NRLW TEAMS and PREVIEWS - 2023 Round 6

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.

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Parramatta Eels v North Queensland Cowboys
Sat August 26 2023, 11:05am at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Carlton / Bidjigal

1. Abbi Church 2. Zali Fay 21. Lindsay Tui 4. Cassey Tohi-Hiku 3. Kimberley Hunt 6. Pihuka Berryman-Duff 7. Rachael Pearson 8. Talesha O'neill 9. Rueben Cherrington 10. Tyla Amiatu 11. Amelia Mafi 12. Mahalia Murphy 13. Jade Fonua 15. Noaria Kapua 17. Nakia Davis-Welsh 19. Ruby-Jean Kennard 20. Madeline Jones 14. Capri Paekau

Out: Madeline Jones (front row), Taneka Todhunter (bench), Ruby-Jean Kennard (bench)
In: Jade Fonua (lock), Noaria Kapua (bench), Nakia Davis-Welsh (bench)
Changes: Tyla Amiatu (lock to front row)

Squad Update: 16. Shannon Muru, 18. Kyra Simon and 22. Rosemarie Beckett omitted. Paekau and Tui remain in the reserves.

Late mail: Tui starts in the centres with 5. Monique Donovan out, Hunt shifting to wing. Paekau drops to 18th player with Kennard and Jones joining the bench.

1. Francesca Goldthorp 2. Vitalina Naikore 3. Jasmine Peters 4. Shellie Long 5. Krystal Blackwell 6. Tahlulah Tillett 7. Kirra Dibb 8. Tallisha Harden 9. Emma Manzelmann 16. China Polata 11. Bree Chester 12. Libby Surha 13. Tiana Raftstrand-Smith 10. Makenzie Weale 14. Jetaya Faifua 15. Jessikah Reeves 18. Sareka Mooka 19. Mia Middleton

Out: Mia Middleton (centre), Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly (wing), Sera Koroi (hooker), Shaniah Power (second row), Sareka Mooka (bench)
In: Vitalina Naikore (wing), Shellie Long (centre), Krystal Blackwell (wing), Libby Surha (second row), Jetaya Faifua (bench)
Changes: China Polata (wing to bench), April Ngatupuna (front row to bench), Makenzie Weale (lock to front row), Emma Manzelmann (bench to hooker), Tiana Raftstrand-Smith (bench to lock)

Squad Update: 17. April Ngatupuna, 20. Sera Koroi and 21. Merewalesi Rokouono omitted. On the bench is Mooka for Ngatupuna. On the reserves are Middleton and Banu.

Late mail: Polata starts prop, Weale benched. Middleton 18th player.

Referees: Cameron Paddy;Sideline Officials: Karra-Lee Nolan, Luke Saldern;Video Referees: David Munro;

Match preview

with Kelly Hollis

The North Queensland Cowboys faced a tough defeat in their last outing against the Cronulla Sharks, with a final score of 40 to 12.

Discipline was a concern for the Cowboys, conceding 8 penalties to the Sharks' 4. They managed to maintain better ball control, committing only 5 errors compared to Cronulla's 10 giving them an 85% completion rate. Emma Manzelmann put on a stellar performance, coming off the bench to contribute 40 tackles (missing 2), making 2 line breaks, achieving 4 tackle breaks and scoring a try. Her quick play-the-ball speed was also a highlight. The loss was compounded by the injury to winger Autumn-Rain Stephens Daly, who left the field in the 50th minute with a suspected serious knee injury.

The Parramatta Eels had a closely contested match against the Raiders, ultimately falling short with a score of 26 - 22. Despite trailing 18-6 at halftime, the Eels displayed resilience by mounting a comeback in the second half. Their ball control was a strong point, boasting an impressive 84% completion rate, while the Raiders made 11 errors. Parramatta had a late opportunity with a penalty awarded 90 seconds before the final whistle, but they couldn't capitalise on it. This loss marked their fifth consecutive defeat this season, leaving them still in search of their first win.

