NRLW 2026, New Zealand Warriors v Gold Coast Titans, Round 5, match preview, team lists, injuries, updates, Magic Round, Wagga Wagga

Warriors v Titans: Mele good to go; 50 up for Brown

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Wed 29 Jul 2026, 10:01 AM

Few matches in Round 5 carry greater significance than this showdown between two of the competition's in-form teams.

The Warriors edged Parramatta 14-12 in a thriller last weekend, while the Titans delivered an impressive 34-6 victory over North Queensland.

The Warriors have built a reputation for finding ways to win tight contests. Their narrow win over the Eels demonstrated composure under pressure and highlighted their resilience.

Gold Coast's performance against the Cowboys was among their most complete displays of the season. The Titans controlled possession, took advantage of opportunities and never allowed North Queensland in.

This contest shapes as a fascinating clash of styles. The Warriors' ability to grind out wins contrasts with a Titans side capable of producing explosive attacking football when momentum swings their way.

Round 5 - Round 5 - Sunday 2 Aug

3:25 am

Warriors

Titans

Venue: Geohex Park, Wagga Wagga

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Team News

Warriors: A shuffle for Ron Griffiths as the side take on an in-form Titans, with the return to the field of 2025 premiership winner Mele Hufanga. Named at centre for her first appearance for the club, her inclusion shifts Stacey Waaka back to the wing, with Ocean Tierney dropping to the reserves. In the forwards, Maarire Puketapu will start at prop, shifting Mya Hill-Moana into the reserves. Patricia Maliepo will start at hooker in place of Jasmin Huriwai, who has suffered a head knock. Capri Paekau has been named to take her place on the bench.

Titans: No changes for coach Karyn Murphy to the side that got the job done in a big win against the Cowboys last week. This season's newcomers Indie Bostock on the wing and five-eighth Teagan Levi both scored doubles.

Round 5 - Round 5 - Sunday 2 Aug

3:25 am

Warriors

Titans

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Apii Nicholls

Fullback for Titans is number 1 Lily Patston
Winger for Warriors is number 2 Stacey Waaka

Winger for Titans is number 2 Phoenix-Raine Hippi
Centre for Warriors is number 3 Tysha Ikenasio

Centre for Titans is number 3 Jaime Chapman
Centre for Warriors is number 4 Mele Hufanga

Centre for Titans is number 4 Sarina Masaga
Winger for Warriors is number 5 Payton Takimoana

Winger for Titans is number 5 Indie Bostock
Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Emmanita Paki

Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Teagan Levi
Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Gayle Broughton

Halfback for Titans is number 7 Lauren Brown

Forwards

Prop for Warriors is number 8 Maarire Puketapu

Prop for Titans is number 8 Laikha Clarke
Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Patricia Maliepo

Hooker for Titans is number 9 Georgia Hale
Prop for Warriors is number 10 Metanoia Fetalaiga

Prop for Titans is number 10 Fanua Rimoni
2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa

2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Evania Isa'ako
2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Shakira Baker

2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Ivana Lolesio
Lock for Warriors is number 13 Kaiyah Atai

Lock for Titans is number 13 Sienna Lofipo

Interchange

Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Capri Paekau

Interchange for Titans is number 14 Lily Kolc
Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Harata Butler

Interchange for Titans is number 15 Eta Sikahele
Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Annetta Nuuausala

Interchange for Titans is number 16 Natasha Penitani
Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Ivana Lauitiiti

Interchange for Titans is number 17 Takoda Thompson

Reserves

Replacement for Warriors is number 18 Ashlee Matapo

Replacement for Titans is number 18 Enah Desic
Reserve for Warriors is number 19 Natalia Hickling

Reserve for Titans is number 19 Aleksandra Tunufai
Reserve for Warriors is number 20 Ocean Tierney

Reserve for Titans is number 20 Jasmine Solia
Reserve for Warriors is number 21 Mya Hill-Moana

Reserve for Titans is number 21 Pauline Piliae-Rasabale
Reserve for Titans is number 22 Lailani Montgomery

Ashlee Matapo
Capri Paekau
Mele Hufanga
Natalia Hickling

Aleksandra Tunufai
Jasmine Solia
Lailani Montgomery
Pauline Piliae-Rasabale

Jasmin Huriwai

Match Officials

Referee: Belinda Sharpe
Senior Review Official: Peter Gough

Last updated: 7/28/2026 7:14:12 AM

Stat Attack

The Warriors have won four of their last five games
The Titans downed the Warriors 20-10 last year in their only previous clash
Warriors winger Payton Takimoana has scored 10 tries in her last six games in Australia
Titans halfback Lauren Brown will make her 50th NRLW appearance

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.

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