NRLW TEAMS and PREVIEWS - 2023 Round 7

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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Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights
Sat September 2 2023, 11:05am 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 13. Simaima Taufa 9. Chante Temara 10. Sophie Holyman 11. Elise Smith 20. Monalisa Soliola 12. Hollie Dodd 8. Grace Kemp 16. Kerehitina Matua 18. Petesa Lio 21. Jessica Gentle 19. Ella Ryan

Out: Jessica Gentle (wing), Petesa Lio (bench), Ella Ryan (bench)
In: Apii Nicholls-Pualau (fullback), Elise Smith (second row), Ua Ravu (bench)
Changes: Shakiah Tungai (fullback to wing), Kerehitina Matua (second row to bench)

Squad Update: 14. Ua Ravu, 15. Ahlivia Ingram and 22. Tommaya Kelly-Sines omitted. Reinke and Ryan remain in the squad. Ravu, Ingram and Reinke all come off the bench.

Late mail: Kemp drops to the bench with Soliola into the starting side at second row, Dodd to lock, Taufa to prop. Lio and Gentle join the bench and Ryan is 18th player. Reinkie misses out.

1. Tamika Upton 2. Sheridan Gallagher 3. Shanice Parker 4. Abigail Roache 5. Jasmine Strange 6. Georgia Roche 7. Jesse Southwell 8. Tayla Predebon 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Caitlan Johnston 11. Laishon Albert-Jones 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Hannah Southwell 14. Nita Maynard 15. Kayla Romaniuk 16. Tiana Davison 17. Viena Tinao 18. Jacinta Carter

Out: Felila Kia (bench)
In: Tiana Davison (bench)

Squad Update: 20. Jayde Herdegen, 21. Caitlin Moran and 22. Felila Kia omitted. Carter and Leati remain in the squad.

Late mail: 1-17. Carter is 18th player, Leati misses out.

Referees: Wyatt Raymond;Sideline Officials: Luke Saldern, Billy Greatbach;Video Referees: David Munro;

Match Preview

JOSH ROBERTSON

NRLW action for Round 7 gets underway in the Nations capital when the Canberra Raiders play host to the second placed Newcastle Knights on Saturday morning in Canberra.

The Raiders come into the contest sitting in fourth spot after a good season that has defied plenty of expectations but concerns would be raised in the Nations capital because a good start to the season could be undone following their heavy 40-8 defeat to the Brisbane Broncos last week in Brisbane. Things actually started well for the Raiders as they were able to open the scoring within the first five minutes when Jess Gentle scored and then inside they were able to score again and take an 8-0 before the Broncos were able to hit back taking a 10-8 lead. The concerning factor for the Green Machine would be their second half where they conceded six unanswered tries. A boost for the Raiders with Apii Nicholls returning from a foot injury after missing last weeks contest, this sees Nicholls back at Fullback with Shakiah Tungai moving back to the wing and last week's try scorer Jessica Gentle dropping out of the 17. Canberra are confident that second rower Sophie Holyman can overcome a leg injury naming her at prop. Elise Smith comes back into the side in the second row.

The Newcastle Knights have had another strong season looking to defend their NRLW title as they sit second with just one loss so far in the competition with five wins from their first six matches this season. The Knights continued their winning form with a 22-14 win last week. Despite an important win, the Knights would be concerned about their second half performance after leading 22-0 up until the opening they conceded three tries in a thirteen-minute period which would be a big concern. The Knights have been defensively sound in 2023 but the second half slip up shows other teams that there could be fragility in the Newcastle side. The Knights head into the contest against the Raiders with just one change and that comes on the bench with coach Ron Griffiths bringing Tiana Davison coming back onto the bench with Felila Kia who drops back the reserves. Other than this change, the Knights remain the same to last weeks win over the Sharks.

Player To Watch: Returning to the Raiders team, Apii Nicholls has been a strong performer this season and yet again she is a vital cog and coming back into the side Canberra will need her efforts at the back. The performance last week looked disconnected at times from the Green Machine and Nicholls can make the big impact that is needed.

A top level Soccer representative, Sheridan Gallagher wasn't a household name coming into the NRLW season for the Knights but she has quickly stamped herself as a player to watch for the future on the edges for Newcastle. Leading the linebreaks stats in 2023, Gallagher has shown that she is a threat on the outside that the opposition need to watch out for.

My tip: It's hard to go past the Knights in this one, the Raiders have been strong in their two matches in Canberra but Newcastle are in good form and it's hard to shake-off whether the Raiders have peaked in the competition following their heavy loss last week. The game should be close but the Knights have too much. Knights by 8.

