It has come down to the final round for the nib Newcastle Knights NRLW side with a spot in the finals on the line against the North Queensland Cowboys.
Following a dominant win over the Gold Coast last start, the Knights sit in fourth spot while a win on Saturday would confirm a finals finish.
They face a determined Cowboys outfit who have a strong record on their home turf.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Date: Saturday 21 September
Kick-off: 3:15pm
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Watch: Nine, Nine Now, Fox League & Kayo Sports
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Since: 2023
Played: 1
Knights: 0
Cowboys: 1
TEAMS
Match: Cowboys v Knights
Round 9 -
home Team
Cowboys
away Team
Knights
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Francesca GoldthorpFullback for Knights is number 1 Tamika Upton
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Krystal BlackwellWinger for Knights is number 2 Sheridan Gallagher
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Jakiya WhitfeldCentre for Knights is number 3 Shanice Parker
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Jasmine PetersCentre for Knights is number 4 Abigail Roache
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Lavinia TauhalalikuWinger for Knights is number 5 Tenika Willison
-
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tahlulah TillettFive-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Georgia Roche
-
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Kirra DibbHalfback for Knights is number 7 Jesse Southwell
Forwards
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Essay BanuProp for Knights is number 10 Simone Karpani
-
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Emma ManzelmannHooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia Higgins
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 15 Lily PeacockProp for Knights is number 16 Tayla Predebon
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Shaniah Power2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Laishon Albert-Jones
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Shellie Long2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale
-
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Bree ChesterLock for Knights is number 13 Hannah Southwell
Interchange
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 8 Tallisha HardenInterchange for Knights is number 14 Evie Jones
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Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Jetaya FaifuaInterchange for Knights is number 15 Kayla Romaniuk
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Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Sareka MookaInterchange for Knights is number 17 Viena Tinao
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Interchange for Cowboys is number 22 Libby SurhaInterchange for Knights is number 19 Evah McEwen
Reserves
-
Replacement for Cowboys is number 21 Ebony Raftstrand-SmithReplacement for Knights is number 18 Lilly-Ann White
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
Last updated:
TEAM NEWS
In team news, Nita Maynard comes out of the squad with Evie Jones taking her place on the interchange bench in the only change from the side which defeated the Titans last start.
For the Cowboys, prop Lillian Arrow is out with a high ankle sprain, pushing Tallisha Harden into the starting side.
Krystal Blackwell returns via the wing, with Vitalina Naikore reverting to the extended reserves. Shellie Long slots into the second row after Tiana Raftstrand-Smith suffered a concussion in last weekend’s clash with the Roosters.
Last week's debutant Jazmon Tupou-Witchman is the new 18th player this week, while Sareka Mooka and Libby Surha return via the bench.
FORM GUIDE
The Knights returned to winning ways with a 46-10 win over the Gold Coast Titans last round.
A victory on Saturday would secure the Knights a finals position and a chance to fight it out for the NRLW premiership.
Newcastle are currently fourth on the ladder with Parramatta sitting behind the Knights in fifth, only on points differential.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys sit in sixth spot on the ladder with a 4-4 record.
KEY MATCH-UP
Jesse Southwell v Kirra Dibb: It's an exciting battle between the two No.7's this Saturday.
Southwell ran for 133 run metres last match against the Titans plus added five goals with the boot.
On the other side, Dibb will be a threat for the Cowboys having provided eight try-assists and five line-break assists.
STAT ATTACK
The Knights play at QCB Stadium for the first time.
Knights winger Sheridan Gallagher has scored seven tries in her past five games.
The Cowboys have won three from three at Queensland Country Bank Stadium this season.
