Burramattagal

Wests Tigers

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 16. Taylor Osborne 17. Salma Nour 18. Jessica Kennedy 21. Imogen Gobran

Out: Rebecca Pollard (five-eighth), Imogen Gobran (bench), Jessica Kennedy (bench)
In: Botille Vette-Welsh (fullback), Losana Lutu (bench), Salma Nour (bench)
Changes: Pauline Piliae-Rasabale (fullback to five-eighth)

Squad update: 15. Losana Lutu is out again. Kennedy joins the bench with 20. Hope Tevaga and 22. Bianca Bennetts cut, Pollard and Gobran remain.

Late mail: Gobran 18th player, 19. Rebecca Pollard omitted.

St George Illawarra Dragons

1. Teagan Berry 2. Margot Vella 3. Keele Browne 4. Bobbi Law 5. Shenai Lendill 6. Tyla Nathan-Wong 7. Raecene Mcgregor 16. Sarah Riorden 9. Sophie Clancy 10. Tara McGrath-West 15. Ella Koster 12. Jamilee Bright 13. Alexis Tauaneai 8. Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa 14. Zali Hopkins 17. Cheynoah Amone 21. Macie Carlile 18. Renee Targett

Out: Maddison Weatherall (front row), Renee Targett (hooker), Kaarla Cowan (lock), Roxette Murdoch-Masila (bench)
In: Sophie Clancy (hooker), Tara McGrath-West (front row), Ella Koster (bench), Cheynoah Amone (bench)
Changes: Alexis Tauaneai (front row to lock), Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa (bench to front row)

Squad update: 11. Sara Sautia is out. Koster is elevated to the starting second row, Carlile joins the bench. 19. Kaarla Cowan and 22. Maddison Weatherall drop out. while Targett and Mapusua remain.

Late mail: Teakaraanga-Katoa benched, Riordan starts prop. Target 18th player, 20. Taylor Mapusua cut.

Referees: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski;Sideline Officials: Billy Greatbach, Luke Saldern;Video Referees: David Munro;

Match preview

by Kelly Hollis

After back-to-back losses, both teams will be in the hunt for the W at the mid-point of the NRLW season.

The Dragons went down to the Raiders in a thrilling golden point match. After the Dragons scored early, the Raiders ran in three tries to take an 18 - 6 lead into half-time. The Dragons fought back in the second-half crossing twice to lock the score at 18-all when the full-time buzzer sounded. In just the second golden point game of the season, Raecene McGregor had the first opportunity to ice the game, however, her attempt at a field goal was waved away. Zahara Temara's first attempt also failed to pass through the uprights, while her second was pin-point, handing the Dragons their fourth defeat of the season. 

A hot Saturday afternoon saw the Wests Tigers face the Cowboys in the first game of the NRLW standalone double-header in Brisbane. The Cowboys were the first to score through China Polata, while Josie Lenaz crossed soon after for the Wests Tigers to bag her first try in the NRLW. A perfect short ball from Emily Curtain saw Kezie Apps cross for her third try of the season to see the Tigers enter the sheds at half-time with a 10-4 lead. The Cowboys hit back with a try in the 48th minute to tie the game. Both teams played solid end-to-end football, but a costly error to NRLW debutant, Rebecca Pollard, saw the Cowboys' score and Kirra Dib convert with just 45 seconds on the clock. The Tigers didn't die wondering, though, with a pinpoint short kick-off that was snatched from the air by Emily Curtain. An error by Christian Pio 15 metres out put an end to the Wests Tigers' attempts to win the game in the dying seconds, going down 16 - 12.

This Saturday, the Wests Tigers host the Dragons at Commbank Stadium in an NRLW/NRL double-header. With both teams now fighting to stay in contention for the Top 4, it is set to be a great game. The Wests Tigers stocks are bolstered with the return of fullback and co-captain, Botielle Vette Welsh, and also Losana Lutu returning to the bench. Both of these players are classy in their positions and can help to change the outcome of the game. 

The Dragons team named is quite different through the middle forwards in comparison to the team that played last weekend. Shuffles see players move from the bench into starting positions and Alexis Tauneai moves from the middle into the lock position. These changes could prove beneficial to the Dragons as their middle forwards appeared to struggle in their match-up with the Raiders.

Player to watch: The Dragons' outside backs have speed to burn, with most of their points from the first four games coming from these players. Margot Vella is a superb finisher of sets and has scored 3 tries so far this season.