Brisbane Broncos v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Sat September 2 2023, 12:50pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville / Wulgurukaba

1. Hayley Maddick 2. Julia Robinson 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Shenae Ciesiolka 5. Ashleigh Werner 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. Tafito Lafaele 16. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 17. Lauren Dam 18. Jasmine Fogavini

Out: Lavinia Gould (bench), Jasmine Fogavini (bench)
In: Ashleigh Werner (wing), Jada Ferguson (bench)
Changes: Lauren Dam (wing to bench)

Squad Update: 19. Toni Hunt, 21. Keisha-Leigh Coolwell omitted. Fogavini and Griffin remain in the squad.

Late mail: 1-17. Fogavini 18th player with 20. Grace Griffin omitted.

1. Jada Taylor 2. Georgia Ravics 3. Tiana Penitani 4. Cassie Staples 5. Kiana Takairangi 6. Emma Tonegato 7. Tayla Preston 8. Ellie Johnston 9. Quincy Dodd 17. Tegan Dymock 11. Talei Holmes 12. Vanessa Foliaki 13. Holli Wheeler 10. Chloe Saunders 14. Sereana Naitokatoka 15. Harata Butler 16. Brooke Anderson 19. Maddie Studdon

Out: Annessa Biddle (centre), Andie Robinson (wing)
In: Cassie Staples (centre), Kiana Takairangi (wing)

Squad Update: 18. Fatafehi Hanisi, 20. Jazmon Tupou Witchman and 22. Grace-Lee Weekes omitted. Studdon and Jahnke remain in the squad.

Late mail: Saunders benched with Dymock starting prop. Studdon 18th player and 21. Fiona Jahnke misses out.

Referees: Nick Pelgrave;Sideline Officials: Josh Eaton, Tori Wilkie;Video Referees: Belinda Sharpe;

Match Preview

KELLY HOLLIS

The Broncos are coming off a big win to take on the Sharks in the must-watch game of the round!

In their Round 6 clash with the Newcastle Knights, the Sharks headed in for the break at half-time, down 16 - 0, despite throwing a lot at the Knights' defence. Early in the second half, the team from Cronulla were able to get on the board when fullback, Jada Taylor, threw a pearler of a pass to Georgia Ravics who was able to get across the stripe. Once the Sharks were on the board, they were then able to run in two more tries in the 52nd and 59th minute to close in on the Novacastrians. Unfortunately, Tayla Preston had an off day with the boot and could only convert one of their three tries, seeing the game end with the Knights 22 and Cronulla 14.

The Brisbane Broncos put on a second-half try-scoring masterclass against the Canberra Raiders in their Round 6 meeting at Totally Workwear Stadium in Brisbane. With only two of their 8 tries scored in the first half, the Raiders were still in the match at the break, going into the sheds only two points behind. However, once the Broncos returned to the field, they turned it on - and fast! Captain, Ali Briginshaw, opened the scoring in the second half with a try in the 41st minute and this was followed by five more tries in the next 27 minutes. The Broncos side finished the game with a 40 - 8 point win, equaling their highest-ever points scored for the club. The only concerning news for the home side was that Ali Brigginshaw left the game in the 63rd minute with a suspected broken nose.

In what could be the most important games of the season for both teams, the Cronulla Sharks head north to meet the Broncos as part of the NRLW doubleheader at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. With the team from Brisbane sitting in 5th position and the Sharks in 6th, this is a must-win game for both teams to stay in contention for the finals in just 3 weeks' time. The Sharks will head into this clash without two key backline players with Anessa Biddle missing the match with a one-game suspension for a hip-drop and winger Andie Robinson who has been sidelined for the remainder of the season with a significant knee injury. The Broncos have named Brigginshaw in their starting 17 as she passed her HIA protocols, but a photo shared on social media showed her extremely swollen and may be a late withdrawal closer to kick-off. Winger, Ash Werner, will return after her 11-day mandatory HIA stand-down after a significant head knock in Round 5.

Player To Watch: Brisbane winger Lauren Dam may have had a bit of a shocker dropping a high-ball that resulted in the first Raiders try, but she definitely made up for it by crossing twice in 10 minutes to help her side trump the Raiders with a solid second half showing. Cronulla centre Tiana Penitani was an absolute workhorse in a losing side running 160 metres, making 5 tackle breaks and providing a quick pass to see her front rower-come-winger, Chloe Saunders, cross for her first NRLW try in the corner.

