It's the showdown of the weekend in the NRLW's Magic Round in Wagga Wagga - the fourth-placed One New Zealand Warriors facing the third-ranked Titans.
The Warriors edged Parramatta 14-12 in a thriller last weekend, while the Titans delivered an impressive 34-6 victory over North Queensland.
The Warriors have built a reputation for finding ways to win tight contests. Their narrow win over the Eels demonstrated composure under pressure and highlighted their resilience.
Gold Coast's performance against the Cowboys was among their most complete displays of the season. The Titans controlled possession, took advantage of opportunities and never allowed North Queensland in.
This contest shapes as a fascinating clash of styles. The Warriors' ability to grind out wins contrasts with a Titans side capable of producing explosive attacking football when momentum swings their way.
Match: Warriors v Titans
Round 5 -
home Team
Warriors
4th Position
away Team
Titans
3rd Position
Venue: Geohex Park, Wagga Wagga
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team news
One New Zealand Warriors: A shuffle for Ron Griffiths as the Warriors take on an in-form Titans, with the return to the field of 2025 premiership winner Mele Hufanga. Making her first appearance for the club, her inclusion shifts Stacey Waaka back to the wing. In the forwards, Maarire Puketapu will start at prop while Patricia Maliepo will start at hooker in place of Jasmin Huriwai, who has suffered a head knock. Annetta Nuuausala is unavailable replaced on the bench by Ashlee Matapo in the 24-hour squad update.
Titans: No changes for coach Karyn Murphy to the side that got the job done in a big win against the Cowboys last week. This season's newcomers Indie Bostock on the wing and five-eighth Teagan Levi both scored doubles.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Apii NichollsFullback for Titans is number 1 Lily Patston
-
Winger for Warriors is number 2 Stacey WaakaWinger for Titans is number 2 Phoenix-Raine Hippi
-
Centre for Warriors is number 3 Tysha IkenasioCentre for Titans is number 3 Jaime Chapman
-
Centre for Warriors is number 4 Mele HufangaCentre for Titans is number 4 Sarina Masaga
-
Winger for Warriors is number 5 Payton TakimoanaWinger for Titans is number 5 Indie Bostock
-
Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Emmanita PakiFive-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Teagan Levi
-
Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Gayle BroughtonHalfback for Titans is number 7 Lauren Brown
Forwards
-
Prop for Warriors is number 8 Maarire PuketapuProp for Titans is number 8 Laikha Clarke
-
Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Patricia MaliepoHooker for Titans is number 9 Georgia Hale
-
Prop for Warriors is number 10 Metanoia FetalaigaProp for Titans is number 10 Fanua Rimoni
-
2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Evania Isa'ako
-
2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Shakira Baker2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Ivana Lolesio
-
Lock for Warriors is number 13 Kaiyah AtaiLock for Titans is number 13 Sienna Lofipo
Interchange
-
Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Capri PaekauInterchange for Titans is number 15 Eta Sikahele
-
Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Harata ButlerInterchange for Titans is number 16 Natasha Penitani
-
Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Ivana LauitiitiInterchange for Titans is number 17 Takoda Thompson
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Interchange for Warriors is number 18 Ashlee MatapoInterchange for Titans is number 18 Enah Desic
Reserves
-
Replacement for Warriors is number 19 Natalia HicklingReplacement for Titans is number 19 Aleksandra Tunufai
-
Reserve for Titans is number 21 Pauline Piliae-Rasabale
Warriors Ins
- Ashlee Matapo
- Capri Paekau
- Mele Hufanga
- Natalia Hickling
Titans Ins
- Aleksandra Tunufai
- Pauline Piliae-Rasabale
Warriors Outs
- Annetta Nuuausala
- Jasmin Huriwai
- Mya Hill-Moana
- Ocean Tierney
Titans Ins
- Lily Kolc
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Peter Gough
Last updated:
Stat attack
- The Warriors have won four of their last five games
- The Titans downed the Warriors 20-10 last year in their only previous clash
- Warriors winger Payton Takimoana has scored 10 tries in her last six games in Australia
- Titans halfback Lauren Brown will make her 50th NRLW appearance
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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