A new era is set to begin when the Bulldogs play their inaugural NRLW match in Friday night's clash with the Knights.
Co-captains Tayla Preston and Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa will lead from the front as Canterbury look to make a winning start at Accor Stadium.
The Bulldogs have recruited a mix of experience and youth for their first season, with 20-year-old forward Alexis Tauaneai headlining the group tipped for breakout campaigns.
Newcastle coach Ben Jeffries is set to roll out a new-look Knights side after the off-season departure of a host of stars.
Caitlan Johnston-Green and Tamika Upton headline the players who have left, with the door now open for the next generation to step up.
Premiership-winning halfback Jesse Southwell is full of confidence after leading the Blues to a State of Origin series victory and her positional battle with Preston will be fascinating.
Match: Bulldogs v Knights
Round 1 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Knights
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Bulldogs: Halfback Tayla Preston and prop Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa will captain the Bulldogs in their inaugural NRLW match. Ash Quinlan will link up with Preston in the halves, while former Shark Andie Robinson has won the race for the fullback jersey. Young gun Alexis Tauaneai is set to line up as an edge forward alongside Latisha Smythe. Tegan Dymock, the daughter of Bulldogs premiership winner Jim, will continue the family's long association with the club when she starts at prop. No changes in Thursday's 24-hour update.
Knights: Bo Vette-Welsh will start at fullback as Newcastle enter a new era in 2025. Joeli Morris is set to step into the No.9 jumper with Olivia Higgins suspended, while Jesse Southwell and Georgia Roche will play in the halves. Young gun Evah McEwen is set to start in the back row alongside experienced skipper Yasmin Clydsdale. Kayla Romaniuk will take on a greater role this year and will start at lock on Friday night. Tess Staines (18th player) and Viena Tinao remained in the squad when it was trimmed on Thursday.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Andie RobinsonFullback for Knights is number 1 Botille Vette-Welsh
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Bridget HoyWinger for Knights is number 2 Sheridan Gallagher
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Simina LokotuiCentre for Knights is number 3 Shanice Parker
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Moana CourtenayCentre for Knights is number 4 Tenika Willison
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Adi Vani BulekiWinger for Knights is number 5 Lilly-Ann White
-
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Ashleigh QuinlanFive-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Georgia Roche
-
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Tayla PrestonHalfback for Knights is number 7 Jesse Southwell
Forwards
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Angelina Teakaraanga-KatoaProp for Knights is number 8 Tayla Predebon
-
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Ebony PriorHooker for Knights is number 9 Joeli Morris
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Tegan DymockProp for Knights is number 10 Tiana Davison
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Alexis Tauaneai2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Evah McEwen
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Latisha Smythe2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale
-
Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Holli WheelerLock for Knights is number 13 Kayla Romaniuk
Interchange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Shaquaylah Mahakitau-MonschauInterchange for Knights is number 14 Jules Kirkpatrick
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Shaniece MonschauInterchange for Knights is number 15 Simone Karpani
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Shannon MuruInterchange for Knights is number 16 Sienna Yeo
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Kalosipani HopoateInterchange for Knights is number 17 Grace Kukutai
Reserves
-
Replacement for Bulldogs is number 18 Hope MillardReplacement for Knights is number 18 Tess Staines
-
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 19 Elizabeth MacGregorReserve for Knights is number 21 Viena Tinao
Match Officials
- Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Bulldogs’ line-up includes four players who have played in five NRLW grand finals.
- New Knights captain Yasmin Clydsdale will make her 40th NRLW appearance.
- Bulldogs winger Leio Fotu-Moala has scored three tries in her last two NRLW games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the
