Knights v Dragons: Johnston-Green injured; Vella, Sautia sidelined
The undefeated Knights host a Dragons side in search of their first win, but Newcastle won't be taking their challengers lightly, given the strike in their side.
The Knights were pushed all the way against the Raiders last week, with a last-minute penalty try giving them back-to-back wins to start the season.
Newcastle were twice forced to come from behind and scored two late tries through winger Sheridan Gallagher and the penalty to Tamika Upton to maintain their unbeaten premiership defence with the 26-20 win.
The Dragons were just outgunned by the Cowboys in their high-scoring shoot-out in Townsville, going down 38-34.
The side showed plenty of heart to stay in the match - even when they lost two players for the game with leg injuries - but defence will be a big focus of coach Jamie Soward coming up against the defending premiers who are aiming for 10 straight wins at home.
Match: Knights v Dragons
Round 3 -
home Team
Knights
4th Position
away Team
Dragons
8th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Team News
Knights: A late change for the Knights with Caitlan Johnston-Green out of the team with a knee injury. Kayla Romaniuk lines up in the front-row while Grace Kukutai joins the interchange bench. Earlier in the week, Jacinta Carter joins the bench in place of Isabella Waterman. Young winger Lilly-Ann White impressed in her debut and has retained her spot in the starting side. Halfback Jesse Southwell is free to play after she received a warning after pleading guilty to a Dangerous Contact offence. Tenika Willison drops out of the extended bench having arrived this week following her time with the New Zealand Rugby Sevens side at the Paris Olympic Games.
Dragons: Tyla King comes straight back into the 17 after returning from the Olympics via the bench, with Sophie Clancy reverting to replacement player. Madison Mulhall's first match of the season sees her promoted to the run-on side at prop with Jamilee Bright to start from the interchange. Earlier in the week, injury forced coach Jamie Soward into a number of other changes to his side. Leio Fotu-Mola returns on the wing in place of Margot Vella (ankle) while Madison Mulhall has been named for interchange forward Sara Sautia (foot). Kasey Reh has been named for her NRLW starting debut at hooker, with Sophie Clancy moving to the bench. King and Ella Koster are in the extended squad.
Match: Knights v Dragons
Round 3 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Dragons
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Tamika UptonFullback for Dragons is number 1 Teagan Berry
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Sheridan GallagherWinger for Dragons is number 2 Maatuleio Fotu-Moala
-
Centre for Knights is number 3 Shanice ParkerCentre for Dragons is number 3 Keele Browne
-
Centre for Knights is number 4 Abigail RoacheCentre for Dragons is number 4 Bobbi Law
-
Winger for Knights is number 5 Lilly-Ann WhiteWinger for Dragons is number 5 Kimberley Hunt
-
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Georgia RocheFive-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Zali Hopkins
-
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jesse SouthwellHalfback for Dragons is number 7 Raecene McGregor
Forwards
-
Prop for Knights is number 8 Tayla PredebonProp for Dragons is number 8 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
-
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia HigginsHooker for Dragons is number 9 Kasey Reh
-
Prop for Knights is number 15 Kayla RomaniukProp for Dragons is number 15 Madison Mulhall
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Laishon Albert-Jones2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Shenai Lendill
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Charlotte Basham
-
Lock for Knights is number 13 Hannah SouthwellLock for Dragons is number 13 Alexis Tauaneai
Interchange
-
Interchange for Knights is number 14 Nita MaynardInterchange for Dragons is number 10 Jamilee Bright
-
Interchange for Knights is number 16 Rima ButlerInterchange for Dragons is number 16 Bronte Wilson
-
Interchange for Knights is number 18 Jacinta CarterInterchange for Dragons is number 17 Steph Hancock
-
Interchange for Knights is number 19 Grace KukutaiInterchange for Dragons is number 21 Tyla King
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 20 Viena TinaoReplacement for Dragons is number 24 Sophie Clancy
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Dave Munro
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Knights are aiming for their 10th consecutive win at McDonald Jones Stadium.
- Dragons fullback Teagan Berry has scored six tries in three games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
- The Knights have won their last three games against the Dragons.
- The Dragons are on a run of four consecutive NRLW losses.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
