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Cowboys v Knights: Forward blow; Butler ruled out

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pan66.com
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The Knights bounced back in a big way last week with a strong win over the Titans and head up to the home of the Cowboys full of confidence to bring down another Queensland competitor. 

NRLW SportsBet Betting Preview - Cowboys v Knights

Facing their third Queensland opponent in three weeks, the Knights lost late to the Broncos, but produced a dominant 46-10 performance on the Gold Coast last week, with Sheridan Gallagher crossing for a hat-trick in the club's biggest win in their history.

The Cowboys came unstuck against the Roosters last round, but started well in the first half, even leading their opponents after scoring an early double. 

However, momentum changed midway through the half, with North Queensland conceding two tries to be trailing at the break and in the second, the Cowboys could not recover. However, will find heart from their efforts to keep the ladder leaders restricted to just the one try in the second half.

With that loss, North Queensland's chances of making the finals were extinguished due to their for-and-against record, however, while the Knights are currently in the top four, they have the Eels right on their heels and will need a win in this final round to confirm their place. 

Team News

Cowboys: There is one change to the starting side, with Lily Peacock coming into the starting side for Tallisha Harden, who moves back to the bench. Lillian Arrow will miss the last game of the season with a high ankle sprain. Krystal Blackwell returns on the wing, with Vitalina Naikore reverting to the extended reserves. Shellie Long slots into the second row with Tiana Raftstrand-Smith out with concussion. Last week's debutant Jazmon Tupou-Witchman is the new 18th player, while Sareka Mooka and Libby Surha return to the 17. Ebony Raftstrand-Smith is the replacement player in 21.

Knights: A few changes to the side with Rima Butler out with a MCL (knee) injury and Tayla Predebon to start. Forward Evah McEwen will make her debut in jersey 19. Earlier, an ankle injury to Nita Maynard saw last week's 18th player Evie Jones come onto the interchange bench in her place. Young back Lilly-Ann White is the new replacement player. The Knights will be targeting to win to confirm their place in the finals, with the Eels nipping at their heels in fifth place on the ladder. 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Francesca Goldthorp
    Fullback for Knights is number 1 Tamika Upton
  • Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Krystal Blackwell
    Winger for Knights is number 2 Sheridan Gallagher
  • Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Jakiya Whitfeld
    Centre for Knights is number 3 Shanice Parker
  • Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Jasmine Peters
    Centre for Knights is number 4 Abigail Roache
  • Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Lavinia Tauhalaliku
    Winger for Knights is number 5 Tenika Willison
  • Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tahlulah Tillett
    Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Georgia Roche
  • Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Kirra Dibb
    Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jesse Southwell

Forwards

  • Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Essay Banu
    Prop for Knights is number 10 Simone Karpani
  • Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Emma Manzelmann
    Hooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia Higgins
  • Prop for Cowboys is number 15 Lily Peacock
    Prop for Knights is number 16 Tayla Predebon
  • 2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Shaniah Power
    2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Laishon  Albert-Jones 
  • 2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Shellie Long
    2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale
  • Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Bree Chester
    Lock for Knights is number 13 Hannah Southwell

Interchange

  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 8 Tallisha Harden
    Interchange for Knights is number 14 Evie Jones
  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Jetaya Faifua
    Interchange for Knights is number 15 Kayla Romaniuk
  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Sareka Mooka
    Interchange for Knights is number 17 Viena Tinao
  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 22 Libby Surha
    Interchange for Knights is number 19 Evah McEwen

Reserves

  • Replacement for Cowboys is number 21 Ebony Raftstrand-Smith
    Replacement for Knights is number 18 Lilly-Ann White

Match Officials

  • Referee: Belinda Sharpe
  • Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger

Last updated:

Stat Attack 

  • The Cowboys have won three from three at Queensland Country Bank Stadium this season.
  • The Knights play at QCB Stadium for the first time.
  • Cowboys centre Jakiya Whitfeld has scored six tries in her past seven games.
  • Knights winger Sheridan Gallagher has scored seven tries in her past five games.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, 

Related

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.