The nib Newcastle Knights NRLW side outgunned the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday night.
With two wins under their belt, our side currently ties with the Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra Dragons in the NRLW premiership.
The team will look to continue their success this Sunday against the Parramatta Eels at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The NRLW Head Coach Ronald Griffiths and Co-Captain Millie Boyle spoke after the game on the Titans' win, key moments and areas of improvement.
ON THE VICTORY
"It was a big battle, especially in the middle, I think that second half as well we definitely let them get in there a little bit and couldn't get that momentum back," Boyle said.
"The girls really held on and we had a few injuries and there was a lot of shifting in positions and I think everyone adapted really well.
"It's exciting, we need to improve, we knew that we couldn't come out this week and not back it up from the week before so that was really important to us."
"Particularly at half-time, they [Titans] came up with a real lot of resolve and really wanted to compete with us. I think importantly our community and club want to see us put performances in the park each week that they can be proud of," Griffiths said.
"I thought even though it wasn't our greatest performance, it was dictated a little bit by them. They played well but we stayed there until the death and we defended for long periods of time so I'm really proud of what the players did."
ON MANZELMANN'S PERFORMANCE
"I thought there were probably two turning points. Tayla Predebon came on and really created that momentum at the ruck. Then, Emma, she's so electric out of the area...her leg speed is good but what I like is when she made the break she had someone there with her supporting her with Tamika," Griffiths said.
"We scored the try. She's [Manzelmann] defensively tough, she kept putting herself on the line which is important for her size."
ON PLAYING FOR THE CLUB
"It's been really good so far and it's been a short pre-season and straight into playing. It's nice to be back playing some footy, the girls turn up each week and are ready to learn and ready to get better so I'm just excited about the future, not only this year but coming years," Boyle said.
"There are a lot of girls in the Newcastle region and Hunter region that can aspire to play in the NRLW and have Newcastle as a pathway for that."
ON UPTON'S PERFORMANCE
"What she does defensively, not only in attack is second to none. The way she feels gaps and directs people around the park...the work she does is subtle but doesn't get the wrap it deserves," Boyle said.
"It gives you some real safety or security that you know she's going to catch the ball and return it to you but further to that defensively, as Millie spoke about, she really builds trust in the playing group with her voice," Griffiths said.
"There's no doubt in three to four weeks when everyone knows her style and what she's doing. Her defensive organisation will be second to none."