The upcoming NRLW clash between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Parramatta Eels promises to be an intriguing battle, as both teams come into this contest with contrasting results from their previous games. The Cowboys will be looking to bounce back after a tough loss to the Sharks. They'll need to address their penalty count and ensure better discipline on the field.

A number of injuries have led to changes in the Cowboys line-up with Autumn-Rain Stephens Daly being replaced by Krystal Blackwell and Shaniah Power being replaced by NRLW debutant, Libby Surha. Star player, China Polata, has been pushed to the interchange bench where she is expected to play a role in forwards after switching between the middle and the wing so far this season.

On the other side, the Eels displayed resilience in their last match against the Raiders, fighting back from a halftime deficit. Their strong completion rate and ability to capitalize on the Raiders' errors suggest they have the potential to turn things around. However, they'll be hungry for their first win of the season and will be eager to convert their promising moments into victory. The team will be missing heavy hitters Elsie Albert (calf), Kennedy Cherrington (suspension), Shontelle Stowers (ankle) and Kelsey Clark (ACL) for the match.

Player To Watch: Emma Manzelmann's exceptional performance in the Cowboys' last game showcased her ability to make an impact, both defensively and offensively.

For Parramatta, Amelia Mafi had a great game against the Raiders scoring her first try in the 2023 NRLW season.

My tip: Both teams have areas to address, and this clash presents an opportunity for redemption. It's a pivotal match for the Cowboys to regain their momentum and for the Eels to break their losing streak. Expect an intense and closely fought battle, where each side will be determined to secure a much-needed win in the NRLW competition. Cowboys by 6.

St George Illawarra Dragons v Gold Coast Titans
Sat August 26 2023, 1:15pm at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Carlton / Bidjigal

1. Teagan Berry 2. Margot Vella 3. Keele Browne 19. Cheynoah Amone 5. Shenai Lendill 6. Tyla Nathan-Wong 7. Raecene Mcgregor 16. Sarah Riorden 9. Sophie Clancy 10. Tara McGrath-West 11. Ella Koster 12. Jamilee Bright 13. Alexis Tauaneai 8. Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa 14. Zali Hopkins 15. Kaarla Cowan 22. Roxy Murdoch 18. Renee Targett

Out: Cheynoah Amone (bench), Macie Carlile (bench)
In: Kaarla Cowan (bench), Maddison Weatherall (bench)
Changes: Sarah Riordan (front row to bench), Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa (bench to front row)

Squad update: 4. Bobbi Law is out with Amone coming in at centre, and 17. Maddison Weatherall drops off the bench, Murdoch-Masila her replacement. 21. Macie Carlile cut from the reserves with Targett and Mapusua remaining.

Late mail: Teakaraanga-Katoa benched with Riordan starting prop. Targett 18th player, Taylor Mapasua drops out.

1. Evania Pelite 2. Karina Brown 3. Jaime Chapman 4. Niall Williams-Guthrie 5. Destiny Mino-Sinapati 6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu 9. Lauren Brown 8. Shannon Mato 14. Brittany Breayley-Nati 10. Jessika Elliston 11. Zara Canfield 12. Shaylee Bent 13. Georgia Hale 7. Sienna Lofipo 15. Stephanie Hancock 18. Kaitlyn Phillips 19. Sophie Buller 21. Dannii Perese

Out: Emily Bass (wing)
In: Jaime Chapman (centre)
Changes: Destiny Mino-Sinapati (centre to wing), Brittany Breayley-Nati (hooker to bench), Lauren Brown (bench to hooker)

Squad update: 16. Hailee-Jay Maunsell and 17. Laikha Clarke drop off the bench, Phillips and Buller promoted. 22. Rilee Jorgensen drops out with Perese and Laing remaining.

Late mail: Brown starts halfback, Breayley-Nati hooker and Lofipo is benched. Perese is 18th player with Sienna Laing omitted.

Referees: Belinda Sharpe;Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Tom Cambourn;Video Referees: Ben Cummins;

Match preview

with Josh Robertson

The second of Saturday's double header from Kogarah sees the St George Illawarra Dragons looking to build on their last minute win against the Tigers last week into taking on the fourth placed Gold Coast Titans.

