Defend the Kingdom: NRLW Grand Final preview
The nib Newcastle Knights NRLW squad have earned another shot at premiership glory after qualifying for the 2023 Grand Final.
After an incredible, history-making regular season in which the side won the its first minor premiership, the reigning premiers will have the chance to defend their title and go back-to-back after defeating the Broncos in a knockout Semi Final last weekend.
They will clash with the Gold Coast Titans, who are chasing their own slice of history to set up a colossal Grand Final battle to decide the 2023 season.
nib NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS NRLW v GOLD COAST TITANS NRLW
Date: Sunday, October 1
Kick-off: 3:55pm
Venue: Accor Stadium
The match will be shown live on Nine, Nine Now, Fox League and Kayo Sport.
GRAND FINAL WEEK
Everything you need to know for Grand Final week including a Live Site at NEX, Newcastle.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Since: 2021
Knights: 2
Titans: 1
Upton on 2023 season and team combinations
TEAMS
Match: Knights v Titans
Grand Final -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Titans
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Knights is number 1 Tamika UptonFullback for Titans is number 1 Evania Pelite
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Winger for Knights is number 2 Sheridan GallagherWinger for Titans is number 2 Karina Brown
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Centre for Knights is number 3 Shanice ParkerCentre for Titans is number 3 Jaime Chapman
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Centre for Knights is number 4 Abigail RoacheCentre for Titans is number 4 Niall Williams-Guthrie
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Winger for Knights is number 5 Jasmin StrangeWinger for Titans is number 5 Destiny Mino-Sinapati
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Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Georgia RocheFive-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Chantay Kiria-Ratu
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Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jesse SouthwellHalfback for Titans is number 7 Lauren Brown
Forwards
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Prop for Knights is number 8 Tayla PredebonProp for Titans is number 8 Shannon Mato
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Hooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia HigginsHooker for Titans is number 9 Brittany Breayley-Nati
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Prop for Knights is number 10 Caitlan JohnstonProp for Titans is number 10 Jessika Elliston
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2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Laishon Albert-Jones2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Zara Canfield
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2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Shaylee Bent
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Lock for Knights is number 13 Hannah SouthwellLock for Titans is number 13 Georgia Hale
Interchange
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Interchange for Knights is number 14 Nita MaynardInterchange for Titans is number 14 Sienna Lofipo
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Interchange for Knights is number 15 Tiana DavisonInterchange for Titans is number 15 Stephanie Hancock
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Interchange for Knights is number 16 Kayla RomaniukInterchange for Titans is number 16 Rilee Jorgensen
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Interchange for Knights is number 17 Rima ButlerInterchange for Titans is number 17 Dannii Perese
Reserves
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Replacement for Knights is number 18 Jacinta CarterReplacement for Titans is number 18 Taliah Fuimaono
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
Last updated:
TEAM NEWS
TUESDAY: Knights NRLW Head Coach Ronald Griffiths named his 22-woman squad.
The team is unchanged from the Semi Final win over the Broncos.
The side trained Tuesday night with an open training session for Members and supporters before heading to Sydney on Friday to attend the NRL Fan Fest.
For the Titans, they have also named an unchanged line-up from their Semi Final win over the Roosters.
FORM GUIDE
The Knights have won an incredible eight games on the trot to qualify for the 2023 NRLW Grand Final.
The 2022 Premiers will have a chance to defend their title after downing Brisbane 30-24 in the Semi Final last Sunday in Newcastle.
On the other side, the Titans finished the regular season in third spot before claiming victory against the Roosters 12-0 in their Semi Final in Sydney.
The Gold Coast have won their last five fixtures heading into the Grand Final.
KEY MATCH-UP
Jesse Southwell v Lauren Brown: Two of the NRLW's form halfbacks will have a huge input in the result come Sunday at Accor Stadium.
After claiming the NRLW Rookie of the Year and the Club POTY awards last season, Jesse Southwell has had another huge campaign in 2023.
The 18-year-old has scored three tries, kicked 31 goals and provided six try-assists while playing a pivotal role in the squad's charge to consecutive Grand Finals.
The red and blue will look to stop quality Titans No.7 Lauren Brown, who has seven try-assists and kicked two field goals in 2023.
Clydsdale on Grand Final week and Newcastle support
STAT ATTACK
The two teams met earlier in the season with the Knights claiming a 22-10 victory back in Round 4.
Tamika Upton tops the competition for run metres with 2,218 for the season with an impressive average of 221m per game.
Titans forward Shannon Mato leads the NRLW for post-contact metres with 745 for the season, averaging 74 per game.
The Knights will have the chance to become our first Club side to win back-to-back titles while the Gold Coast are chasing their first title in the competition.
