Official team lists, updates and injury news for Round 8 of the 2023 NRL Telstra Women's Premiership season.
NRLW Team Lists: Round 8
Sharks v Dragons, Thursday 7.45pm at PointsBet Stadium
Sharks: Annessa Biddle's return from suspension pushes Kiana Takairangi out of the side and sees Cassie Staples move from centre to the wing. The side is otherwise unchanged from that which footed it with the Broncos all the way in an eventual 32-28 loss.
Dragons: Impressive rookie lock Alexis Tauaneai has been named to play but is in serious doubt after suffering a MCL injury in Round 7 after she was the victim of a hip-drop tackle. Barring a miraculous recovery from Tauaneai, Maddison Weatherall, who has dropped back to 18th woman after playing last week, is likely to join the 17. Cheynoah Amone is out after suffering a head knock last week, so Ella Koster moves from the back row to the centres and Roxy Murdoch shifts to the second row in her place. Macie Carlile and Sarah Riordan are the new faces on the bench.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Wests Tigers v Broncos, Saturday 11.30am at McDonald Jones Stadium
Wests Tigers: Three big ins with Rikeya Horne and Kezie Apps both returning from concussion and Sarah Togatuki back from suspension. Horne replaces Rebecca Pollard in the centres, while the presence of Apps means Bianca Bennetts drops out of the 17 and Sophie Curtain go back to the bench. After filling in for Togatuki last week Imogen Gobran is out of the 17 for Round 8.
Broncos: There are no changes for Scott Prince's side with Grace Griffin and Jasmine Fogavini included in the reserves. Mele Hufanga played limited minutes last week as a tactic, with Lauren Dam replacing her in the backline in the second half.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Knights v Roosters, Saturday 1.30pm at McDonald Jones Stadium
Knights: There are no changes for the home side ahead of the top of the table match-up against the Roosters on home turf. Jasmin Strange will come up against her father John for the first time in her NRLW career after switching clubs in the off-season.
Roosters: A blow for the Tricolours with Jess Sergis set to undergo surgery on a fractured finger, meaning she will miss the clash despite being included in the reserves. Jayme Fressard returns from a head knock and moves to centre with Mia Wood retaining her spot on the wing. Young gun Lily Rogan has been included on the bench and could be in line to make her NRLW debut.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Cowboys v Raiders, Sunday 11.30am at Cbus Super Stadium
Cowboys: Makenzie Weale is seeking a downgrade for a dangerous contact charge at the NRL Judiciary on Tuesday night but even if successful she will miss at least a week. April Ngatupuna comes in at prop with Essay Banu and Jess Reeves included in the reserves. Lily Peacock (head knock) has been named.
Raiders: A boost for the Green Machine with Emma Barnes returning from a jaw injury. Monalisa Soliola and Jessica Gentle drop out of 17 with Tara Reinke and Ahlivia Ingram coming in, although there could be some late changes come game day.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Titans v Eels, Sunday 1.30pm at Cbus Super Stadium
Titans: Jaime Chapman has been named and is expected to take the field after failing to play beyond the 18th minute of the last week's win over the Wests Tigers. Despite passing the HIA she left the field for, a minor injury prevented Chapman from returning but is not expected to be an issue in Round 8. In a further boost, five-eighth Taliah Fuimaono is included in the reserves as she edges closer to a return from an ankle injury.
Eels: A big boost for the side with Kennedy Cherrington back on deck after serving a four-match suspension. Her return switches Jade Fonua to the bench in an otherwise unchanged line-up.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com