The Dragons haven't been at their best this season with 2 wins from their 5 games so far this season but with confidence off their last win against the Titans they can build with a push for a run to the finals with two games remaining. Last weekend, it was a slow start for the Dragons as they fell behind the Tigers 10-0 after just 15 minutes despite not playing poorly and then trailing 16-6 at the halftime break. Things stayed as they were for the most part during the second half but it was two tries inside the final three minutes that changed things up for Dragons including the winner inside the final 60 seconds when Margot Vella crossed to give them a 20-16 win.

Dragons coach Jamie Soward has faith in both Bobbi Law and Sophie Clancy to overcome injuries suffered last week although Law would be in serious doubt given the expected seriousness of her hamstring injury. The only changes to the side so far are Kaarla Cowan and Maddison Weatherall coming onto the bench with Cheynoah Amone and Macie Carlile dropping off the bench.

After an undefeated start to the season for the Gold Coast Titans, the wheels are coming off the rails as they have now dropped two games in a row following last weeks 30-8 loss against the Sydney Roosters. The Titans were outplayed despite scoring inside the first five minutes along with the Roosters but it was the visitors that were the better side consistently outscoring the Gold Coast who really struggled. There were arguments that the Titans had been lucky in their first three games this season and their inability to match the Roosters showed where the issues are for the Titans as they cannot match some of the top teams.

An injury to Emily Bass hurts the Titans but it does get mitigated by the return of speedster Jaime Chapman to boost their backline. The return of Chapman pushes her to the win and Destiny Mino-Sinapati to the centres. There are no other changes to the Titans line up.

Player To Watch: Dragons halfback Raecene McGregor is the player to watch in a must win game for the Red ‘V' if they want to stay within finals contention before heading into the last round. The best player of 2022 shows that McGregor has the ability but she needs to stand up now if the Dragons want to play finals football.

The Titans likewise will be hoping their halves can fire and despite being rookies, the way Chantay Kiria-Ratu has played as been strong this season and she holds an X-Factor that could help the Titans. If she can play with poise and use the experience around the side to help control things in the halves the Titans can win.

My tip: It's hard to go past the Dragons despite both sides being inconsistent across the season, the Dragons will be boosted by the win last week where they showed plenty of fight and good spirit in their play and I just wonder where the Titans heads are at following their back-to-back losses. Dragons by 6.

Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers
Sat August 26 2023, 3:10pm at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park / Gadigal

1. Corban Baxter 2. Brydie Parker 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Mia Wood 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. Teuila Fotu-Moala 16. Pani Hopoate 17. Amelia Pasikala 18. Joeli Morris

Out: Jayme Fressard (wing), Grace Hamilton (bench)
In: Mia Wood (wing), Kalosipani Hopoate (bench)
Changes: Teuila Fotu-Moala (front row to bench), Amelia Pasikala (second row to bench), Otesa Pule (bench to second row), Mya Hill-Moana (bench to front row)

Squad Update: 20. Lexi Kiriwi, 21. Lily Rogan and 22. Tyler Bentley. Morris and Hamilton remain in the squad.

Late mail: 1-17. Morris 18th player, Hamilton drops out.

17. Tess Staines 2. Jakiya Whitfeld 3. Rikeya Horne 4. Leianne Tufuga 5. Josephine Lenaz 6. Pauline Piliae 1. Botille Vette-Welsh 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. Jessica Kennedy 19. Rebecca Pollard 18. Hope Tevaga

Out: Emily Curtain (halfback), Taylor Osborne (bench), Salma Nour (bench)
In: Losana Lutu (halfback), Imogen Gobran (bench), Tess Staines (bench)

Squad Update: 7. Losana Lutu, 20. Taylor Osborne and 22. Bianca Bennetts omitted. Curtain retained at half-back with Lutu again OUT. Pollard on bench with Tevaga and Nour remaining.

Late mail: Staines starts fullback with Vette-Welsh to play half. Sophie Curtain drops back to the bench. Tevaga is 18th player, Salma Nour drops out.