Wests Tigers co-captain, Kezie Apps, scored her third try of the season on Saturday, bringing her try-scoring tally to 5 across her NRLW career. This means that Kezie has now scored more tries in four games in Wests Tigers colours than her whole NRLW career to date. A true leader on and off the field, watch out for the short ball from Emily Curtain to send Kezie crashing over for another on the weekend. 

Tip: Looking at the performances in Round 4, errors and poor defence are essentially what let both sides down, definitely something that both teams can fix going into this game. The return of Vette-Welsh and Lutu for the Wests Tigers sees them a great chance on Saturday. Wests Tigers by 6.


Gold Coast Titans v Sydney Roosters
Sat August 19 2023, 3:10pm at Cbus Super Stadium, Robina / Yugambeh

Gold Coast Titans

1. Evania Pelite 2. Karina Brown 3. Destiny Mino-Sinapati 4. Niall Williams-Guthrie 5. Emily Bass 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. Hailee-Jay Maunsell 17. Laikha Clarke 18. Kaitlyn Phillips

Out: Jaime Chapman (centre), Rilee Jorgensen (bench)
In: Destiny Mino-Sinapati (centre), Hailee-Jay Maunsell (bench)
Changes: Brittany Breayley-Nati (hooker to bench), Lauren Brown (bench to hooker)

Squad Update: 20. Sienna Laing, 21. Dannii Perese are omitted. Phillips and Butler remain in the squad.

Late mail: Brown benched with Breayley-Nati startig hooker. Phillips is 18th player with 19. Butler omitted.

Sydney Roosters

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 17. Otesa Pule 19. Mya Hill-Moana 18. Joeli Morris

Unchanged

Squad Update: 16. Kalosipani Hopoate is OUT replaced by Hill-Moana. Also cut are 21. Lily Rogan and 22. Lexi Kiriwi. Morris and Wood remain in the squad.

Late mail: Morris 18th player, 20. Mia Wood cut.

Referees: Rochelle Tamarua;Sideline Officials: Dan Munroe, Daniel Schwass;Video Referees: Todd Smith;

Match preview

by Josh Robertson

Saturday afternoon NRLW heads to the Gold Coast as the Titans look to bounce back from their first loss of the season when they come up against the Sydney Roosters.

The Gold Coast Titans have had a much better season to last opening their season with three straight wins and some impressive football albeit winning those games narrowly. Last week though, the Titans undefeated start came to an end with a 22-10 loss to the Knights.

Despite losing by 12 points, the Gold Coast were far from disgraced in their performance despite a period of dominance in the first half by Newcastle. The Titans were just a step behind the Novocastrians on the scoreboard trailing 16-4 at the break but they were still strong defensively given that the Knights had more of the ball.

The Titans have suffered two big losses off the park though with Jaime Chapman and Rilee Jorgensen both ruled out from this weeks contest after suffering a head knock. Destiny Mino-Sinapati comes into the line-up in the centres whilst Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell comes onto the bench for Rilee Jorgensen. 

The Sydney Roosters have had a good season with some strong but inconsistent performances as they went back to the top of the ladder last with their 36-12 win over the Cronulla Sharks last week which was a game they also trailed 12-0 in.

Conceding the first two tries, the Roosters looked as if they were off their game but very quickly they found their swing and momentum as they were able to overturn the 12-0 deficit to trail 12-10 at the half-time break. The second half was where the Tricolours really were able to crow running in 26 unanswered points including a hat-trick for Jayme Fressard.

The Roosters have named an unchanged line-up for the clash with the Titans, Mya Hill-Moana stays on the reserves list after a shoulder issue. Jayme Fressard should be fine to play despite suffering a shoulder issue last week.

Who to watch: Titans five-eighth Chantay Kiria-Ratu is a player with a big future but has to lead the Titans around the park in a rookie half combination. Kiria-Ratu needs to control the game and show the x-factor that she has against a Roosters side full of experience and a halves combination with plenty of experience.

Roosters centre Jayme Fressard has had her best season so far and despite a shoulder issue, she scored three tries and has been an attacking weapon for the Tricolours. Fressard possesses both speed and strength which makes her a big threat on the outside and the Titans defence will need to keep special watch on her.

My tip: The Roosters should win the game, there will be a long period of the game where it will be tight but there should be more than enough for the Roosters to pull away from the Titans despite it being a Gold Coast home game. I think that Titans can push but the Roosters should be able to win. Roosters by 12.


