Knights v Raiders: Karpani promoted; Green Machine rolls on
This clash has enormous implications for the race to the finals. Canberra sits sixth and Newcastle seventh, making it one of the most important games of the round.
The Raiders arrive brimming with confidence after producing one of the biggest results of the season, upsetting Brisbane 28-4 in Round 6. Zahara Temara controlled the contest superbly, while Canberra's defence frustrated the reigning premiers.
Newcastle heads home looking to rebound after a 22-14 loss to the Warriors in Hamilton. The Knights led early but were unable to contain the Warriors' second-half surge.
The Knights know their best football is capable of matching any side in the competition, and the home crowd at McDonald Jones Stadium could provide a significant boost.
Canberra's upset victory over Brisbane may have announced them as genuine finals contenders, but backing it up against Newcastle will be their next challenge.
Match: Knights v Raiders
Round 7 -
home Team
Knights
7th Position
away Team
Raiders
6th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Knights: A reshuffle for the the Knights with Mercedez Taulelei-Siala returning to the wing after being a late change to the second row last week, with Cheyelle Robins-Reti shifting to the reserves. Jule Kirkpatrick returns to the second row, while other changes see Simone Karpani named to start at prop, moving Amelia Pasikala to the bench. The new name in 18 this week is Emily McArthur.
Raiders: Darrin Borthwick has named an unchanged side following his team's historic first win over the Broncos. Charlotte Basham scored a double in their big win, with her and Jordyn Preston becoming key attacking players in the second row for the Raiders.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Lucy SpainFullback for Raiders is number 1 Sheridan Gallagher
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Shanice ParkerWinger for Raiders is number 2 Elise Simpson
-
Centre for Knights is number 3 Sidney TaylorCentre for Raiders is number 3 Leianne Tufuga
-
Centre for Knights is number 4 Tenika WillisonCentre for Raiders is number 4 Isabella Waterman
-
Winger for Knights is number 5 Mercedez Taulelei-SialaWinger for Raiders is number 5 Mackenzie Wiki
-
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Kirra DibbFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Krystal Blackwell
-
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Georgia RocheHalfback for Raiders is number 7 Zahara Temara
Forwards
-
Prop for Knights is number 8 Simone KarpaniProp for Raiders is number 8 Chloe Saunders
-
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia HigginsHooker for Raiders is number 9 Chanté Temara
-
Prop for Knights is number 10 Tiana DavisonProp for Raiders is number 10 Sophie Holyman
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Fane Finau2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Jordyn Preston
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Jules Kirkpatrick2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Charlotte Basham
-
Lock for Knights is number 13 Kayla RomaniukLock for Raiders is number 13 Simaima Taufa
Interchange
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Interchange for Knights is number 14 Botille Vette-WelshInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Emma Barnes
-
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Sienna YeoInterchange for Raiders is number 15 Grace Kemp
-
Interchange for Knights is number 16 Amelia PasikalaInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Hollie-Mae Dodd
-
Interchange for Knights is number 17 Grace GiampinoInterchange for Raiders is number 17 Grace Kukutai
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 18 Emily McArthurReplacement for Raiders is number 18 Sereana Naitokatoka
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Reserve for Knights is number 19 Stella LewisReserve for Raiders is number 19 Lili Boyle
-
Reserve for Knights is number 20 Cheyelle Robins-RetiReserve for Raiders is number 20 Madison Bartlett
-
Reserve for Knights is number 21 Joeli MorrisReserve for Raiders is number 21 Relna Wuruki-Hosea
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Reserve for Knights is number 22 Charley LahmertReserve for Raiders is number 22 Ellie Brander
Knights Ins
- Charley Lahmert
- Emily McArthur
- Joeli Morris
- Stella Lewis
Raiders Ins
- Ellie Brander
- Lili Boyle
- Madison Bartlett
- Relna Wuruki-Hosea
Knights Outs
Raiders Ins
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Todd Smith
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Knights have won all three games against the Raiders.
- The Raiders failed to score in their only previous visit to McDonald Jones Stadium (2025).
- The Knights have won their last four games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
- Raiders winger Elise Simpson has scored 10 tries in her last 11 games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
Don't miss an NRL-NRLW double-header at McDonald Jones Stadium. Kids tickets are available from just $15, click here to secure your seats today.
