Squad game: Knights NRLW analysis and best 17

Newcastle will head into the rescheduled 2021 NRL Telstra Women's Premiership underestimated by many but boasting a squad more than capable of causing a few upsets. 

The Knights have a strong mix of local talent, Kiwi representatives and Queenslanders ready to don the red and blue for their inaugural season in the competition. 

A total of 12 players in the squad are yet to make their NRLW debut but for some of those, they've already represented their country including promising outside back Autumn-Rain Stephens Daly, who starred on debut for the Maori Ferns with two tries on February 12.

Stephens Daly is one of nine players who have arrived from New Zealand for Newcastle's inaugural campaign.

Kiwi halfback Charntay Poko is set for an exciting return to the NRLW after she finished her 2019 campaign at the Warriors with a competition-record 1120 kick metres in a season.

Along with Poko and Stephens Daly, the Knights have Kirra Dibb and Tahlulah Tillett as halves options for the season. 

Former Bronco Romy Teitzel starred for the Gold Stars in Queensland's BHP Premiership in 2021, taking out the competition's player of the year award, and is a suitable option at fullback.

AFLW convert Paige Parker is also a player to watch after moving down to Newcastle from Queensland.

Coached by Casey Bromilow, who has come through the Knights system with the Tarsha Gale Cup side, and assisted by Jess Skinner, there is enough talent in the squad to rock the competition.

Possible best 17

1. Romy Teitzel 2. Autumn-Rain Stephens Daly 3. Bobbi Law 4. Jayme Fressard 5. Katelyn Vaha'akolo 6. Tahlulah Tillett 7. Charntay Poko 8. Annetta Nu'uausala 9. Krystal Rota 10. Ngatokotoru Arakua 11. Maitua Feterika 12. Charlotte Scanlan 13. Caitlan Johnston. Interchange: 14. Kirra Dibb 15. Georgia Page 16. Kararaina Wira-Kohu 17. Kyra Simon.

Biggest strength

The Knights will field a starting forward pack that has all the representative experience required at either the state or international level. 

Kiwi Ferns props Annetta Nu'uausala and Ngatokotoru Arakua are a powerful combination upfront with experienced hooker Krystal Rota creative around the ruck.

The back row of New Zealand pair Maitua Feterika and Charlotte Scanlan add mobility on the edge while Caitlan Johnston has been regarded one of the most promising young talents coming through in the women's game.

Arakua and Feterika won premierships while at the Broncos in 2018.

Biggest question mark

The side's likely starting back five is inexperienced with just six NRLW games between them and probably lacks the strike that other sides have in an area that will need some attention.

Former Broncos outside backs Romy Teitzel and Jayme Fressard have had a taste of the NRLW and will need to go to another level in red and blue, particularly with their work-rate out of yardage. 

Nelson Bay product Bobbi Law is on the comeback trail after rupturing her ACL in 2020 but proved in her stint at the Roosters and in the Indigenous All Stars clash on February 12 she can rise to any occasion.

Draw snapshot

Newcastle starts their campaign against fellow newcomers Parramatta in a triple-header at McDonald Jones Stadium on February 27.

In round three, they'll travel to the Sydney Cricket Ground and play against the Roosters in a double-header before the men's NRL game between both clubs.