Defend the Kingdom: NRLW Semi-Final preview
A spot in the NRLW Grand Final is on the line when the nib Newcastle Knights tackle the Brisbane Broncos for a Sunday showdown at McDonald Jones Stadium.
After securing the NRLW minor premiership, the squad will aim to chase more glory by advancing to their second straight Grand Final to chase back-to-back titles.
They face stern opposition in the Broncos, who have won their last four games and boast representative players across the park.
This Sunday, bring the whole family to get behind our girls quest for back-to back titles. GA tickets are $10 each while children under the age of 18 can attend for FREE.
nib NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v BRISBANE BRONCOS
Date: Sunday, September 24th
Kick-off: 2:05PM
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
The match will be shown live on Nine, Nine Now, Fox League and Kayo Sports.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Since: 2021
Knights: 2
Broncos: 1
TEAMS
Match: Knights v Broncos
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Tamika UptonFullback for Broncos is number 1 Hayley Maddick
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Sheridan GallagherWinger for Broncos is number 2 Julia Robinson
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Centre for Knights is number 3 Shanice ParkerCentre for Broncos is number 3 Mele Hufanga
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Centre for Knights is number 4 Abigail RoacheCentre for Broncos is number 4 Shenae Ciesiolka
-
Winger for Knights is number 5 Jasmin StrangeWinger for Broncos is number 5 Ashleigh Werner
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Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Georgia RocheFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Gayle Broughton
-
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jesse SouthwellHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Ali Brigginshaw
Forwards
-
Prop for Knights is number 8 Tayla PredebonProp for Broncos is number 8 Tafito Lafaele
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Hooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia HigginsHooker for Broncos is number 9 Destiny Brill
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Prop for Knights is number 10 Caitlan JohnstonProp for Broncos is number 10 Brianna Clark
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2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Laishon Albert-Jones2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Tazmin Gray
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2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Romy Teitzel
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Lock for Knights is number 13 Hannah SouthwellLock for Broncos is number 13 Mariah Denman
Interchange
-
Interchange for Knights is number 14 Nita MaynardInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Lavinia Gould
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Interchange for Knights is number 15 Tiana DavisonInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Jasmine Fogavini
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Interchange for Knights is number 16 Kayla RomaniukInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Chelsea Lenarduzzi
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Interchange for Knights is number 20 Rima ButlerInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Lauren Dam
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 17 Jacinta CarterReplacement for Broncos is number 18 Jada Ferguson
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
TEAM NEWS
TUESDAY: Knights NRLW Head Coach Ronald Griffiths has named his 22-woman squad for their huge Semi-Final against the Brisbane Broncos.
Georgia Roche is back at five-eighth after being rested against the Wests Tigers.
For the Broncos, there side is unchanged from their most recent outing.
Griffiths on Semi-Final week and squad mentality
FORM GUIDE
The Knights finished the regular season with a 28-8 victory away from home against the Wests Tigers to claim the 2023 NRLW minor premiership.
The squad are also currently setting an NRLW Club record following seven straight wins heading into the finals.
They come up against three time NRLW premiers in the Broncos who finished the season in fourth spot.
Brisbane defeated St George Illawarra 46-12 last round heading into the semi final.
KEY MATCH-UP
Abigail Roache v Mele Hufanga: Two game-breaking and exciting centres will go toe-to-toe on Sunday.
In her first season in the NRLW, Roache has enjoyed a breakout campaign scoring six tries and broke 11 tackles.
The New Zealand born centre scored two tries against the Tigers last start and ran for a career-high 200 metres.
Upton on Broncos challenge and key combinations
The Knights will look to stop Hufanga, who has also had a breakout season in the NRLW with 10 tries and 62 tackle breaks.
STAT ATTACK
Knights fullback Tamika Upton (2,016 metres) has ran more yardage than any other player in 2023.
Newcastle won the earlier fixture between the two sides 22-20 back in Round 5.
Broncos halfback Ali Brigginshaw leads the NRLW for most points with 80.
The Knights have averaged 72% completion rate for 2023 with the Broncos averaging 70%.
