Knights v Titans: Kirkpatrick promoted; Hippi, Rimoni to return
The final clash of the regular season could also be its most entertaining.
Newcastle have surged back into finals contention with consecutive wins, including a 56-22 defeat of the Bulldogs last weekend. The Knights scored 10 tries, with prop Tayla Predebon claiming a remarkable hat-trick and hooker Olivia Higgins producing three try assists in her 50th NRLW appearance for the Knights.
The Titans were every bit as impressive, dismantling Wests Tigers 58-0 to secure second place on the ladder and extend their winning streak to nine matches. Jaime Chapman's first-half hat-trick was among the highlights in a record-breaking performance.
Both sides arrive full of confidence and boasting elite attacking form. Newcastle has piled on points in consecutive weeks, while the Titans continue to combine defensive resilience with explosive strike power.
This contest has all of the ingredients of a genuine finals dress rehearsal. A packed McDonald Jones Stadium should provide the perfect stage for two of the competition's most dangerous sides to make one final statement before finals footy begins.
Match: Knights v Titans
Round 11 -
home Team
Knights
5th Position
away Team
Titans
2nd Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Knights: Just one change made by Ben Jeffries to his side following their important win over the Bulldogs last week. Jules Kirkpatrick has been named on the bench, with Simone Karpani moving back to the reserves. Tayla Predebon scored a hat-trick in the victory and has again been named at prop.
Titans: The return of Phoenix-Raine Hippi in the centres sees Georgia Grey move back to the wing, reverting Destiny Mino-Sinapati to the reserves. The Titans also have Fanua Rimoni back on deck to start at prop, so Eta Sikahele moves to the bench, pushing Jasmine Solia to the reserves. Teagan Levi has also been named to take her place as five-eighth, with the club following the necessary concussion protocols to confirm her return.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Lucy SpainFullback for Titans is number 1 Lily Patston
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Shanice ParkerWinger for Titans is number 2 Georgia Grey
-
Centre for Knights is number 3 Sidney TaylorCentre for Titans is number 3 Jaime Chapman
-
Centre for Knights is number 4 Tenika WillisonCentre for Titans is number 4 Phoenix-Raine Hippi
-
Winger for Knights is number 5 Mercedez Taulelei-SialaWinger for Titans is number 5 Indie Bostock
-
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Kirra DibbFive-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Teagan Levi
-
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Georgia RocheHalfback for Titans is number 7 Lauren Brown
Forwards
-
Prop for Knights is number 8 Tayla PredebonProp for Titans is number 8 Laikha Clarke
-
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia HigginsHooker for Titans is number 9 Georgia Hale
-
Prop for Knights is number 10 Tiana DavisonProp for Titans is number 10 Fanua Rimoni
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Sienna Yeo2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Evania Isa'ako
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2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Fane Finau2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Ivana Lolesio
-
Lock for Knights is number 13 Kayla RomaniukLock for Titans is number 13 Sienna Lofipo
Interchange
-
Interchange for Knights is number 14 Charley LahmertInterchange for Titans is number 14 Lily Kolc
-
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Emily McArthurInterchange for Titans is number 15 Eta Sikahele
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Interchange for Knights is number 16 Amelia PasikalaInterchange for Titans is number 16 Sarina Masaga
-
Interchange for Knights is number 17 Jules KirkpatrickInterchange for Titans is number 17 Takoda Thompson
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 18 Simone KarpaniReplacement for Titans is number 18 Destiny Mino-Sinapati
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Reserve for Knights is number 19 Lilly-Ann WhiteReserve for Titans is number 19 Pauline Piliae-Rasabale
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Reserve for Knights is number 20 Botille Vette-WelshReserve for Titans is number 20 Jasmine Solia
-
Reserve for Knights is number 21 Cheyelle Robins-RetiReserve for Titans is number 21 Enah Desic
-
Reserve for Knights is number 22 Joeli MorrisReserve for Titans is number 22 Natasha Penitani
Knights Ins
- Botille Vette-Welsh
- Cheyelle Robins-Reti
- Joeli Morris
- Lilly-Ann White
Titans Ins
- Enah Desic
- Fanua Rimoni
- Natasha Penitani
- Phoenix-Raine Hippi
Knights Outs
Titans Ins
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Dave Munro
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Knights have won their last five games against the Titans
- The Titans have never won at McDonald Jones Stadium (four losses and one draw)
- Knights winger Mercedez Taulelei-Siala has scored eight tries in her last six games
- Titans centre Jaime Chapman has scored nine tries in nine games this season
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
