Roosters v Knights: Star trio return; Butler a late out
The two teams that launched this season in the Roosters and the Knights will face off for a place in this year’s decider.
In Round 1, the Knights got the job done - just - but since then the Chooks have been on a hot run of form to finish second on the ladder.
The Roosters finished the season with the best defensive record in the competition - only conceding 112 points - and will base much of their game on holding out the attacking potency of the Knights side that boasts the likes of Tamika Upton and Sheridan Gallagher, who topped the try tally for her side with nine in the regular season.
NRLW SportsBet Betting Preview - Roosters v Knights
While both sides have been rocked by long-term injuries this year, both have talent squads and have quality in their depth, with youngsters brought up to experience the NRLW doing their roles well to help unleash their stars.
Being played at Allianz Stadium, the Roosters enjoy a dominant record at the venue having won five from six, but with the Knights having plenty of finals experience and gunning to claim their third straight premiership, it's set to be a hard-fought encounter.
Match: Roosters v Knights
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Roosters
2nd Position
away Team
Knights
3rd Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Roosters: Three huge inclusions for the Tricolours with captain Isabelle Kelly, Maroons playmaker Tarryn Aiken and strike centre Jessica Sergis all making the final cut. Aiken is back for the first time since Round 7, while Sergis will play for the first time since Round 3. Aiken's return moves Brydie Parker back to the wing and Mia Wood to replacement player, with Sergis taking the place of Taina Naividi on the bench.
Knights: Prop Rima Butler (knee) is a late withdrawal, but hooker Nita Maynard (ankle) will take her place on the bench. Tayla Predebon comes in to start for Butler, with Evah McEwen joining the interchange. Evie Jones is the replacement player.
Match: Roosters v Knights
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Knights
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Samantha BremnerFullback for Knights is number 1 Tamika Upton
-
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Jayme FressardWinger for Knights is number 2 Sheridan Gallagher
-
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Jasmin StrangeCentre for Knights is number 3 Shanice Parker
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Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle KellyCentre for Knights is number 4 Abigail Roache
-
Winger for Roosters is number 6 Brydie ParkerWinger for Knights is number 5 Tenika Willison
-
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 7 Jocelyn KelleherFive-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Georgia Roche
-
Halfback for Roosters is number 20 Tarryn AikenHalfback for Knights is number 7 Jesse Southwell
Forwards
-
Prop for Roosters is number 8 Millie ElliottProp for Knights is number 10 Simone Karpani
-
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Keeley DavisHooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia Higgins
-
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Otesa PuleProp for Knights is number 16 Tayla Predebon
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Amber Hall2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Laishon Albert-Jones
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Olivia Kernick2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale
-
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Tiana DavisonLock for Knights is number 13 Hannah Southwell
Interchange
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Tavarna PapaliiInterchange for Knights is number 14 Nita Maynard
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Pani HopoateInterchange for Knights is number 15 Kayla Romaniuk
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Samantha EconomosInterchange for Knights is number 17 Viena Tinao
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 19 Jessica SergisInterchange for Knights is number 19 Evah McEwen
Reserves
-
Replacement for Roosters is number 5 Mia WoodReplacement for Knights is number 18 Evie Jones
Match Officials
- Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Roosters have won five from six at Allianz Stadium.
- The Knights have won their last two games against the Roosters.
- Roosters second-rower Amber Hall has scored five tries in her past six games.
- Knights fullback Tamika Upton has scored six tries in four finals appearances.
- The Roosters have been beaten semi-finalists in the past two seasons.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
