Defending premiers Newcastle meet the Broncos for a place in the 2023 decider at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday in a clash that is expected to go down to the wire with two in-form teams.
The Knights finished on top of the Telstra Women's Premiership ladder for the first time in their club history but face a Broncos side that has clicked in the final half of the season to become genuine title contenders.
Brisbane were once the juggernauts of the NRLW, a mantle the Knights could start to hold should they go on to claim back-to-back titles, while the Roosters will have something to say about that in their other semi-final against the Titans.
The Broncos will take plenty away from when the two sides last met in Round 5 with Scott Prince's side getting to a 16-4 lead before surrendering in the final 15 minutes of the match to concede three tries.
The battle between Ali Brigginshaw and Jesse Southwell will go a long way towards victory while shutting down Tamika Upton will be No.1 priority on the Broncos' list after failing to do so last match.
Regardless of which way the result goes, the Knights having the chance to defend their title on grand final day or the Broncos being back in the big dance will be notable storylines on October 1.
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Team news
Knights: No further changes after Rima Butler joined the bench on Saturday afternoon, with the forward to make her return from a thumb injury in the must-win clash. Jesse Southwell (leg) and Sheridan Gallagher (knee) are good to go, while Georgia Roche is back at five-eighth after being rested against the Wests Tigers. Jacinta Carter is the player to make way on the bench following Butler's return and is instead the replacement player.
Broncos: No late changes to Scott Prince's squad, which in the same as that which beat the Dragons last week. Chelsea Lenarduzzi accepted a $400 fine for Dangerous Contact and is free to play.
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Stat Attack
- The Broncos have not beaten the Knights since the 2021 season.
- Brisbane (256) scored more points than the Knights (224) in the regular season.
- Broncos centre Mele Hufanga has 14 linebreaks in nine games.
- Knights fullback Tamika Upton (2,016 metres) has ran more yardage than any other player in 2023.
- Knights centres Abigail Roache and Shanice Parker have the equal highest amount of errors in the competition with 16 each.
- Broncos lock Mariah Denman (53) has missed more tackles than any other player in the competition.