My tip: The Broncos appear to have more points in them than the Sharks, but the team from Cronulla have proved that they won't go down without a fight. This could be the game of the round! Broncos by 4.

North Queensland Cowboys v St George Illawarra Dragons
Sat September 2 2023, 3:10pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville / Wulgurukaba

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 21. April Ngatupuna 11. Bree Chester 12. Tiana Raftstrand-Smith 13. China Polata 10. Makenzie Weale 14. Jetaya Faifua 15. Sera Koroi 18. Lily Peacock 24. Mia Middleton

Out: Libby Surha (second row)
In: Sera Koroi (bench)
Changes: China Polata (front row to lock), Tiana Raftstrand-Smith (lock to second row), Makenzie Weale (bench to front row)

Squad Update: 16. Sareka Mooka, 19. Essay Banu, 20. Shaylee Joseph omitted. Ngatupuna starts for Weale who reverts to the bench. Mooka makes way for Peacock. While Reeves drops to the reserves with Middleton

Late mail: Reeves misses out, Middleton is 18th player.

1. Teagan Berry 2. Margot Vella 3. Shenai Lendill 4. Cheynoah Amone 21. Taylor Mapusua 6. Tyla Nathan-Wong 7. Raecene Mcgregor 16. Roxy Murdoch 9. Renee Targett 10. Tara McGrath-West 11. Ella Koster 18. Madison Mulhall 13. Alexis Tauaneai 8. Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa 12. Jamilee Bright 14. Zali Hopkins 22. Maddison Weatherall 17. Macie Carlile

Out: Keele Browne (centre), Sarah Riordan (front row), Sophie Clancy (hooker)
In: Cortez Te Pou (wing), Renee Targett (hooker), Macie Carlile (bench)
Changes: Shenai Lendill (wing to centre), Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa (bench to front row)

Squad Update: 5. Cortez Te Pau, 15. Kaarla Cowan, 17. Macie Carlile omitted. Clancy and Riordan remain in the squad.

Late mail: Mapusua is the replacement winger for Te Pau. Teakaraanga-Katoa and Bright drop to the bench, Murdoch starts prop, Mulhall comes in at second row and Maddison Weatherall is added to the bench. Carlile is 18th player with Clancy and Riordan both omitted.

Referees: Liam Kennedy;Sideline Officials: Jack Ebert, Josh Eaton;Video Referees: Belinda Sharpe;

Match Preview

JOSH ROBERTSON

The second of Saturday's Townsville double header sees the North Queensland Cowboys playing host to the St George Illawarra Dragons as both teams look to kick their seasons into gear.

The Cowboys have had a mixed season showing both plenty of promise but also plenty of disappointment as they come into Round 7 down in 9th place with just two wins for the season though it does include a big win over the Knights earlier in the season. Last weekend, the Cowboys found themselves 14-0 down against the Eels but despite signs of a comeback they ultimately fell to a disappointing 16-12 defeat to the previously winless Knights. Things haven't gone well for the North Queenslanders in recent weeks with injuries and inconsistent performances which was the case with an error riddled performance again last week. The Cowboys have a number of changes to their line-up with Libby Surha ruled out with a shoulder injury sustained in last weeks loss. The reshuffle sees Tiana Raftstrand-Smith moving to the second row with China Polata to lock and Makenzie Weale comes back into the starting side after being benched last week.

Promising so much in the pre-season, the St George Illawarra Dragons have so far been a disappointment as they sit in 8th spot on the NRLW ladder also with just two wins this season but a better points difference puts them just ahead of the Cowboys on the ladder. Last week, the St George Illawarra Dragons had a big chance to pull out back-to-back wins but a brain snap in the last minute with the game consigned fell to a 23-22 loss. A four try haul to Teagan Berry got the Dragons in the game with a try within the last five to equal the scores but a field goal to the Titans and then a poor option early from the Red ‘V' cost them the victory. Dragons Coach Jamie Soward isn't afraid to change his team around and this week injury forces his hand with Keele Browne ruled out due to a leg injury. Shenai Lendill moves to the centres whilst Cortez Te Pou moves to the wing. Renee Targett also returns into the starting side at hooker.

Player To Watch: Cowboys halfback Kirra Dibb has been one of the best performers in a disappointing season and this is another chance for the NSW representative to show how good she is. The Cowboys have been lacking that x-factor this season and it hasn't been through Dibb's efforts. If the Cowboys win this one, it'll be down to Dibb. Coming off the back of a 4 try special, Teagan Berry proved how much of an attacking weapon that she is and that weapon is going to be one that the Dragons will use again. If the Dragons want to have a successful trip to Townsville then the skills of Berry are going to need to be an important part of the game plan.

