NRL.com Wrap | Knights thrash Dragons in home statement

Press Conference

Full-time: The Knights have claimed a comprehensive 38-0 victory over the Dragons to close out Women in League Round. The win marks Newcastle's second of the season however it came at a cost with skipper Yasmin Meakes injuring her knee. The representative star will go for scans to determine the severity of the injury. The Knights ran in seven tries to zero as the brave Dragons struggled to keep pace with their opponents. Knights 38 - Dragons 0.

67th minute: Newcastle continue to flex their muscle, winger Mercedez Taulelei-Siala beating multiple scrambling defenders to reach out and just get the ball grounded on the line. Lucy Spain created the overlap before Tenika Willison produced an excellent pass and Taulelei-Siala did the rest. Knights 38 - Dragons 0.

63rd minute: Sidney Taylor has a try after some excellent work by the Knights right edge. Kirra Dibb hit Shanice Parker with a cut out pass, the winger drew multiple defenders before passing back inside to her centre for the try. Knights 32 - Dragons 0.

55th minute: After defending their line a few minutes ago, the Knights have made the most of their own attacking opportunity. Georgia Roche delivered a nice pass to Tiana Davison, who managed to manoeuvre the ball around the goal post padding to ground it and score the try. Knights 28 - Dragons 0. 

52nd minute: The Dragons had a couple of attacking sets in succession but they couldn't find a way through the Knights defensive wall. Eventually Olivia Higgins came up and produced a big hit to force an error and Newcastle take possession. Knights 22 - Dragons 0. 

49th minute: The Dragons have their chance to hit back after Kasey Reh produced a towering bomb. Knights fullback Lucy Spain was unable to reel it in and St George Illawarra have an attacking scrum. Knights 22 - Dragons 0.

41st minute: Newcastle are up on the scoreboard but they have been dealt a blow with skipper Yasmin Meakes ruled out for the remainder of the match. The NSW and Jillaroos star will be sent for scans to determine the severity of the injury. Knights 22 - Dragons 0.

37th minute: It's the perfect start for the Knights, who immediately capitalise on the penalty to strike first. Rookie fullback Lucy Spain played a key role in the attacking movement, setting up winger Shanice Parker for the try. Knights 22 - Dragons 0.

Kick-off: We are back for the second half with Newcastle to have the first set of six. St George Illawarra are desperate to strike early as they look to reel in an 18-point deficit but the half has not started well for them with the Knights receiving a penalty in the first set. Knights 18 - Dragons 0. 

Half-time: That was an important defensive stop from the Dragons in the final minute of the half to keep within touching distance of the Knights. St George Illawarra started well but Newcastle slowly ramped up the intensity as the half progressed to turn the screws on their opponents. Three tries were the end result but there is concern for captain Yasmin Meakes, who left the field with a knee injury. Knights 18 - Dragons 0.

33rd minute: The Dragons are defending desperately but the weight of possession is proving too great to hold out. This time it's Amelia Pasikala who crashes over from short range to score her team's third. Knights 18 - Dragons 0. 

29th minute: Yasmin Meakes attempted to play on but she has now succumbed to the knee injury suffered a few minutes ago. The Newcastle skipper has had to be helped from the field and is clearly in a fair amount of pain. Knights 12 - Dragons 0.

25th minute: The Knights are back on the attack but we've had a pause after Yasmin Meakes fell awkwardly in a tackle. The Newcastle skipper instantly clutched at her knee and has received some treatment. She's in a bit of pain but will play on for the time being. Knights 12 - Dragons 0.

22nd minute: They were denied a couple of minutes ago but there's no stopping Yasmin Meakes. The Dragons were on the attack and Talia Fuimaono attempted  to pass the ball wide, it was intercepted by Sidney Taylor who raced away in a footrace with St George Illawarra's Tahlia O'Brien. The Dragons won the race and dragged Taylor down a metre short of the line but the Knights shifted the ball immediately and Meakes scored a simple try. Knights 12 - Dragons 0.

20th minute: We're back to the Bunker with Newcastle's Tenika Willison claiming a try. Georgia Roche attempted an offload but she spilled the ball in the process, Willison scooped up the loose ball and raced away but it had already travel forward and the try is disallowed. Knights 6 - Dragons 0.

16th minute: This time there's no denying the Knights with Georgia Roche finishing off some unstructured play to score under the posts. Newcastle rolled down the field thanks to a seven-tackle set and the Dragons never recovered, Tenika Willison throwing a superb final pass to her halfback for the try. Knights 6 - Dragons 0.

12th minute: We're off to the Bunker for another potential Newcastle try with Kirra Dibb putting a chip over the top of the Dragons defence. St George Illawarra's Maria Paseka and Newcastle's Sidney Taylor are both racing for the ball with the Bunker ruling it was Paseka who knocked it dead to prevent the try. It's a line dropout and another attacking chance for the Knights. Knights 0 - Dragons 0.

10th minute: The Knights look to have the first points of the game through winger Mercedez Taulelei-Siala however the Bunker has taken a close look at this and Taulelei-Siala dropped the ball as she dove for the corner amid heavy cover defence from the Dragons. Knights 0 - Dragons 0.

