Knights v Dragons: Roche back from ban; Ekepati called up
The final game of Round 3 brings together the Knights and Dragons, both 1-1 and both finding their rhythm in attack.
The Knights were highly competitive in their narrow loss to the Roosters, showcasing the defensive resilience that has become a hallmark of their success in recent seasons.
The Dragons enjoyed a confidence-boosting result in Round 2 and look far more settled than they did in the opening round. Their challenge now is proving they can back up that performance against quality opposition on the road.
Expect a physical contest where defence is likely to dominate. Newcastle the slight favourites, but Dragons should not be underestimated.
Match: Knights v Dragons
Round 3 -
home Team
Knights
5th Position
away Team
Dragons
7th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Knights: The return of England international halfback Georgia Roche from suspension sees Kirra Dibb slot back in at five-eighth for this week's match against the Dragons. Bo Vette-Welsh has been moved back to the bench, taking the place of Simone Karpani who is this week's 18th player.
Dragons: Minimal changes to a winning side for coach Nathan Cross. Young gun Tyra Ekepati comes onto the wing for Jayme Millard who has injured her pec, while Tahlia O'Brien has been added to the interchange bench. Zali Hopkins is out after she left the field for a HIA which she failed last week.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Lucy SpainFullback for Dragons is number 1 Teagan Berry
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Shanice ParkerWinger for Dragons is number 2 Maria Paseka
-
Centre for Knights is number 3 Sidney TaylorCentre for Dragons is number 3 Shenae Ciesiolka
-
Centre for Knights is number 4 Tenika WillisonCentre for Dragons is number 4 Keele Browne
-
Winger for Knights is number 5 Mercedez Taulelei-SialaWinger for Dragons is number 5 Tyra Ekepati
-
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Kirra DibbFive-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Taliah Fuimaono
-
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Georgia RocheHalfback for Dragons is number 7 Kasey Reh
Forwards
-
Prop for Knights is number 8 Tayla PredebonProp for Dragons is number 8 Madison Mulhall
-
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia HigginsHooker for Dragons is number 9 Brooke Anderson
-
Prop for Knights is number 10 Tiana DavisonProp for Dragons is number 10 Ruby-Jean Kennard-Ellis
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Fane Finau2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Montana Clifford
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Meakes2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Ella Koster
-
Lock for Knights is number 13 Kayla RomaniukLock for Dragons is number 13 Hannah Southwell
Interchange
-
Interchange for Knights is number 14 Jules KirkpatrickInterchange for Dragons is number 14 Tori Shipton
-
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Sienna YeoInterchange for Dragons is number 15 Trinity Tauaneai
-
Interchange for Knights is number 16 Amelia PasikalaInterchange for Dragons is number 16 Amelia Huakau
-
Interchange for Knights is number 17 Botille Vette-WelshInterchange for Dragons is number 17 Tahlia O'Brien
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 18 Simone KarpaniReplacement for Dragons is number 18 Nita Maynard-Perrin
-
Reserve for Knights is number 19 Cheyelle Robins-RetiReserve for Dragons is number 19 Ahlivia Ingram
-
Reserve for Knights is number 20 Nakia Davis-WelshReserve for Dragons is number 20 Arabella McKenzie
-
Reserve for Knights is number 21 Joeli MorrisReserve for Dragons is number 21 Sara Sautia
-
Reserve for Knights is number 22 Grace GiampinoReserve for Dragons is number 22 Montaya Hudson
Knights Ins
- Cheyelle Robins-Reti
- Georgia Roche
- Grace Giampino
- Joeli Morris
Dragons Ins
- Ahlivia Ingram
- Arabella McKenzie
- Montaya Hudson
- Nita Maynard-Perrin
- Sara Sautia
- Tyra Ekepati
Knights Outs
Dragons Ins
- Jayme Millard
- Zali Hopkins
Match Officials
- Referee: Liam Kennedy
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Knights have won four of their last five games against the Dragons.
- The Dragons are chasing back-to-back wins for the first time since 2022.
- Knights hooker Olivia Higgins will reach the milestone of 50 NRLW games.
- Dragons fullback Teagan Berry has scored eight tries in five games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
The Knights NRLW side is back home for the first time this season. Kids go free so don't miss a Sunday-night blockbuster at McDonald Jones Stadium. Click here to secure your seats today.
