Grand Final Preview: Mounties v Knights

The Mounties overcome a challenging start to the season to earn a spot in the decider. They began the season with three straight losses before the Raiders players joined the squad in round four and turned the season around. Since then, the team has won 10 out of 11 games and charged their way into the top four in time for finals. 

The side enters the Grand Final off the back of a close 20-18 victory over the Rabbitohs last week. Five-eighth Sereana Naitokatoka is credited with the winning play when she delivered a brilliant one-on-one strip which led to the match-winning try by Gabriella Savage in the final minutes. 

The Mounties team features many Raiders players with NRLW experience, including Madison Bartlett, Relna Wuruki-Hosea, Sereana Naitokatoka, Evie McGrath, Marley Cardwell and Ellie Brander. This high-level expertise is guaranteed to lift the squad and provide guidance during those close contest moments. 

The Knights have been a fierce competitor this year and finished top of the ladder with a single loss to the Rabbitohs. Their success gifted them two weeks off during finals and the opportunity to name a well-rested side in Saturday's match.

The Knights also have several players with NRLW experience, including Botille Vette-Welsh, Cheyelle Robins-Reti (former Raiders NRLW player), Charley Lahmert, Simone Karpani, Joeli Morris, Lilly-Ann White and Stella Lewis. 

With both sides filled with NRLW players and a winning drive, the Grand Final match will be a high-quality, unmissable event. 

Talking points:

• The Mounties have named 11 players named from the Raiders for the Grand Final.
• The Mounties defeated the Central Coast Roosters in the first week of finals in a fourth vs fifth playoff. They then defeated the Panthers in the second week of finals. 
• The Knights finished top of the ladder for the second year in a row. 
• The Knights were defeated by the Sharks in last season’s Grand Final.