6th minute: We're off to the Bunker after Dragons hooker Brooke Anderson attempts to burrow over from dummy half. Madison Mulhall came agonisingly close on the previous play the ball and Anderson attempted to go straight through the ruck. It's a Knights penalty for obstruction and the hosts survive an early scare. Knights 0 - Dragons 0.

Kick-off: We are underway in the final game of Women in League Round with the Dragons to have first use of the ball. Both sides have one win from the first two games as they chase a second victory. It's Olivia Higgins' 50th NRLW match with the Knights eager to celebrate her milestone with a win. Knights 0 - Dragons 0.

Stat Attack

• The Knights have won four of their last five games against the Dragons.
• The Dragons are chasing back-to-back wins for the first time since 2022.
• Knights hooker Olivia Higgins will reach the milestone of 50 NRLW games.
• Dragons fullback Teagan Berry has scored eight tries in five games at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Late Mail

Knights: No late changes for the Knights, who will line up 1-17. English international Georgia Roche is straight back into the No.7 jersey in her return from suspension, with Kirra Dibb shifting to five-eighth and Bo Vette-Welsh moving to the bench. Hooker Olivia Higgins will reach the milestone of 50 NRLW games.

Dragons: Tahlia O'Brien has come into the starting side in the centres for her second appearance of the year and Nita Maynard-Perrin joins the bench. Keele Brown has dropped out after picking up a hamstring injury. Youngster Tyra Ekepati is set to line up on the wing after Jayme Millard succumbed to a pectoral injury while Zali Hopkins has been ruled out following a head knock last weekend. Fullback Teagan Berry has scored eight tries in five games at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Broncos v Wests Tigers at Totally Workwear Stadium

Media conferences

Full-time: Kerri Johnson (170 run metres, four line breaks and two tries), Chelsea Lenarduzzi (two tries and 87 metres) and Bree Spreadborough (37 tackles) were all superb for the Broncos. Meanwhile, skipper Kezie Apps racked up a team-high 32 tackles for the Tigers in her 55-minute performance.

67 min: Brisbane flex their muscles with Lenarduzzi makes it a double with a penalty try with Shaylee Bent pinned for kicking the ball as the Broncos prop tries to ground it. Broncos 40-12.

66 min: Brisbane launch a captain's challenge after Holli Wheeler infringes the ruck and the challenge is not only successful but Wheeler is also placed on report for deliberate contact.

61 min: Johnson crosses for a double after some great lead-up work by Upton who drew in several Tigers' defenders to create space on the left edge for the winger to go over untouched. Southwell adds the extras. Broncos 34-12.

60 min: Rogan is penalised for slowing down the ruck on the Tigers' line and the Broncos get a chance to put the game to bed.

52 min: McGregor fools the Brisbane defence on the last tackle, going herself and coming up with a double right-foot step to grab her first try of the season. Broncos 28-12.

51 min: McGregor grubbers into the in goal to earn the Tigers a repeat set after Bartlett knocks the ball on.

46 min: Apps leaves the field for a HIA for which she later passed.

42 min: Both sides trade sets in the opening stages of the half before the Broncos bag the first try. Jada Ferguson scoots down the short side from 10 metres out and finds Upton who tips on to Georgia Bartlett to score. Broncos 26-6.

Half-time: The Broncos take a 16-point lead to the sheds on the back of 55 per cent possession and 84 per cent completion (16 of 19 sets). Julia Robinson was a standout with 111 run metres and a try assist.

35 min: An incredible try on the siren! Southwell punts a grubber into the in-goal and Upton throws it back in field for Lenarduzzi to pounce on and score. Broncos 22-6.

34 min: Back-to-back errors on their line gives the Broncos one more roll of the dice before half-time.

29 min: The Broncos keep the ball alive on the last tackle and Brigginshaw combines with Tamika Upton to set up Kerri Johnson in space on the left edge. Broncos 16-6.

26 min: The Tigers are on the attack but Broncos scramble and manage to hold up veteran forward Kezie Apps on the line.

23 min: A sensational 30-metre solo try by Southwell puts the Broncos back in front with the halfback showing great speed and footwork on the last tackle to score. Broncos 12-6.

20 min: Brisbane carry the ball downfield and look to add to the scoreline when Lenarduzzi tips on to Shannon Mato who found Bree Spreadborough in space, however Lenarduzzi's pass was called forward.

18 min: The Tigers earn several repeat sets on their attacking line but the Broncos defence holds firm.

15 min: After building pressure in attack, the Tigers hit back with Raecene McGregor setting up Sarah Togatuki in space who runs 30 metres and fends off Lauren Dam to score. Broncos 6-6.

10 min: The Broncos march their way downfield on their next set and Brigginshaw looks to cash in from close range before Lily Rogan comes up with a try saver.

7 min: After the Tigers dominate early possession, the Broncos capitalise on their first opportunity in the Red Zone with halves Jesse Southwell and Ali Brigginshaw combining to set up Julia Robinson in space who tips on to Caitlin Urwin to score.

