The Titans will host Newcastle in round two of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership after a mixed start to the season for both sides in their opening hit-outs.
Gold Coast got off to a poor start against the Dragons in Wollongong with ill-discipline costing them dearly while the Knights had a night to remember, recording their first-ever NRLW victory with a win over the Broncos.
A seven-day turnaround awaits for both sides with the Titans in particular out to ensure they bounce back and give coach Karyn Murphy her first win at the club.
Meanwhile, the Knights will want to make sure their round one result wasn't a one-off with an away trip to Queensland providing the perfect chance to test their resilience on the road.
Both these sides met earlier this year with the Titans escaping with a 14-10 victory in the final round of the regular season.
Only six players remain in Newcastle colours from that afternoon, showing the recruitment drive the Knights have undergone since April.
Match: Titans v Knights
Round 2 -
home Team
Titans
4th Position
away Team
Knights
2nd Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
The Rundown
Team news
Titans: No late changes for Titans after Jasmine Peters was withdrawn from the squad in the 24-hour update and replaced by Hagiga Mosby in the centres. Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell is the new faces on the bench in place of Roxy Murdoch. The experienced Tazmin Gray remains out with an ankle injury.
Knights: Knights remain 1-17 with no changes on game day. With Hannah Southwell suffering a confirmed ACL injury last week, Simone Karpani is named to start at lock after coming off the interchange in round 1. Makenzie Weale is the new face in an otherwise unchanged line-up, with Caitlin Moran still not able to break into the squad after teenage halfback Jesse Southwell's star showing in the club's first ever NRLW victory.
Match: Titans v Knights
Round 2 -
home Team
Titans
away Team
Knights
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Titans is number 1 Apii NichollsFullback for Knights is number 1 Tamika Upton
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Winger for Titans is number 2 Karina BrownWinger for Knights is number 2 Kiana Takairangi
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Centre for Titans is number 3 Evania PeliteCentre for Knights is number 3 Shanice Parker
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Centre for Titans is number 21 Hagiga MosbyCentre for Knights is number 4 Bobbi Law
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Winger for Titans is number 5 Madison BartlettWinger for Knights is number 5 Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly
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Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Kimiora Breayley-NatiFive-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Kirra Dibb
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Halfback for Titans is number 7 Lauren BrownHalfback for Knights is number 7 Jesse Southwell
Forwards
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Prop for Titans is number 8 Shannon MatoProp for Knights is number 8 Caitlan Johnston
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Hooker for Titans is number 9 Brittany Breayley-NatiHooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia Higgins
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Prop for Titans is number 10 Stephanie HancockProp for Knights is number 10 Millie Boyle
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2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Zara Canfield2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Romy Teitzel
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2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Tiana Raftstrand-Smith2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale
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Lock for Titans is number 13 Georgia HaleLock for Knights is number 13 Simone Karpani
Interchange
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Interchange for Titans is number 14 Rona PetersInterchange for Knights is number 14 Emma Manzelmann
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Interchange for Titans is number 15 Jessika EllistonInterchange for Knights is number 15 Tayla Predebon
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Interchange for Titans is number 16 Hailee-Jay Ormond-MaunsellInterchange for Knights is number 16 Kyra Simon
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Interchange for Titans is number 17 Laikha ClarkeInterchange for Knights is number 17 Makenzie Weale
Reserves
-
Replacement for Titans is number 19 Jetaya FaifuaReplacement for Knights is number 18 Caitlin Moran
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Alan Shortall
Last updated:
Key match-up
Lauren Brown v Jesse Southwell: A tough start for Brown at the Titans sets up an intriguing battle against Southwell, who stole the show in Newcastle against the Broncos. Brown will be better for the run after her first attempt in the halves but overall the Titans will have to be on alert for Southwell and her right step that has everyone talking. Southwell's best asset at 17 is her ability to control a game. She showed glimpses on debut and expect that to continue.
Stat attack
The Titans (66%) and Knights (69%) had the worst completion rates in round one while they conceded nine and eight penalties respectively in discipline areas both coaches will want to correct on Sunday. Newcastle still managed 34 points in attack, showing their ability to not only throw the ball around but defend their errors.
Match: Titans v Knights
Round 2 -
home Team
Titans
4th Position
away Team
Knights
2nd Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
