Knights v Dragons: Southwell free to play; 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 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
3rd Position
away Team
Dragons
8th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Knights: An unchanged side after posting their second-straight win against the Raiders. 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. New signing Tenika Willison is on the extended bench having arrived this week following her time with the New Zealand Rugby Sevens side at the Paris Olympic Games.
Dragons: Injury has forced Jamie coach Soward into in number of changes to his side. Winger Margot Vella scored two tries last week an ankle injury, with Leio Fotu-Mola returning in her place. Madison Mulhall has been named for interchange forward Sara Sautia who also sustained a foot injury in the loss to the Cowboys. Other changes see Kasey Reh named to start with Sophie Clancy moving to the bench. Ella Coster, who is on the comeback from a shoulder injury, is 18th player. Fresh from winning gold in Paris with New Zealand's rugby sevens team, Tyla King is on the extended bench and could be a late inclusion.
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 10 Caitlan Johnston-GreenProp for Dragons is number 10 Jamilee Bright
-
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 14 Sophie Clancy
-
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Kayla RomaniukInterchange for Dragons is number 15 Madison Mulhall
-
Interchange for Knights is number 16 Rima ButlerInterchange for Dragons is number 16 Bronte Wilson
-
Interchange for Knights is number 17 Isabella WatermanInterchange for Dragons is number 17 Steph Hancock
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 18 Jacinta CarterReplacement for Dragons is number 18 Ella Koster
-
Reserve for Knights is number 19 Viena TinaoReserve for Dragons is number 19 Alice Gregory
-
Reserve for Knights is number 20 Grace KukutaiReserve for Dragons is number 20 Tayla Curtis
-
Reserve for Knights is number 21 Jules KirkpatrickReserve for Dragons is number 21 Tyla King
-
Reserve for Knights is number 22 Tenika WillisonReserve for Dragons is number 22 Kaarla Cowan
Knights Ins
- Grace Kukutai
- Jules Kirkpatrick
- Tenika Willison
- Viena Tinao
Dragons Ins
- Alice Gregory
- Ella Koster
- Kaarla Cowan
- Maatuleio Fotu-Moala
- Madison Mulhall
- Tyla King
Knights Outs
Dragons Ins
- Margot Vella
- Sara Sautia
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.
