The Knights will be hoping the fans are out in full force as the 'home' side this Magic Round, with their home ground McDonald Jones the host venue for this year’s inaugural NRLW Magic Round.
Hosting a Canberra side who have been struggling to find their best and are yet to notch a win, Newcastle will be expecting to put in another strong performance, after proving too strong for the Eels last week in their 30-6 victory.
Although hampered by injury and suspension in the opening rounds, meaning the Raiders are yet to put out their best 17, their recent showings on the field have raised concerns for coach Darrin Borthwick.
Following their disappointing 26-0 loss last week to the Cowboys, their coach will be looking for his players to respond to his challenge, with a good performance against two-time premiers the Knights a perfect way to kickstart their season.
Match: Knights v Raiders
Round 5 -
home Team
Knights
3rd Position
away Team
Raiders
12th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Team News
Knights: Jules Kirkpatrick moves from the bench to the starting side after back-rower Evah McEwen was suspended for a hair pull. Joeli Morris is the new face on the bench. No other changes for Ben Jeffries' side after last week's big win over the Eels.
Raiders: Coach Darrin Borthwick has resisted the urge to swing the axe after a tough start to the season. Co-captain Zahara Temara is straight back into the side after missing last week's game with a hamstring injury, with Georgia Thomas dropping back to the reserves. The only other change sees Grace Kemp revert to the bench and Sophie Holyman named in the starting side, but there could be another late switch between the two, as there was last week.
Match: Knights v Raiders
Round 5 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Raiders
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Knights is number 1 Botille Vette-WelshFullback for Raiders is number 1 Elise Simpson
-
Winger for Knights is number 2 Sheridan GallagherWinger for Raiders is number 2 Madison Bartlett
-
Centre for Knights is number 3 Shanice ParkerCentre for Raiders is number 3 Leianne Tufuga
-
Centre for Knights is number 4 Tenika WillisonCentre for Raiders is number 4 Cheyelle Robins-Reti
-
Winger for Knights is number 5 Tess StainesWinger for Raiders is number 5 Mackenzie Wiki
-
Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Georgia RocheFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Sereana Naitokatoka
-
Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jesse SouthwellHalfback for Raiders is number 7 Zahara Temara
Forwards
-
Prop for Knights is number 8 Tayla PredebonProp for Raiders is number 10 Sophie Holyman
-
Hooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia HigginsHooker for Raiders is number 9 Chanté Temara
-
Prop for Knights is number 10 Tiana DavisonProp for Raiders is number 15 Grace Kemp
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Jules Kirkpatrick2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Jordyn Preston
-
2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale2nd Row for Raiders is number 18 Tatiana Finau
-
Lock for Knights is number 13 Kayla RomaniukLock for Raiders is number 13 Simaima Taufa
Interchange
-
Interchange for Knights is number 14 Joeli MorrisInterchange for Raiders is number 8 Chloe Saunders
-
Interchange for Knights is number 15 Simone KarpaniInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Emma Barnes
-
Interchange for Knights is number 16 Sienna YeoInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Lili Boyle
-
Interchange for Knights is number 17 Grace KukutaiInterchange for Raiders is number 17 Kerehitina Matua
Reserves
-
Replacement for Knights is number 18 Lilly-Ann WhiteReplacement for Raiders is number 22 Relna Wuruki-Hosea
Match Officials
- Referee: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Todd Smith
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Knights have won both matches against the Raiders.
- The Raiders will play at McDonald Jones Stadium for the first time.
- Knights halfback Jesse Southwell has kicked 18 goals from 18 attempts this season.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the
