The Sydney Roosters will have the opportunity to take one step closer to claiming the 2022 Minor Premiership this Sunday, but in their way stands a rejuvenated Newcastle Knights outfit.
Last Time Out: Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights
In their sole meeting at NRLW level, the Roosters kick-started their 2021 season with a dominant 28-12 victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
NRLW Round 3 Highlights: Roosters vs Knights
In their first match on the hallowed turf, the Red, White and Blue brushed aside the losses from their first fortnight to pile on six tries, with winger Brydie Parker claiming a double.
The Roosters hit the ground running with two quickfire four-pointers to Parker and Isabelle Kelly before the Knights crossed to close the deficit and bring the halftime score to 10-6.
A maiden try to powerhouse forward Keilee Joseph sealed the win before Jess Sergis crossed in the dying stages to put the cherry on top in their first victory of the season.
How They Line Up
John Strange's side has a handful of changes, highlighted by the Club debut of Chante Temara - who will line up alongside sister Zahara for the very first time at NRLW level - as well as an NRLW debut for Jasmin Strange.
Sam Bremner is named in the no.1 jersey following a stellar performance against her former side, joined by Leianne Tufuga, Jessica Sergis, Captain Isabelle Kelly and Strange in the backline.
Match: Roosters v Knights
Round 4 -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Knights
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Samantha BremnerFullback for Knights is number 5 Jakiya Whitfeld
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Winger for Roosters is number 2 Leianne TufugaWinger for Knights is number 2 Kiana Takairangi
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Centre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica SergisCentre for Knights is number 3 Shanice Parker
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Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle KellyCentre for Knights is number 11 Romy Teitzel
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Winger for Roosters is number 5 Jasmin StrangeWinger for Knights is number 20 Emmanita Paki
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Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Zahara TemaraFive-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Kirra Dibb
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Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Raecene McGregorHalfback for Knights is number 7 Jesse Southwell
Forwards
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Prop for Roosters is number 8 Kalosipani HopoateProp for Knights is number 8 Caitlan Johnston
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Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Destiny BrillHooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia Higgins
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Prop for Roosters is number 10 Mya Hill-MoanaProp for Knights is number 10 Millie Boyle
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Otesa Pule2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Olivia Kernick2nd Row for Knights is number 17 Makenzie Weale
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Lock for Roosters is number 13 Keilee JosephLock for Knights is number 15 Tayla Predebon
Interchange
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Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Jocelyn KelleherInterchange for Knights is number 13 Simone Karpani
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Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Chanté TemaraInterchange for Knights is number 14 Emma Manzelmann
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Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Joeli MorrisInterchange for Knights is number 16 Caitlin Moran
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Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Samantha EconomosInterchange for Knights is number 21 Tiana Davison
Reserves
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Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Angelina Teakaraanga-KatoaReplacement for Knights is number 18 Kyra Simon
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Zahara Temara and Raecene McGregor are named in the halves, with Kalosipani Hopoate making her starting debut in the front row alongside Destiny Brill and Mya Hill-Moana.
Otesa Pule comes into the starting back row with Olivia Kernick, while Keilee Joseph locks up the scrum to round off the starting side.
Two-try hero Jocelyn Kelleher is named on the bench with Chante Temara, Joeli Morris and Samantha Economos, with the latter three making their first appearances for the season.
Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa has been named as 18th player, while Shannon Rose, Jada Taylor, Shawden Burton and Sarah Togatuki have been named on the extended bench.
Round 3 NRLW Highlights: Roosters vs Dragons
The Knights have made no changes to their side that defeated Parramatta, with a number of former Roosters lining up including Olivia Higgins, Yasmin Clydsdale and Tayla Predebon.
Newcastle's heavy recruitment drive has seen the aforementioned players head north, but arguably their most dangerous new faces come in the form of fullback Tamika Upton and front rower Millie Boyle.
Key Match Up: Zahara Temara vs Kirra Dib
Two of the most experienced and skilled pivots in Zahara Temara and Kirra Dibb clash on Sunday afternoon.
Temara has had a season to remember so far in 2022, building on her form that steered Easts to the Premiership in April, laying on two tries, forcing two drop outs and creating two linebreaks.
Her opposite in Dibb has enjoyed a strong year herself, playing a pivotal role in the Sky Blues' State of Origin series victory while guiding the Knights across the park with a try assist, three linebreak assists and a forced drop out.
With an undefeated record to uphold for both five-eighths, look to Temara and Dibb to stamp their mark on this highly-anticipated contest.
What They Said:
“Going from last season starting off, we just need to keep our heads humble and keep doing what we’re doing.” - Jocelyn Kelleher
For the Love of the Game
Final Verdict
Both sides have essentially solidified a spot in the NRLW finals series, but there is still plenty to play for come Sunday night - especially with the Minor Premiership on the line.
The Tricolours will be confident of extending their winning streak against the surprise packet of the competition and will be looking to celebrate a number of debuts with a victory.
With plenty of benefits including priority to purchase finals tickets, merchandise discounts as well as the best seating at Allianz Stadium, be sure to Call Yourself a Rooster in 2023 with Sydney Roosters Membership!
