NRLW squad watch: Knights chase back-to-back titles

Newcastle will go into their premiership defence with a new-look squad that boasts 12 fresh faces and a dozen who were part of the club's success last year. 

The defending premiers will be the hunted in 2023 and despite a core group of players staying on they'll meet some challenges ahead of the season opener with key spots up for grabs and some combinations untested.

However, if host of new recruits can buy into what coach Ron Griffiths created in his first season in charge, there's no reason why the side can't challenge for a title once again given the players at their disposal. 

Predicted Round 1 Team

1. Tamika Upton 2. Jasmin Strange 3. Shanice Parker 4. Felila Kia 5. Tamerah Leati 6. Georgia Roche 7. Jesse Southwell 8. Caitlan Johnston 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Tayla Predebon 11. Laishon Albert-Jones 12. Yasmin Clydsdale 13. Hannah Southwell 14. Nita Maynard 15. Kayla Romaniuk 16. Rima Butler 17. Simone Karpani.

Other: Jules Kirkpatrick, Tiana Davison, Sheridan Gallagher, Jayde Herdegen, Caitlin Moran, Abigail Roache, Viena Tinao.

Biggest strength

The squad may have copped a huge blow losing Millie Boyle to the Roosters in the off-season but they'll still possess one of the best-balanced forward packs in the competition.

Boyle's departure can't be understated - she is arguably one of the best forward in the game after averaging 200 metres per outing last season. 

The addition of Rima Butler should ease Boyle's exit slightly while veteran hooker Nita Maynard is a handy pick-up after Emma Manzelmann returned home to North Queensland to join the Cowboys.

Hannah Southwell's comeback from an ACL injury is also a massive boost to the engine room alongside Caitlan Johnston, who missed the 2023 Origin series due to a knee injury but is expected to be available in Round 1.

Johnston provided the impact for the Knights last year in a huge effort but may need to take on more of a senior role with a higher work rate in 2023. 

Biggest question mark

The squad is lacking some experienced depth out wide, which was also something they managed to overcome during the 2022 season with the likes of Shanice Parker and Kiana Takairangi really stepping up in the backline.

The departure of both Takairangi (Sharks) and Bobbi Law (Dragons) opens the door for a few young guns to step up including former Rooster Jasmin Strange, who joins the club after a season under her father John Strange at Bondi. 

Emerging outside backs Felila Kia and Tamerah Leati are among those pushing for starting spots with rival clubs sure to look at exploiting the side on the edges given the inexperience.

Best recruit

England star Georgia Roche looks set to partner Jesse Southwell in the halves for a young but exciting combination.

Roche is joining the NRLW as one of the best Super League players and the Knights clearly like what they've seen of her by locking her in to a five-year deal.

After a successful partnership alongside Kirra Dibb (Cowboys) last year, Southwell and Roche will need to click quickly and should they do so it could prove hard to handle for the opposition.

Rookie to watch

Another key departure in the off-season was former captain Romy Teitzel to the Broncos with promising forward Jules Kirkpatrick likely to get an opportunity in the NRLW on the right side this season. Kirkpatrick developed a formidable partnership with Jesse Southwell in the Tarsha Gale Cup in 2022 and could be a key force on the right side this year given the lack of edge players in the squad.