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. Lara 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
4th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Knights: A boost for Newcastle with Lilly-Ann White returning from an ankle injury to slot into fullback. Lucy Spain shifts to the bench. Prop Tayla Predebon is also back from suspension and will start in the front row, with Simone Karpani reverting to the reserves. Sienna Yeo has been elevated from the bench to start in the second row, moving Fane Finau to 18th player. Two new faces come onto the bench with Charley Lahmert and Emily McArthur named for potential NRLW debuts.
Wests Tigers: A number of big guns return, headlined by captain Kezie Apps in the second row. Salma Nour returns at hooker, with Harmony Crichton coming in on the wing. Portia Bourke reverts to the bench with Shenai Lendill elevated from the interchange to start in the centres. Kayla Henderson reverts to the reserves, while Leah Ollerton has been omitted. Other changes see Shaniece Monschau shift from the second row to prop, with Christian Pio moving to the bench. Tara Reinke shuffles from the bench to 18th player.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Lilly-Ann WhiteFullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Caitlin Turnbull
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Winger for Knights is number 2 Shanice ParkerWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Harmony Crichton
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Centre for Knights is number 3 Sidney TaylorCentre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Namoe Gesa
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Centre for Knights is number 4 Tenika WillisonCentre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Shenai Lendill
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Winger for Knights is number 5 Mercedez Taulelei-SialaWinger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Lily Rogan
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Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Kirra DibbFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Losana Lutu
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Halfback for Knights is number 7 Georgia RocheHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Raecene McGregor
Forwards
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Prop for Knights is number 8 Tayla PredebonProp for Wests Tigers is number 8 Sarah Togatuki
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Hooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia HigginsHooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Salma Nour
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Prop for Knights is number 10 Tiana DavisonProp for Wests Tigers is number 10 Shaniece Monschau
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2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Sienna Yeo2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Kezie Apps
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2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Jules Kirkpatrick2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Shaylee Bent
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Lock for Knights is number 13 Kayla RomaniukLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Holli Wheeler
Interchange
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Interchange for Knights is number 14 Charley LahmertInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Faythe Manera
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Interchange for Knights is number 15 Emily McArthurInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Portia Bourke
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Interchange for Knights is number 16 Amelia PasikalaInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Christian Pio
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Interchange for Knights is number 17 Lucy SpainInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Brooke Talataina
Reserves
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Replacement for Knights is number 18 Fane FinauReplacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Tara Reinke
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Reserve for Knights is number 19 Stella LewisReserve for Wests Tigers is number 19 Tyla Amiatu
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Reserve for Knights is number 20 Cheyelle Robins-RetiReserve for Wests Tigers is number 20 Jetaya Faifua
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Reserve for Knights is number 21 Simone KarpaniReserve for Wests Tigers is number 21 Lucyannah Luamanu-Leiataua
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Reserve for Knights is number 22 Botille Vette-WelshReserve for Wests Tigers is number 22 Kayla Henderson
Knights Ins
- Charley Lahmert
- Cheyelle Robins-Reti
- Lilly-Ann White
- Stella Lewis
- Tayla Predebon
Wests Tigers Ins
- Harmony Crichton
- Jetaya Faifua
- Kezie Apps
- Salma Nour
- Tyla Amiatu
Knights Outs
- Grace Giampino
Wests Tigers Ins
- Leah Ollerton
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.
