PENPIX OF THE NEWCASTLE SQUAD FOR THE 2023 NRLW GRAND FINAL
Fullback: Tamika Upton
Age: 26
NRLW games: 27
The form player of the NRLW this season, and scooped up the Dally M Medal on Wednesday night to prove it. Upton averages more metres than any other player this season, breaks the fifth-most tackles and has recorded the third-most try assists. Critical to the Knights' hopes of going back-to-back.
Wing: Sheridan Gallagher
Age: 21
NRLW games: 10
A former captain of the Young Matildas, Gallagher has made a smooth transition to the NRLW this year, tying with Abigail Roache as the Knights' leading try-scorer.
Centre: Shanice Parker
Age: 25
NRLW games: 22
The Knights' player of the year in their 2022 premiership season. Capable of playing anywhere in the outside backs and at fullback but has been a lock for selection at centre all year. Along with Abigail Roache, is the only Knights player to have recorded multiple try-scoring doubles in 2023.
Centre: Abigail Roache
Age: 23
NRLW games: 10
Brought over from New Zealand this year after winning women's player of the year in the Auckland Rugby League. Yet to miss a game in her rookie season and has scored six tries from her 10 appearances.
Wing: Jasmin Strange
Age: 20
NRLW games: 11
The youngest Knight named in Ron Griffiths' starting side. Comes from a strong rugby league family that includes her father, Sydney Roosters coach John Strange and brother Ethan, an elite prospect at Canberra. Afforded few opportunities at the Roosters last year but has wasted little time locking down a spot at the Knights.
Five-eighth: Georgia Roche
Age: 23
NRLW games: 7
Can become the first English player to win a NRLW title. The former Super League woman of steel began a five-year contract with the Knights this year but is only scratching the surface of her potential in the competition.
Halfback: Jesse Southwell
Age: 18
NRLW games: 17
Has continued to play beyond her years in 2023 as Newcastle's game manager. At 18, can become the first Knights halfback, men's or women's, to win back-to-back premierships. Her precision at the kicking tee could well prove crucial if the game is an arm-wrestle.
Prop: Tayla Predebon
Age: 22
NRLW games: 24
Has locked down a starting spot on the road to the grand final but was kept relatively quiet in the semi-final. She'll hope to change that as she squares off with the Titans' formidable pack.
Hooker: Olivia Higgins
Age: 31
NRLW games: 24
Like teammates Tayla Predebon and Yasmin Clydsdale, Higgins is vying for a third consecutive premiership ring after moving to the Knights last year from 2021 premiers the Sydney Roosters. Is set to share dummy-half duties with Nita Maynard.
Prop: Caitlan Johnston
Age: 22
NRLW games: 20
Began the season on an edge but is back in the middle where she belongs. Her 130 metres per game is the highest average of the Knights' middle unit. She'll be riding high after scoring her first try of the season and running for 141 metres in the tight semi-final win over Brisbane.
Second Row: Laishon Albert-Jones
Age: 25
NRLW games: 9
The niece of Warriors legend Stacey Jones, Albert-Jones made the leap over from New Zealand this year. The move has paid off; she's another member of the rookie class who has become a must-pick for coach Ron Griffiths.
Second Row: Yasmin Clydsdale
Age: 29
NRLW games: 28
The winger-turned-second-rower just keeps getting better and was a deserving recipient of Dally M Second Rower of the Year award on Wednesday night. No Knights player has made more tackles in 2023. Also leads the Knights' forward pack for average run metres with 133 per game.
Lock: Hannah Southwell (captain)
Age: 24
NRLW games: 24
Has made a triumphant return from the anterior cruciate ligament injury she suffered in round one last season. The Knights skipper watched on as Newcastle hoisted the trophy aloft without her so will be hungry to feature on the podium in 2023.
Interchange: Nita Maynard
Age: 31
NRLW games: 28
Has brought vital experience on arrival at Newcastle, her fourth NRLW club, this year. Played in two losing grand final sides during her time at the Sydney Roosters, including the inaugural decider in 2018.
Interchange: Tiana Davison
Age: 22
NRLW games: 7
Scored what turned out to be the match-winning try in the semi-final defeat of Brisbane. Missed out on featuring in the premiership team in her rookie campaign last year so will be eager to make the most of her selection.
Interchange: Kayla Romaniuk
Age: 21
NRLW games: 13
A local product who famously won the grand final in only her third NRLW game last year. Yet to miss a game in 2023 and was huge off the bench in the semi-final victory.
Interchange: Rima Butler
Age: 25
NRLW games: 11
Was part of the Parramatta side that lost to the Knights in last year's grand final but will hope to be on the other side of the scorecard come Sunday. Began a role on the bench on return from a thumb injury last week.
18th Player: Jacinta Carter
Age: 19
NRLW games: 2
Will only come on in the event of multiple concussions or one that is caused by an act of foul play.
