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Knights v Roosters: Title defence begins; Kelly No.1 choice

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The Newcastle Knights are set to open their NRLW title defence in a prime-time showdown with the Sydney Roosters on Thursday night. 

The defending champions will take centre stage when they host the Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium in the only match of the evening. 

The Knights are the early competition favourites having lifted the trophy in both 2022 and 2023 and boast a talent-laden lineup led by the Southwell sisters. 

Newcastle completed their preparations with a 28-8 trial victory over the Raiders earlier this month and will run out in front of a packed stadium. 

The Roosters have been hit hard by injuries throughout the pre-season, but coach John Strange has assembled a star-studded squad capable of overcoming the loss of a number of stars.   

Corban Baxter will miss the season after tearing her ACL, while Shawden Burton was ruled out for the campaign with a hamstring injury and Brydie Parker will sit out the first six weeks with a broken arm.

Strange has an ace up his sleeve in the form of former Jillaroos star Sam Bremner, who he has coaxed out of retirement to cover for the loss of Baxter. 

Team News

Knights: New coach Ben Jeffries has named a strong side headlined by superstar fullback Tamika Upton. Blues Origin representatives Olivia Higgins, Caitlan Johnston-Green and Yasmin Clydsdale help form a formidable forward pack, while local favourites the Southwell sisters Jesse and captain Hannah have pivotal roles to play in the title defence. No changes one hour from kick-off with the side 1-17 and Jacinta Carter named 18th player. 

Roosters: Captain Isabelle Kelly has been named at fullback after Corban Baxter was ruled out for the season after rupturing her ACL and tearing her lateral meniscus in their pre-season trial. Jasmin Strange will join Jess Sergis as the club's centre pairing. After playing as five-eighth last season, Tarryn Aiken has been named at halfback, with Jayme Fressard at five-eighth. No changes to the side an hour from kick-off with the team to run out as named 1-17, with Imogen Hei named as 18th player. 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Knights is number 1 Tamika Upton
    Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Isabelle Kelly
  • Winger for Knights is number 2 Sheridan Gallagher
    Winger for Roosters is number 2 Taina Naividi
  • Centre for Knights is number 3 Shanice Parker
    Centre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica Sergis
  • Centre for Knights is number 4 Abigail Roache
    Centre for Roosters is number 4 Jasmin Strange
  • Winger for Knights is number 5 Isabella Waterman
    Winger for Roosters is number 5 Mia Wood
  • Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Georgia Roche
    Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Jayme Fressard
  • Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jesse Southwell
    Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Tarryn Aiken

Forwards

  • Prop for Knights is number 8 Tayla Predebon
    Prop for Roosters is number 8 Millie Elliott
  • Hooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia Higgins
    Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Keeley Davis
  • Prop for Knights is number 10 Caitlan Johnston-Green
    Prop for Roosters is number 10 Pani Hopoate
  • 2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Laishon Albert-Jones
    2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Otesa Pule
  • 2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale
    2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Olivia Kernick
  • Lock for Knights is number 13 Hannah Southwell
    Lock for Roosters is number 13 Aliyah Nasio

Interchange

  • Interchange for Knights is number 14 Nita Maynard
    Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Jocelyn Kelleher
  • Interchange for Knights is number 15 Kayla Romaniuk
    Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Eliza Lopamaua
  • Interchange for Knights is number 16 Rima Butler
    Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Samantha Economos
  • Interchange for Knights is number 17 Grace Kukutai
    Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Mya  Hill-Moana

Reserves

  • Replacement for Knights is number 18 Jacinta Carter
    Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Imogen Hei

Match Officials

  • Referee: Belinda Sharpe
  • Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
  • Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen

Last updated:

Stat Attack 

  • The Knights are aiming for an NRLW record 10 consecutive victories.
  • The Roosters have won one of their three games in Newcastle.
  • Knights fullback Tamika Upton has won 10 from 10 at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, 

Related

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.