PENPIX OF THE GOLD COAST SQUAD FOR THE 2023 NRLW GRAND FINAL
Fullback: Evania Pelite
Age: 28
NRLW games: 23
The former gold medal-winning rugby sevens player jumped between centre and fullback throughout her NRLW career before locking down the custodian role full-time this season. Her match-up with rival fullback Tamika Upton is an intriguing, and potentially game-deciding, one.
Wing: Karina Brown
Age: 34
NRLW games: 29
Has added some much-needed experience to a green Titans backline this year. Has ridden the highs and lows since joining Gold Coast for their inaugural season in 2021 and has represented Queensland on four occasions.
Centre: Jaime Chapman
Age: 21
NRLW games: 22
One of the most explosive outside backs in the game. The Titans' leading try-scorer in her first season at the club, scoring six four-pointers in eight games including the club's first NRLW hat-trick.
Centre: Niall Williams-Guthrie
Age: 35
NRLW games: 10
She and Sonny Bill Williams could become the first brother-sister pairing to win NRL and NRLW premierships. The 2016 Olympic silver medallist has started at centre in every game since switching from rugby sevens this season.
Wing: Destiny Mino-Sinapati
Age: 18
NRLW games: 9
Coming off a stellar showing against the Sydney Roosters in the semi-final, scoring the Titans' second try. Has gone from strength to strength in her rookie season and appears destined for a long NRLW career.
Five-eighth: Chantay Kiria-Ratu
Age: 18
NRLW games: 10
Hit the ground running in her debut season and was forced to shoulder more responsibility than originally expected when Taliah Fuimaono went down injured in round one. Has never looked overwhelmed by the pace of the top level.
Halfback: Lauren Brown
Age: 28
NRLW games: 25
The Titans have won five in a row since coach Karyn Murphy switched her from the bench to the halves. A constant threat down the right side against the Sydney Roosters last week and recorded two try assists in each of her last two games before that.
Prop: Shannon Mato
Age: 25
NRLW games: 21
Among the most fearsome prop forwards in the NRLW and a worthy recipient of Dally M Prop of the Year on Wednesday night. Leads the league in post-contact metres with 745 - the next-best for the stat registered 620.
Hooker: Brittany Breayley-Nati
Age: 32
NRLW games: 29
The Titans' joint most-capped NRLW player alongside Evania Pelite. The former Dally M medallist is key to marshalling the Titans' star forward pack around the park.
Prop: Jessika Elliston
Age: 25
NRLW games: 26
A four-time Queensland State of Origin representative, Elliston will be crucial to the Titans' hopes of getting off to a fast start and brings premiership experience from her time with Brisbane.
Second Row: Zara Canfield
Age: 22
NRLW games: 17
The local product has a big assignment to contain Knights superstar and opposite player Yasmin Clydsdale. The Titans will need to muscle up on the right after Newcastle scored three of four tries down that side when the teams last met. Canfield has the opportunity to lead the charge.
Second Row: Shaylee Bent
Age: 23
NRLW games: 29
Has thrived on a move to Gold Coast from St George Illawarra this season. Punches out big minutes on the edge and is yet to miss a game since signing on.
Lock: Georgia Hale (captain)
Age: 28
NRLW games: 29
Gold Coast's best player in the surprise semi-final defeat of the Roosters. Has made 122 more tackles than the next-most prolific player for that statistic this year and was just as pivotal with the ball last week, running for more metres than any other Titans forward.
Interchange: Sienna Lofipo
Age: 18
NRLW games: 9
Found herself thrust into the halves earlier in the season when Taliah Fuimaono went down injured but has since reverted to the bench. Used sparingly in the semi-final but her utility value is important.
Interchange: Stephanie Hancock
Age: 41
NRLW games: 32
Shows no signs of slowing down despite being the oldest first-grade rugby league player in the country. Came out of retirement to play for the Titans in their inaugural season and a premiership ring would be handsome compensation.
Interchange: Rilee Jorgensen
Age: 18
NRLW games: 7
Her physical toughness ensured her cult status after she cemented a spot as an impact player on Karyn Murphy's bench. In a long field, was one of the most impressive rookies this NRLW season.
Interchange: Dannii Perese
Age: 19
NRLW games: 6
Another star of the future and will be crucial to helping the Titans maintain control in the middle of the park when she comes on.
18th Player: Taliah Fuimaono
Age: 24
NRLW games: 14
Suffered an ankle injury in her first game for her new club and has been unable to break back into the 17 since recovering. Will only come on in the event of multiple concussions or one caused by foul play.