Newcastle Knights v Brisbane Broncos
Sun August 20 2023, 12:00pm at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

Newcastle Knights

1. Tamika Upton 2. Sheridan Gallagher 3. Shanice Parker 4. Abigail Roache 5. Jasmine Strange 6. Georgia Roche 7. Jesse Southwell 19. Felila Kia 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Rima Butler 11. Caitlan Johnston 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 15. Kayla Romaniuk 8. Simone Karpani 14. Nita Maynard 16. Laishon Albert-Jones 17. Tayla Predebon 18. Viena Tinao

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

Squad Update: 13. Hannah Southwell out. Kia in at lock. 21. Caitlin Moran and 22. Tiana Davison drop out, Tinao and Herdegen remain.

Late mail: Kia moves to prop, Karpani benched and Romaniuk starts lock; Tinao is 18th player; 20. Herdegen drops out.

Brisbane Broncos

1. Hayley Maddick 2. Lauren Dam 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Shenae Ciesiolka 5. Ashleigh Werner 6. Gayle Broughton 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Annetta Nuuausala 9. Destiny Brill 10. Breanna Eales 11. Tazmin Gray 12. Romy Teitzel 13. Mariah Denman 14. Jada Ferguson 15. Filomina Hanisi 16. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 17. Toni Hunt 18. Lavinia Gould

Out: Grace Griffin (five-eighth), Lavinia Gould (hooker), Brianna Clark (front row), Jasmine Fogavini (bench)
In: Gayle Broughton (five-eighth), Annetta Nu'uausala (front row), Destiny Brill (hooker), Toni Hunt (bench)

Squad Update: 20. Keisha-Leigh Coolwell omitted, Gould and Griffin remain.

Late mail: 1-17. Gould 18th player, 19. Grace Griffin omitted.

Referees: Darian Furner;Sideline Officials: Clayton Wills, Karra-Lee Nolan;Video Referees: Wyatt Raymond;

Match preview

by Josh Robertson

The first of Sunday's NRLW games heads back to Newcastle sees two heavyweights of the competition battling it out as the Knights take on the Broncos as the hosts look to continue their good form and Brisbane looking to continue their bounce back to form.

Continuing their good form from 2022, The Newcastle Knights sit in second spot on the NRLW ladder with three wins and one loss from their opening four matches. Across their four matches so far, the Knights have been dominant in their three wins have averaged a 20 point margin in their three games including added to their 22-10 win over the Titans last week.

The Knights are a side that can take the game away from a team very swiftly and that's what they did again last week as they were able to take control of possession and suffocate the Titans away from the ball which has been a big key for them. Their performance was strong but discipline was an issue which could hurt them further down the track.

Knights forward Caitlan Johnson returns to the Newcastle forward pack after missing the last match through suspension. Johnson slots back into the forwards as last week's debutant Felila Kia drops back to the reserves. The rest of the side is unchanged though Rima Butler could be in doubt after leaving the field last week due to a head clash.

It the took the Broncos until week three for their first win but they've now gone back-to-back with wins after wins against the Cowboys and Parramatta. The Broncos were expected to bounce back into form but they have seemingly struggled again this season despite a change of coach and a number of big signings.

The Broncos went back-to-back with wins last weekend with their not entirely convincing 22-12 win over the out-of-form Parramatta Eels. The defensive effort from the Broncos was the most impressive part of their win last week as they spent a 10-minute period playing with 11 players after both Brianna Clark and Jasmine Fogavini were sin binned for foul play within a minute of each other. The defensive effort was strong conceding just the one try during that period.

The Broncos have lost the two players mentioned above through suspension which hurts Scott Prince's side but they are boosted by a triple return with Gayle Broughton, Annetta Nu'uasala and Destiny Brill all returning.

Who to watch: A battle between the NRLW's leading points scorers is on show and for the Knights youngster Jesse Southwell has been a star but coming up against a veteran in Ali Brigginshaw, Southwell needs to stand up and show her skills as her control of the game is one of the best in the game.

Broncos veteran Ali Brigginshaw has been having a strong season yet again in a Broncos season that has been poor but Brigginshaw is yet again the glue that has held Brisbane together again but a big test against the Knights is where the Broncos need her most. The return of key players is a strong boost but it will be Ali Brigginshaw's control that will help Brisbane get home if they do.

My Tip: This game could be a lot closer than what many think but the Knights should have enough to beat the Broncos. It's a game that could go either way and it depends on which Broncos side turns up because they have been very inconsistent at times and if they aren't on song, they could be blown away early. Knights by 10.


