NRLW Round 11 Late Mail: Key Changes Confirmed ahead of Finals Push
As the NRLW season heads into its final round, several teams have confirmed late changes to their lineups impacting finals aspirations.
Roosters v Eels, friday 7.30pm at Allianz Stadium
Roosters coach John Strange has adjusted his side, with Jess ciesiolka moving to the wing and Hayley Maddick to the interchange. Tara McGrath-West was cut from the extended squad despite nearing recovery from a foot injury, with Tafito Lafaele and Skyla Adams retaining their spots.
Cowboys star Jakiya Whitfeld’s return from a shoulder injury has been delayed for another week as North Queensland adopts a cautious approach. Essay Banu remains a possibility to be promoted to the starting side on gameday, mirroring last week’s scenario. No changes to the 1-19 were made a day out from the game. A Cowboys win is crucial to secure a home final.
titans v Raiders, saturday 1.45pm at Cbus Super stadium
Gold Coast will welcome back Brittany Breayley-Nati, Destiny Mino-Sinapati, and prop Sienna Lofipo for their vital clash with Canberra. The Titans need a win to secure a top-six finish, but a loss combined with a Parramatta victory will see them miss the finals.Georgia Gray has been ruled out due to a head knock, with Phoenix-Raine Hippi shifting to the wing. The 1-19 remained unchanged in the 24-hour update.
Canberra has been forced into changes with Grace Kemp and Mackenzie Wiki (both suffering knocks last week) ruled out. Relna wuruki-Hosea will start on the wing, and Lili boyle joins the bench. Hollie-Mae Dodd is named for her first game since Round 6 after recovering from a foot injury and is expected to come off the bench. Madyson Tooth and Georgia Thomas remained in the 19-player squad.
Wests Tigers v Warriors,Sunday 12pm at Campbelltown Sports Stadium
Brett Kimmorley,coaching his final game for Wests Tigers,has named Evie McGrath to replace Caitlin Turnbull (head knock) at fullback. Salma Nour will start at hooker, and Montana Clifford is set to play her first game since Round 6.
The Warriors welcome back Tysha Ikenasio and Laishon Albert-Jones from suspension,but have lost star playmaker Patricia Maliepo (hamstring).Lydia Turua-Quedley will play halfback, with Emmanita Paki moving to five-eighth. Maarire Puketapu has also been ruled out after a head knock last week.
Knights v Dragons, Sunday 1.45pm at McDonald Jones Stadium
Newcastle’s Yasmin Clydsdale will become the sixth player to reach 50 NRLW games. A head knock to Botille Vette Welsh has seen Lilly-Ann White move to fullback,with Mercedez Taulelei-Siala in line for her NRLW debut. A Knights victory could secure a home semi-final.
The Dragons will see Hannah Southwell shift to the second row following Ella Koster’s head knock. Trinity Tauaneai will start at lock,and Sara Sautia returns to the interchange after missing last week due to illness.