Referees: Mitchell Currie;Sideline Officials: Jake Sutherland, Billy Greatbach;Video Referees: David Munro;

Match preview

with Josh Robertson

For the first time in 2023, NRLW action heads to Allianz Stadium as the Sydney Roosters take on the Wests Tigers as part of a double header between the two teams. The Sydney Roosters have had an excellent season to date as they sit on top of the NRLW ladder with just one loss so far this which came against fellow top 3 contenders the Canberra Raiders. Despite the blot on the copybook, the Roosters have been the best team both in attack and in defence. Showing why they are both the best side in attack and defence, the Sydney Roosters were impressive in their 30-8 victory over the Gold Coast Titans. The tricolours performance started strong inside the first minute as they opened the scoring and despite conceding an early try, the Roosters were clinical in attack. They shut out any opportunity that the Titans had and their defence only conceded 8 points for the game. The Roosters have lost Jayme Fressard who suffered a head knock for the second straight week in last weeks win. Debutant Mia Wood comes into the side on the wing for her first appearance after being an unused interchange player earlier in the season. The other changes for the Tricolours comes with Mya Hill-Moana and Otesa Pule coming into the starting side with Teuila Fotu-Moala and Amelia Pasikala dropping back to the bench. The Wests Tigers have been one of the surprise packets of the NRLW season starting the season with back-to-back wins before three straight defeats against the Raiders, Cowboys and last weeks loss to the St George Illawarra Dragons. The performance from the Tigers would be one that left the coaching staff and fans frustrated after twice holding a 10 point lead only to collapse and conceding two tries in the last three minutes. The Tigers started strong and were looking good for the most part and were able to defend a ten-minute period with a player in the sin bin. The concern would be the lack of defensive strength to concede the two late tries. The Tigers have a mixed result in the halves with young star Losana Lutu returning from a knee injury and takes back the 7 jersey from Emily Curtain who herself is out with a knee injury. The Tigers are also boosted by the first appearance of Tess Staines in the season after missing the start of the season with a thumb injury.
Player To Watch: Putting her hand up for signing of the season, Roosters five-eighth Tarryn Aiken has been one of the best players this season and has pulled off a number of pieces of individual brilliance to change the game. Last weekend, Aiken starred for the Tricolours but it was the chip-and-chase play from her own end that was the most impressive and she did similar earlier in the season. If the Roosters want to ensure the win, then Aiken will play a big role. Returning to the side, Wests Tigers halfback Losana Lutu needs to have a big impact if the Wests Tigers want to pull off a big upset and end their losing streak. Lutu is one of the stars of the future and has already been impressive this season paired up with Pauline Piliae-Rasable in the halves. Lutu can turn the game at the drop of the hat and may need to show plenty of magic if the Tigers want to win.
TIP: The form of the Roosters is hard to look past especially when the Tigers are on a three game losing streak even if they haven't played bad Rugby League in those losses. The Roosters consistency and attacking threat over the park needs the Tigers to be on song but sadly they haven't put a full 70 minute performance in at all this season. The Roosters just have too much on paper to win and might do it easily. Roosters by 16.

Brisbane Broncos v Canberra Raiders
Sun August 27 2023, 12:00pm at Totally Workwear Stadium, Coorparoo / Turrbal

1. Hayley Maddick 2. Julia Robinson 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Shenae Ciesiolka 5. Lauren Dam 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. Lavinia Gould 15. Tafito Lafaele 16. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 17. Jasmine Fogavini 18. Jada Ferguson

Out: Ashleigh Werner (wing), Breanna Eales (front row), Jada Ferguson (bench), Filomina Hanisi (bench), Toni Hunt (bench)
In: Julia Robinson (wing), Brianna Clark (front row), Lavinia Gould (bench), Tafito Lafaele (bench), Jasmine Fogavini (bench)

Squad update: 19. Filomina Hanisi, 20. Grace Griffin and 22. Keisha-Leigh Coolwell drop out with Ferguson and Hunt remaining.

