Warriors v Titans: Mele good to go; 50 up for Brown
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.
Match: Warriors v Titans
Round 5 -
home Team
Warriors
5th Position
away Team
Titans
3rd Position
Venue: Geohex Park, Wagga Wagga
Team News
Warriors: No further game day changes after middle forward Ashlee Matapo was brought onto the bench replacing Annetta Nuuausala on Saturday. Mele Hufanga makes her first appearance of the season after her comeback bid fell short last week. The 2025 premiership winner injured her hamstring in the pre-season but is looking to hit the ground running. Hufanga's return will see Stacey Waaka shift to the wing. Up front, hooker Jasmin Huriwai has been ruled out due to a head knock, with Patricia Maliepo to start at dummy half.
Titans: No late changes for Gold Coast, who are chasing a fourth-straight victory on Sunday afternoon. Former sevens star Teagan Levi continues to develop into one of the most dynamic playmakers in the game and will look to build her partnership with halfback Lauren Brown, who is making her 50th NRLW appearance.
Match: Warriors v Titans
Round 5 -
home Team
Warriors
away Team
Titans
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Apii NichollsFullback for Titans is number 1 Lily Patston
-
Winger for Warriors is number 2 Stacey WaakaWinger for Titans is number 2 Phoenix-Raine Hippi
-
Centre for Warriors is number 3 Tysha IkenasioCentre for Titans is number 3 Jaime Chapman
-
Centre for Warriors is number 4 Mele HufangaCentre for Titans is number 4 Sarina Masaga
-
Winger for Warriors is number 5 Payton TakimoanaWinger for Titans is number 5 Indie Bostock
-
Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Emmanita PakiFive-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Teagan Levi
-
Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Gayle BroughtonHalfback for Titans is number 7 Lauren Brown
Forwards
-
Prop for Warriors is number 8 Maarire PuketapuProp for Titans is number 8 Laikha Clarke
-
Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Patricia MaliepoHooker for Titans is number 9 Georgia Hale
-
Prop for Warriors is number 10 Metanoia FetalaigaProp for Titans is number 10 Fanua Rimoni
-
2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Evania Isa'ako
-
2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Shakira Baker2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Ivana Lolesio
-
Lock for Warriors is number 13 Kaiyah AtaiLock for Titans is number 13 Sienna Lofipo
Interchange
-
Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Capri PaekauInterchange for Titans is number 15 Eta Sikahele
-
Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Harata ButlerInterchange for Titans is number 16 Natasha Penitani
-
Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Ivana LauitiitiInterchange for Titans is number 17 Takoda Thompson
-
Interchange for Warriors is number 18 Ashlee MatapoInterchange for Titans is number 18 Enah Desic
Reserves
-
Replacement for Warriors is number 19 Natalia HicklingReplacement for Titans is number 19 Aleksandra Tunufai
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Peter Gough
Last updated:
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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