The Dragons and Knights travel to the Central Coast for the final game of the NRLW triple-header knowing there's every chance they'll meet again in the sudden-death playoffs a week later.
Both sides locked in their finals spots last week after 3-1 starts to the NRLW season with Sunday's clash a perfect chance to iron out any minor flaws before sudden-death footy.
The Dragons got the chocolates against the Broncos last week in a golden point thriller, which will give them confidence if matches come down to the wire over the next three weeks.
Newcastle were locked in a battle of their own against the Roosters but despite hitting the front late, were quickly reeled back in by the defending premiers.
The first and only time these two sides have met was in March where the Dragons pummeled the Knights 40-4, racking up the biggest-ever NRLW win.
However, Newcastle are a different side now as their new recruits continue to lead the way for the club.
Match: Dragons v Knights
Round 5 -
home Team
Dragons
3rd Position
away Team
Knights
2nd Position
Venue: Industree Group Stadium, Gosford
The Rundown
Team news
Dragons: There are more late changes for the Dragons, who withdrew captain Kezie Apps (rested), Talei Holmes and Monalisa Soliola from their squad in the 24-hour update on Saturday. Zali Hopkins, who wasn't originally in the playing 17, will now start at five-eighth in place of Taliah Fuimaono who moves to centre. Shontelle Stowers is the other centre, with Keele Browne reverting to the bench and Page McGregor dropping out. Quincy Dodd will start at hooker with Keeley Davis coming off the bench. Renee Targett and Aliti Namoce are the new additions to the bench.
Knights: Tamika Upton has withdrawn from the squad for the second week in a row as she battles a calf issue, headlining a glut of changes to the Newcastle backline. Shanice Parker moves from centre to fullback, while Emmanita Paki moves from centre to the wing. The new centres are Kiana Takairangi, whose positional switch opens the door for Jessica Gentle to make her NRLW debut on the wing, and Bobbi Law, who has overcome a hip issue. Simone Karpani moves to the bench, with development player Kayla Romaniuk the new starting lock. There were no further changes an hour before kick off.
Match: Dragons v Knights
Round 5 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Knights
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Emma TonegatoFullback for Knights is number 3 Shanice Parker
-
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Teagan BerryWinger for Knights is number 4 Emmanita Paki
-
Centre for Dragons is number 6 Taliah FuimaonoCentre for Knights is number 1 Bobbi Law
-
Centre for Dragons is number 21 Shontelle StowersCentre for Knights is number 5 Kiana Takairangi
-
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Andie RobinsonWinger for Knights is number 20 Jessica Gentle
-
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 19 Zali HopkinsFive-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Kirra Dibb
-
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Rachael PearsonHalfback for Knights is number 7 Jesse Southwell
Forwards
-
Prop for Dragons is number 8 Elsie AlbertProp for Knights is number 8 Caitlan Johnston-Green
-
Hooker for Dragons is number 14 Quincy DoddHooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia Higgins
-
Prop for Dragons is number 10 Tara McGrath-WestProp for Knights is number 10 Millie Elliott
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Shaylee Bent2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Romy Teitzel
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 17 Chantel Tugaga2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale
-
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Holli WheelerLock for Knights is number 16 Kayla Romaniuk
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 3 Keele BrowneInterchange for Knights is number 13 Simone Karpani
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 9 Keeley DavisInterchange for Knights is number 14 Emma Manzelmann
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 18 Renee TargettInterchange for Knights is number 15 Tayla Predebon
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 20 Aliti NamoceInterchange for Knights is number 17 Makenzie Weale
Reserves
-
Replacement for Dragons is number 22 Salma NourReplacement for Knights is number 19 Kyra Simon
Match Officials
- Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Key match-up
Rachael Pearson v Jesse Southwell: It was a tale of two halves last week with Pearson coming up with the match-winner by slotting home a field goal for her side while Southwell will have liked her time over in the final minutes after throwing a pass that enabled Isabelle Kelly to scoop the ball up and score against the run of play. Both players' kicking games are the best for their respective sides and should play a big part in this one.
Stat attack
The Knights are completing at just 71% to record the lowest rate on average per game. Since their big win over the Broncos in Round 1 they've struggled with their attack with ball control becoming an issue with a competition-high 39 errors. The Dragons are next worst at 33 total errors but have an overall completion rate of 78% despite enjoying just 48% of possession per game on average.
Witness all six NRLW teams competing on the same day, at the same stadium, with a triple header blockbuster at Central Coast Stadium on September 18. Family tickets start from only $20. Adult’s from just $5 and kids FREE with a paying adult. Secure your seats at NRL.com/tickets.