Late mail: 1-17, Ferguson 18th player. 21. Toni Hunt drops out.

5. Shakiah Tungai 2. Madison Bartlett 3. Cheyelle Robins-Reti 22. Mackenzie Wiki 21. Jessica Gentle 6. Zahara Temara 7. Ash Quinlan 8. Grace Kemp 9. Chante Temara 10. Sophie Holyman 16. Kerehitina Matua 12. Hollie Dodd 13. Simaima Taufa 15. Ahlivia Ingram 17. Tara Reinke 18. Petesa Lio 19. Ella Ryan 11. Elise Smith

Out: Tommaya Kelly-Sines (front row), Monalisa Soliola (second row)
In: Hollie-Mae Dodd (second row), Tara Reinke (bench)
Changes: Grace Kemp (bench to front row)

Squad update: 1. Apii Nicholls out, Wiki in at fullback, 4. Alanna Dummett out, Gentle centre. 20. Monalisa Soliola cut, Lio and Ryan remain.

Late mail: Tungai shifts to fullback with Wiki to the centres and Gentle on the wing. Matua starts back row with Smith dropping to 18h player. 14. Ua Ravu is omitted with Lio and Ryan both joining the bench.

Referees: Rochelle Tamarua;Sideline Officials: Jack Ebert, Jack Klein;Video Referees: Wyatt Raymond;

Match preview

by Beth Nicholls

Brisbane are looking to bounce back this week, whilst the Raiders are looking to make in five wins in a row.

After a devastating final minute loss the Knights last week the Broncos are looking to bounce back and get themselves back into the winning circle, having only won a total of two games so far this season.  Julia Robinson makes her return to the side after suffering a hamstring injury and slots back into the wing position. Ashleigh Werner suffered a head knock against the Knights and will miss this week, with Lauren Dam taking her place switching out from playing in left winger last week. Tafito Lafaele is named to make her NRL debut from the bench, whilst Brianna Clark and Jasmine Fogavini return from suspension.

Canberra made it four in a row last week, beating the Eels in what could have been a tragic loss, when the Raiders scored 18 unanswered points in the first 20 minutes, but then saw the Eels catch up in the second half, but not by enough to claim victory. This win sees the Raiders slot into third position, one of three teams having won four from five games so far this season.  Despite being named within the reserves, Monalisa Soliola is unlikely to play this week after only lasting eight minutes during the Raiders match against the Eels before being ruled out with a suspected ankle injury. Grace Kemp and Hollie-Mae Dodd have been named in the starting side, whilst Tara Reinke move to start off of the bench.

Player To Watch: Brisbane centre Mele Hufanga scored her sixth try in five games last week against the Knights, which puts her at the top of the try count for the 2023 season so far. Having only joined the Broncos and NRLW competition in 2023, she is already proving that she is a try scoring machine and force to be reckoned with.

Madison Bartlett is an experienced winger and veteran of the game, where she previously played for the Warriors, Dragons and Titans before joining the Raiders this year. She is one of the competitions leading try scorers, having a total of 14 tries in 21 games. So far Bartlett has scored three tries this year, including a double against the Sharks in Round 1, the Raiders only loss this year. 

My tip: After narrowly losing to the Knights last week the Broncos will be back for revenge and wanting to claim another win after a rocky start to the season. However, they will have to fight to claim victory, coming up against the Raiders who are on fire and are on a four-game winning streak. It's anybody's game, but my heart has gotta support my girls. Broncos by 4.

Newcastle Knights v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Sun August 27 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 17. Tayla Predebon 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Caitlan Johnston 11. Laishon Albert-Jones 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Hannah Southwell 8. Kayla Romaniuk 14. Nita Maynard 15. Felila Kia 16. Viena Tinao 18. Tiana Davison

Out: Rima Butler (front row), Simone Karpani (bench)
In: Hannah Southwell (lock), Viena Tinao (bench)
Changes: Felila Kia (front row to bench), Caitlan Johnston (second row to front row), Kayla Romaniuk (lock to front row), Laishon Jones (bench to second row)

Squad update: 20. Jayde Herdegen, 21. Caitlin Moran, 22. Tamerah Leati cut, Davison and Carter remain.

