BY VIV

The girls are on! They’ve shaken off the cobwebs of the trial and have started the NRLW season with a victory and newfound confidence for season 2024. This will all be put to the test when we face competition favourites Newcastle at home this Saturday.

We are extremely lucky that this is a home game for us. Not only is GIO Stadium a great place to soak up some mid-morning winter sun, it takes the Knights away from their home ground. This is important because the last time the Knights lost an NRLW game was an away game in July 2023 and we can use any advantage we can get.

The Knights had the Roosters last week in what many were calling a grand final preview. Despite spending most of the first half of that game defending their line they led 10-0 at the half, but let in some late tries to hold on 12-10 at fulltime. We are going to need to keep the Knights camped down in their own half and take advantage of any opportunity we get because there won’t be many. And for the love of all that is holy do not give Tamka Upton time and space with the ball.

Changes

Alanna Dummett misses this week after failing her HIA in the Tigers game and Shakiah Tungai returns to the squad for the first time in 2024. Chey Robins-Reti looked to have a nasty leg injury last week but is cleared to play.

The Opposition

In Tamika Upton and Jesse Southwell the Knights have one of the strongest spines in the NRLW. Their forward pack of Caitlan Johnston-Green and Yasmin Clydesdale can clear the way for Upton and Southwell to work their magic. They have one debutant, Lilly-Ann White, who is playing on the wing. The Raiders would be smart to try and put the 18-year-old under pressure early.

Match-ups

Sophie Holyman and Caitlan Johnston-Green

Big battle up front. Johnston-Green and Holyman both played in State of Origin this year in the front row, and with the Jillaroos going to Vegas next year, both of these players will be looking to assert dominance on the field. 

Emma Barnes and Nita Maynard

Two players at opposite stages of their careers. Barnes, the young up-and-comer who impressed in her debut season, is making her case for a starting jersey. Maynard is a veteran of the NRLW competition, playing almost every year since the competition’s inception. Maynard is smart and has the craftiness that comes from experience.

Conclusion

They said we’d never get anywhere, they don’t care and it’s just fair that you know and I know better, Raiders by 8!

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