Late Mail

Broncos: A late change sees emerging forward Rhemy Hinckesman drop out of the squad following a head knock last weekend with Harlem Walker joining the bench. Cook Islands representative Deleni Paitai will make her NRLW debut off the interchange for Sunday's clash with the undefeated Tigers. 

Wests Tigers: The Tigers have a settled squad as they look to continue their unbeaten start to the season, with Faythe Manera to line up at five-eighth for the second week in a row. The Tigers have never beaten Brisbane and are chasing three consecutive wins for the first time. No late changes on game day.

Titans v Eels at Cbus Super Stadium

Media Conferences 

Full-time: The Titans dominated proceedings with 64 per cent of possession and 34 out of 40 completed sets. Karyn Murphy's side was relentless in attack with eight of their players running for more than 100 metres led by forwards Laikha Clarke (195m) and Evania Isa'ako (179m). Meanwhile, Elsie Albert was a standout in the losing side with two tries, 104 run metres and six tackle breaks.

69 min: The Titans earn a repeat set after dragging Pearson into the in goal and Laikha Clarke crashes over to make it a record victory in Titans NRLW history. Final score Titans 50-12.

65 min: A third hip drop tackle from the Eels, this time from Tohi-Hiku adds more pressure to Parramatta's defence and Takoda Thompson cashes in after an off the cuff play close to the line. Titans 44-12.

62 min: The Titans shift the ball left and Hippi finds some space on the edge to grab another one for the Titans. Titans 38-12.  

61 min: Both sides trade sets before the Eels hand the Titans an opportunity on their line after Rosemarie Beckett is placed on report for another hip-drop on Sarina Masaga.

44 min: Back-to-back Titans' penalties piggybacks the Eels back down into their Red Zone and Albert continues to lead her side from the front, carrying four Titans defenders over the line to score. Rachael Pearson adds the extras. Titans 32-12.

40 min: Albert rolls her side downfield and the Eels threaten their attacking line but they can't come up with a repeat set with Phoenix-Raine Hippi carrying the fifth tackle kick out of the goal line. 

38 min: Eels forward Tess McWilliams is placed on report for a hip-drop tackle on Patson. Despite a possible knee injury, Patson plays on.

Half-time: The Titans go into the sheds with just a 32-6 lead after dominating every aspect of the first half against the Eels. The Titans had 66 per cent of possession and completed 19 of 20 sets at 95 per cent. Evania Isa'ako was a standout with 122 run metres, two line breaks and two try assists to go with her try.

35 min: Celebrations are short lived for the Eels with Brown sending the ball bouncing dead off the kick-off and it takes just one play for Lily Kolc to crash over the line on the buzzer. Titans 32-6.

33 min: A Titans penalty finally gives the Eels an opportunity in their Red Zone and veteran forward Elsie Albert muscles her way over for the visitor's first try. Titans 26-6.

32 min: Eels forward Rysh'e Fa'amausili leaves the field for a HIA which she later failed.

26 min: The Titans continue to win the battle through the middle and it's copy and paste in the Red Zone with Brown going left to this time set up Patston for a double.

18 min: Gold Coast earn a repeat set and the home side continue to show off their slick attacking skills with some nice hands to the left and an Isa'ako cut out pass to set up Georgia Grey in the left corner. Titans 22-0.

14 min: Another error from Cassey Tohi-Hiku hands the Titans another opportunity to attack and this time the Titans send the ball right to set up Bostock with a double. Brown misses a third conversion. Titans 18-0.

11 min: The Titans go left again on the last tackle and this time there's no stopping Isa'ako courtesy of some nice hands from Brown. Titans 14-0.

10 min: Evania Isa'ako looks set to grab the Titans' third try but Abbi Church comes across in cover and manages to hold up the star forward.

6 min: Indie Bostock grabs a second try for the Titans after Zali Fay fails to clean up a Lauren Brown bomb and the ball bounces up for the winger to score. Titans 10-0.

3 min: Some slick ball movement from the Titans halves sets up Ivana Lolesio in space and the barnstorming backrower finds Lily Patston on the inside to grab the opening try. Titans 6-0.

2 min: A penalty from Cassey Tohi-Hiku puts the Eels under early pressure as the Titans are handed a repeat set.

Late Mail

Titans: No changes to Karyn Murphy's side that put in a strong performance against the Bulldogs last week. Star back Jaime Chapman scored four tries in the victory and will again line up in the centres. Evania Isa'ako shifted to the back row in a late change last week and has once again been named to play in the forward pack.

Eels: A late change on game day sees Fleur Ginn drop out of the side and Zali Fay comes in on the wing. Youngster Khyliah Gray is set to start at lock after Kennedy Cherrington was ruled out with a facial fracture, while Fontayne Tufuga comes into the back row following the loss of Chloe Jackson to a rib injury. 

Numbers Game

• The Titans have won three of their last four games against the Eels
• The Eels have conceded 60 points in two losses at Cbus Super Stadium.
• Titans centre Phoenix-Raine Hippi has scored six tries in five games at Cbus Super Stadium.
• Eels centre Rory Owen has scored three tries in two games this season.