Late mail: Predebon starts pro with Romaniuk benched. Davison 18th player and 19. Jacinta Carter cut.

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. Chloe Saunders 11. Talei Holmes 12. Vanessa Foliaki 13. Holli Wheeler 14. Sereana Naitokatoka 15. Harata Butler 16. Brooke Anderson 17. Tegan Dymock 22. Kiana Takairangi

Changes: Holli Wheeler (front row to lock), Chloe Saunders (lock to front row)

Squad update: 18. Cassie Staples, 19. Fatafehi Hanisi and 20. Maddie Studdon. Takairangi and Tupou-Witchman remain.

Late mail: 1-17, Takairangi 18th player, 21. Jazmon Tupou Witchman omitted.

Referees: Kasey Badger;Sideline Officials: Tori Wilkie, Billy Greatbach;Video Referees: Matt Noyen;

Match preview

by Kelly Hollis

In their recent outing, the Newcastle Knights locked horns with the Brisbane Broncos in a tightly contested match. The Knights trailed 10-4 at halftime, but key statistics were nearly identical across the board, reflecting the competitiveness of the match.

Tamika Upton was a standout once again, accumulating a remarkable 260 run metres, 2 line breaks, 1 line break assist, 1 try assist, and 9 tackle breaks. Shanice Parker bagged herself a double, and her combination with Upton on the right edge resulted in a crucial try to level the scores late in the game. Jesse Southwell played a pivotal role in securing the win, nailing a clutch conversion in the 69th minute to tip the balance. It wasn't all roses for the Knights, though, as Simone Karpani left the field with an ankle injury in the 32nd minute and Yasmin Clydesdale was placed on report for an incident in the same minute.

The Cronulla Sharks snapped a three-game losing streak with a dominant 40-12 victory over the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville. Ellie Johnson set the tone for the game by opening the scoring just one minute into the match. The Sharks displayed remarkable attacking diversity, with seven different players contributing tries to their tally. Jada Taylor, returning at fullback for just her second game this season, made a significant impact with a try, 1 line break, 1 line break assist, 1 try assist, and 4 tackle breaks. Alongside Taylor, Tiana Penitani showcased her prowess with almost 200 run metres and Taylor Preston had a stellar kicking game, converting 6 out of 7 attempts. Despite the convincing win, the Sharks had 10 errors, a stat they will want to improve upon.

This weekend, the Knights are at home to the Sharks on Sunday afternoon in front of what is set to be another big crowd with the NRL teams playing each other directly after. The Knights will be riding high on confidence after a hard-fought victory over the Broncos. The combination of Tamika Upton and Shanice Parker on the right edge is a potent offensive threat that the Sharks' defence will need to contend with. A number of changes have been made through the forwards and second-row, with players shuffled as a result of Rima Butler and Simone Karpani missing out due to injury. The Sharks, on the other hand, will be eager to build on their dominant win against the Cowboys. Their attacking diversity and ability to score quickly, as demonstrated in their last game, make them a formidable opponent. Jada Taylor's return at fullback adds further firepower to their lineup. They will, however, need to reduce errors to maintain their momentum. They also have the benefit of fielding an unchanged side, seeing all 17 girls who were part of the massive win against the Cowboys backing up for this game.

Player To Watch: Newcastle centre Shanice Parker scored a double against the Broncos in the Knights Round 5 win. Averaging over 110 metres and 4 tackle breaks per game, she is one who the Sharks will need to watch.

Young gun fullback, Jada Taylor, is a star of the future for Cronulla. She has speed and footwork that have helped her produce 8 tackle breaks, 2 line breaks, a try assist and a try in just 2 NRLW appearances this year.

My tip: This match is poised to be a clash of contrasting styles, with the Knights able to grind out a win while the Sharks aim to maintain their attacking flair. Expect an exciting and closely contested battle between these two sides. A home ground advantage should see the Newcastle Knights get home over the Sharks. Knights by 12.