My tip: This is a game that could go either way with both sides lacking consistency across their games at the moment. The halfback work of Kirra Dibb could make a difference but then you could say the same about the reigning Player of the Year Raecene McGregor who will also be a big part. This game could go to golden point or could be one-sided that's the way these two sides have been playing. I think the Dragons will win but I'm tipping with no confidence. Dragons by 4.

Gold Coast Titans v Wests Tigers
Sun September 3 2023, 12:00pm at Cbus Super Stadium, Robina / Yugambeh

1. Evania Pelite 2. Karina Brown 3. Jaime Chapman 4. Niall Williams-Guthrie 5. Destiny Mino-Sinapati 6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu 7. Lauren Brown 8. Shannon Mato 9. Brittany Breayley-Nati 10. Jessika Elliston 11. Zara Canfield 12. Shaylee Bent 13. Georgia Hale 14. Sienna Lofipo 15. Stephanie Hancock 16. Rilee Jorgensen 21. Dannii Perese 18. Kaitlyn Phillips

Out: Kaitlyn Phillips (bench), Sophie Buller (bench)
In: Rilee Jorgensen (bench), Dannii Perese (bench)

Squad update: Perese is promoted to the bench with Clarke dropping to reserves alongside Phillips. 19. Sophie Buller, 20. Sienna Laing and 24. Hailee-Jay Maunsell are omitted.

Late mail: Phillips 18th player,  17. Laikha Clarke omitted.

1. Botille Vette-Welsh 2. Jakiya Whitfeld 19. Rebecca Pollard 4. Leianne Tufuga 5. Tess Staines 6. Pauline Piliae 7. Brooke Talataina 8. Imogen Gobran 9. Ebony Prior 10. Christian Pio 14. Sophie Curtain 12. Eliza Siilata 13. Najvada George 15. Bianca Bennetts 16. Jessica Kennedy 17. Salma Nour 18. Hope Tevaga 20. Josephine Lenaz

Out: Josie Lenaz (wing), Sarah Togatuki (front row), Rebecca Pollard (bench)
In: Brooke Talataina (halfback), Bianca Bennetts (bench), Salma Nour (bench)
Changes: Tess Staines (fullback to wing), Botille Vette-Welsh (halfback to fullback), Imogen Gobran (bench to front row)

Squad update: 3. Rikeya Horne and 11. Kezie Apps are out, and 22. Jae Patu is omitted. Pollard comes into the side at centre, while Soph Curtain is named front row and Hope Tevaga joins the bench. Lenaz and Osborne remain as reserves.

Late mail: Prior benched with Nour starting hooker. 21. Taylor Osborne drops out with Lenaz 18th player.

Referees: Rochelle Tamarua;Sideline Officials: Jack Klein, Jack Ebert;Video Referees: Todd Smith;

Match Preview

TIM COSTELLO

Top four consolidation on the line for the Titans while the Tigers are risking losing touch.

The Gold Coast will go into Sunday's early contest as hot favourites after picking up their fourth win out of six games, downing the Dragons by a solitary point at WIN Stadium last Saturday. The Titans led the contest 14-0, but crumbled under the star power of firebrand St George Illawarra fullback Teagan Berry, the Red V number 1 crossing for a record four tries to leave the Titans stunned. While the Titans bounced back and eventually won the game with a late Lauren Brown field-goal, coach Kayrn Murphy will be keen to see a full performance from her charges on Sunday when they host a Wests Tigers outfit which started brightly but is fast fading from semi-final contention.

The Tigers went to Allianz Stadium last Saturday and were soundly beaten by a star-studded Sydney Roosters outfit, falling 48-10 - their biggest loss ouf of the four in their short history. In team news, the Gold Coast welcome back Rilee Jorgensen and Dannii Perese on the bench, with Kaitlyn Phillips and Sophie Buller back out of the 17. Lauren Brown will remain in the halfback role after being a late change to the #7 position for last week's game. The Tigers have some forced changes with Sarah Togatuki out suspended. Imogen Gorban is her replacement in the front row, while Botille Vette-Welsh will resume the fullback role, Tess Staines shifting to the wing and young Brooke Talataina earning a call-up as a debutant halfback. Centre Rikeya Horne and second rower Kezie Apps are both facing nervous waits after going through concussion protocol - consequently Tevaga and Osborne are on standby in case either fails to pass fit for Sunday's match.