Canberra Raiders v Parramatta Eels
Sun August 20 2023, 1:50pm at GIO Stadium Canberra, Bruce / Ngunnawal

Canberra Raiders

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 11. Elise Smith 17. Monalisa Soliola 13. Simaima Taufa 14. Ua Ravu 15. Grace Kemp 16. Kerehitina Matua 19. Ahlivia Ingram 18. Petesa Lio

Out: Tara Reinke (bench)
In: Elise Smith (second row)
Changes: Kerehitina Matua (second row to bench)

Squad Update: 12. Hollie Dodd out, Soliola comes in at second row. 21. Jessica Gentle and 22. Tara Reinke cut, Lio and Ryan remain.

Late mail: Ingram fills the bench vacancy, Lio is 18th player and 20. Ryan is cut.

Parramatta Eels

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. Madeline Jones 11. Amelia Mafi 12. Mahalia Murphy 15. Tyla Amiatu 14. Capri Paekau 16. Shannon Muru 17. Nakia Davis-Welsh 19. Ruby-Jean Kennard 21. Lindsay Tui

Out: Elsie Albert (front row)
In: Nakia Davis-Welsh (bench)
Changes: Madeline Jones (lock to front row), Kyra Simon (bench to lock)

Squad Update: 13. Kyra Simon out, Amiatu comes in at lock with Kennard onto the bench. 20. Chloe Jackson and 22. Rosemarie Beckett cut, Tui and Todhunter remain.

Late mail: Tui is 18th player, Todhunte omitted.

Referees: Kasey Badger;Sideline Officials: Mitchell Currie, Daniel Luttringer;Video Referees: Wyatt Raymond;

Match preview

by Kelly Hollis

Can the Parramatta Eels overcome 4 straight losses to beat the rapidly rising Canberra Raiders? 

The Canberra Raiders were able to hold out a fast-finishing Dragons side in Sunday's Round 4 NRLW opener at WIN Stadium in a thrilling golden point match. Simaima Taufa put on an absolute masterclass, breaking tackles, running almost 200 metres and scoring a beautiful try that saw her run straight through a poor Dragons defensive line. Not only sharp in attack, Taufa also made 45 tackles and missed none, proving exactly why she is currently leading the NRLW Dally M tally. Although Taufa was everywhere on the field, it was the boot of Zahara Temara that once again proved the difference, slotting the field goal in the 8th minute of extra time to seal the Raiders' third win of the season.

In a game that saw two Brisbane Broncos sin-binned within minutes of each other, the Parramatta Eels were still not able to get the job done, falling to their fourth loss from four starts. Last year's grand finalists haven't been able to find their 2022 form and are suffering from the loss of multiple players to other teams. Along with this, they are also suffering from the loss of their captain, Kennedy Cherrington, who was handed a four-game ban after a dangerous throw that saw her sent off in Round 3. The team also lost star, Elsie Albert, who succumbed to a calf injury during the first half. A positive that the Eels can hope to take out of this game was that, although it was another loss, they were able to remain within 10 points of the Broncos, a feat they haven't been able to achieve in the other games that have seen them go down by an average of 29 points.

There have been minimal changes to the Raiders line-up for this weekend's game with the only changes seeing Elise Smith being added to the back-row for her NRLW debut and Kerehitina Matua being shifted to the bench. The 17 Raiders players that will take the field against the Eels will include 3 players who once pulled on the blue and gold jersey including superstar Simaima Taufa, halfback Ash Quinlan and prop Tommaya Kelly-Sines. 

Parramatta have named a similar side to Round 4, however, they will once again play without star prop Elise Albert, who was unable to recover from her calf. As a result, there have been a few players shuffled around in the starting 17 with Madeline Jones moving into prop from lock and Kyra Simon replacing her off the bench. Nakia Davis-Welsh will come off the bench in her second game for the Eels. 

Players to watch: Raiders number 7, Ash Quinlan, isn't afraid to take on the line and provide her outside players with the opportunities to make a break through the middle. Her connection with her middle forwards during Round 4 saw the Raiders make 5 line breaks to help them to get into great field position. 

If the Eels are any hope of getting close to the Raiders, halfback Rachael Pearson is going to need to direct her team around the park like she did against the Broncos. In the post-match conference coach, Dean Widders, said that she was the missing link from the first three rounds. 

Tip: It's hard to see the Eels beating a constantly improving Canberra Raiders outfit at GIO Stadium. Raiders by 12.