Knights v Wests Tigers: Predebon, White return; Big guns back
The opening Round 8 clash is a crucial encounter for two sides - Newcastle Knights and Wests Tigers - fighting for a top-four berth.
The Tigers arrive in Newcastle full of confidence after a gritty 30-22 win over the Warriors. Lily Rogan starred with a double, while their ability to absorb pressure and capitalise on opportunities proved decisive.
Newcastle, meanwhile, suffered a frustrating 25-18 loss to Canberra despite leading at half-time. The Knights showed plenty of attacking promise but were unable to contain the Raiders' second-half surge.
The Tigers have built momentum through disciplined execution and resilience, while the Knights return home desperate to avoid back-to-back losses.
Expect a physical contest through the middle, with field position and composure likely to determine who finishes on top.
Match: Knights v Wests Tigers
Round 8 -
home Team
Knights
7th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
3rd Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Team News
Knights: Lilly-Ann White returns from an ankle injury in the No.1 but has moved to the interchange in the 90-minute squad update, with Lucy Spain getting the nod to start at fullback. "Credit to Lilly, she's back probably two weeks earlier than what we predicted. That's a testament to her and the staff. Her and Lucy will definitely play a part in this group this weekend," said coach Ben Jeffries. No other changes on game day to the 18 originally named on Tuesday, with prop Tayla Predebon back from suspension and Sienna Yeo to start in the second row. Charley Lahmert and Emily McArthur and both on the interchange for potential NRLW debuts.
Wests Tigers: Craig Sandercock has made two late changes to the starting line-up, with Portia Bourke to start at centre and Christian Pio at prop. Shenai Lendill and Shaniece Monschau revert to the pine. A number of big guns return, headlined by captain Kezie Apps in the second row. Salma Nour starts at hooker, with Harmony Crichton on the wing. Tara Reinke is the 18th player.
Match: Knights v Wests Tigers
Round 8 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Wests Tigers
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 17 Lucy SpainFullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Caitlin Turnbull
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Shanice ParkerWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Harmony Crichton
-
Centre for Knights is number 3 Sidney TaylorCentre for Wests Tigers is number 15 Portia Bourke
-
Centre for Knights is number 4 Tenika WillisonCentre for Wests Tigers is number 22 Kayla Henderson
-
Winger for Knights is number 5 Mercedez Taulelei-SialaWinger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Lily Rogan
-
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Kirra DibbFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Losana Lutu
-
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Georgia RocheHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Raecene McGregor
Forwards
-
Prop for Knights is number 8 Tayla PredebonProp for Wests Tigers is number 8 Sarah Togatuki
-
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia HigginsHooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Salma Nour
-
Prop for Knights is number 10 Tiana DavisonProp for Wests Tigers is number 16 Christian Pio
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Sienna Yeo2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Kezie Apps
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Jules Kirkpatrick2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Shaylee Bent
-
Lock for Knights is number 13 Kayla RomaniukLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Holli Wheeler
Interchange
-
Interchange for Knights is number 1 Lilly-Ann WhiteInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 4 Shenai Lendill
-
Interchange for Knights is number 14 Charley LahmertInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 10 Shaniece Monschau
-
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Emily McArthurInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Faythe Manera
-
Interchange for Knights is number 16 Amelia PasikalaInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Brooke Talataina
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 18 Fane FinauReplacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Tara Reinke
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Knights have outscored the Tigers 92-20 in winning all three games between these clubs
- Tigers utility Faythe Manera has scored seven tries in her last eight NRLW games
- Knights winger Mercedez Siala-Tauleilei has scored five tries in her last six games
- Tigers halfback Raecene McGregor requires three points to break’s the club’s NRLW points-scoring record
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