Player To Watch: Lauren Brown's move to halfback proved a masterstroke from coach Murphy last weekend, and her crafty passing game will be vital for the Titans if they're to chalk up this match as a victory. The experirenced 28-year-old finally earned a starting spot after coming off the bench for five straight rounds and played the entire 70 for the first time this season.

In a side where stability has been hard to come by, five-eighth Pauline Pilae-Rasabale has been a steady hand in the Tigers spine. The former Wallaroo has managed two try assists this season and will need to expand on that to keep the Wests Tigers in the finals race.

My tip: It was hard to watch the Tigers as the Roosters ran roughshod last Saturday, and they'll certainly be keen to bounce back. They won't win this game but they'll certainly compete harder than they did last round. Titans by 8.

Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels
Sun September 3 2023, 1:50pm at Industree Group Stadium, Gosford / Darkinjung

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. Joeli Morris 15. Grace Hamilton 16. Pani Hopoate 17. Amelia Pasikala 21. Lily Rogan

Out: Shawden Burton (bench), Teuila Fotu-Moala (bench)
In: Joeli Morris (bench), Grace Hamilton (bench)

Squad update: 18. Jayme Fressard, 20. Lexi Kiriwi and 22. Tyler Bentley cut, Rogan and Fotu-Moala remain.

Late mail: 1-17. Rogan 18th player, 19. Teuila Fotu-Moala misses out.

1. Abbi Church 2. Zali Fay 3. Lindsay Tui 4. Cassey Tohi-Hiku 5. 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 16. Ruby-Jean Kennard 17. Madeline Jones 20. Taneka Todhunter 19. Kyra Simon

Out: Nakia Davis-Welsh (bench)
In: Capri Paekau (bench)

Squad update: 14. Capri Paekau, 21. Monique Donovan and 22. Shannon Muru cut. Todhunter joins the bench, Davis-Welsh and Simon are left as reserve.

Late mail: Simon is 18th player, 18. Nakia Davis-Welsh misses out.

Referees: Darian Furner;Sideline Officials: Mitchell Currie, Tom Cambourn;Video Referees: Todd Smith;

Match Preview

KELLY HOLLIS

The Roosters will be aiming to keep their winning streak going, while the Eels hope to build on their first win of the season.

The Sydney Roosters entered the record books in their Round 6 game against the Wests Tigers with the most points scored in an NRLW match with a 48 - 10 thumping at Allianz Stadium. A hat trick to debutant, Mia Wood, was just one of the many highlights of the game with the tri-colours running in 10 tries with 8 different players crossing the stripe. The Roosters dominated all of the stats, chalking up almost 800 more run metres, 12 more line breaks and 22 more tackle busts than their opponent. The massive win helped to cement the side's position at the top of the ladder with their fifth straight win and a points differential of 122 with just three games remaining of the regular season.

The Parramatta Eels broke their five-game losing streak by taking down the North Queensland Cowboys at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium during Round 6. After getting off to a shaky start with only 44% completion in the first 20 minutes the Eels pulled it together and the game management and kicking performance of halfback Racheal Pearson proved to be the difference. Winger, Kim Hunt, dropped the ball twice leading to her side needing to spend a large chunk of the first half defending but she made it up to her teammates by crossing for a double in the second half and essentially helping the Eels to their first win of the year. In Round 7, the Roosters will host the Eels at Industree Group Stadium in a semi-final rematch. One of the biggest differences to note between these two sides from the 2022 semi-final and now is that the Eels side has seen a number of players move on, resulting in a very different side taking the field this week. Roosters coach, John Strange, has needed to make two changes to his side with Shawden Burton being ruled out of the remainder of the season with an ACL injury and Teulia Fotu-Moala also missing Round 7. Both players are replaced by Joeli Morris and Grace Hamilton, while the rest of the team is unchanged. The side who beat the Cowboys will only see one change with Capri Paekau set to replace Nakia Davis-Welsh on the bench. Parramatta will enter this game with some newfound confidence, however, the Roosters have scored an average of 32 points in each game this season.

Player To Watch: Roosters centre Mia Wood - the 24-year-old burst onto the NRLW scene in Round 6, being the first debutant to score a hat trick. Forming a dynamic duo with her centre partner, Jess Sergis, Wood made 2 line breaks and 2 tackle busts in her amazing start to what will no doubt be a successful NRLW career.

Scoring a double and running over 120 metres in Round 6, Eels back Kimberly Hunt has now scored 3 tries in just four appearances. Each week she is constantly improving in all areas and was able to overcome some early errors to have a solid game against the Cowboys.

My tip: It's really hard to see anyone beating the Roosters at this point, they are just class from 1 to 17! Roosters by 20.