NRLW Sharks edge the Cowboys in Townsville

Press Conferences

Sharks 

Cowboys

Full-time: The Sharks have held on to book a preliminary final showdown with the Roosters. Kirra Dibb kicked the ball forward on the final play of the game, but the chase was not there and Jada Taylor picked up the ball to secure her side the win. Cronulla haven't forgotten last year's grand final defeat to the Roosters and will be out for vengeance in Gosford next Saturday night. Cowboys 18 - Sharks 24. 

70th minute: Now this gets interesting. Bree Chester broke a tackle and burst through the line to score next to the posts. Kirra Dibb kicked the conversion to cut the deficit to six and North Queensland will have 27 seconds to launch a last-ditch bid for an equaliser. Cowboys 18 - Sharks 24. 

69th minute: Lily Peacock looked destined to score and set up a grandstand finish, however the Cowboys forward was held up over the line. Bree Chester was held up on the subsequent play, before Kirra Dibb forced a line dropout a couple of tackle later. 70 seconds remaining. Cowboys 12 - Sharks 24. 

67th minute: Cronulla have launched a Captain's Challenge after the touch judge ruled a loose ball travelled forward. The Bunker agrees and North Queensland have a scrum on their own 10m line, with just under four minutes left. Cowboys 12 - Sharks 24. 

65th minute: The Cowboys are starting to chance their arm as they look to strike and have started throwing some offloads. A Sharks charge down resulted in a fresh set of six and North Queensland immediately shifted to the left edge. The last pass, however, was off the mark and sailed over the sideline. Cowboys 12 - Sharks 24.

61st minute: It hasn't taken long for Georgia Hannaway to make an impact, with the hooker darting from dummy half, beating multiple defenders before reaching out and slamming the ball down on the try line. It's a heavy blow for the Cowboys, who need to score twice in the final nine minutes to force extra time. Cowboys 12 - Sharks 24.

60th minute: A big moment here for the Sharks, with Jada Taylor returning a kick 30 metres before earning a penalty in the play the ball. As this is happening, Georgia Hannaway returns to the field after passing her HIA. Cronulla have a golden opportunity to extend their lead and take one step towards a preliminary final. Cowboys 12 - Sharks 18. 

54th minute: Chantay Kiria-Ratu has missed a chance to extend her side's lead beyond a converted try, with the Sharks halfback pushing a penalty goal attempt wide. Kiria-Ratu had to take the kick because Georgia Hannaway is off the field for an HIA. To compound the error, Talei Holmes then dropped the dropout and North Queensland have the ball near halfway. Cowboys 12 - Sharks 18. 

44th minute: The intensity of this contest is starting to take its toll, with Georgia Hannaway copping a heavy knock while attempting to make a tackle. The hooker initially played on, but the independent doctor has stepped in and she has left the field for a HIA. Olympic gold medallist Tyla King jogs on to the field as her replacement. Cowboys 12 - Sharks 18. 

39th minute: An eventful passage of play, with Cronulla getting a penalty after North Queensland refused to pack a scrum. The attacking opportunity came to an end when Tiana Raftstrand-Smith produced a big hit to force an error. While this was all happening, Alisha Foord was receiving treatment for a knee injury and was carried from the field. Cowboys 12 - Sharks 18. 

Kick-off: We are back for the second half, with the Sharks sending the kick-off dead on the full. North Queensland have a penalty on halfway and an immediate opportunity to strike back. Cowboys 12 - Sharks 18. 

Half-time: Cassie Staples safely catches a Cowboys bomb and the visitors have run out the clock to take a six-point lead into the break. The Sharks recovered well after falling six points behind, with Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu's try on the stroke of half-time a crucial moment in the contest. Cowboys 12 - Sharks 18.

32nd minute: Chantay Kiria-Ratu produced a try-saving tackle at one end of the field and her sister Anne-Marie Kiria Ratu has put the Sharks in front by crashing over for a try at the other end. The repeat set of six came after Krystal Blackwell dropped a bomb, handing Cronulla more attacking field position. It's a big moment just two minutes before half-time. Sharks 18 - Cowboys 12.

29th minute: Abigail Roache looked destined to score before Chantay Kiria-Ratu produced an outstanding try-saving tackle to wrap the ball up and prevent the Cowboys centre from grounding the ball. The Sharks received a penalty a couple of plays later when Georgia Ravics was bent back awkwardly in a tackle and they are out of trouble for now. Cowboys 12 - Sharks 12. 

24th minute: Ellie Johnston is claiming a second try, with the referee sending it upstairs as No Try. The prop was being tackle by four Cowboys players and it was very hard to spot the ball amid all the bodies. The Bunker has stuck with the on-field decision and ruled held up. Cowboys 12 - Sharks 12.

21st minute: Ellie Johnston forced the error and she's been rewarded with a try. The prop stormed on to a superb short ball from Georgia Hannaway and there was no stopping her. Johnston was smiling well before she crossed the line and she has plenty to celebrate. Cowboys 12 - Sharks 12

19th minute: The Cowboys have made a Captain's Challenge, with the hosts alleging a strip by Ellie Johnston. The Bunker has taken a close look at the replay and disagrees, declaring she was simply making a tackle and it was a loose carry. Challenge unsuccessful and the Sharks are on the attack. Cowboys 12 - Sharks 6.

12th minute: North Queensland have hit the front, with Makenzie Weale crashing over from short range. The try came after Cassie Staples spilled a Kirra Dibb bomb, with the Cowboys making the most of the attacking opportunity. Cowboys 12 - Sharks 6.

8th minute: It hasn't taken long for Jakiya Whitfeld to make an impact in her return from a shoulder injury, with the fullback stepping past Brooke Anderson to break through and find herself in open space. Tiana Penitani Gray comes across to make the cover tackle, but the Cowboys instantly attack Penitani Gray's usual defensive channel and Francesca Goldthorpe has her sixth try of the year. Cowboys 6 - Sharks 6.

4th minute: It's a dream start for the Sharks, with the visitors capitalising on an early penalty. Cronulla attacked left, with Tiana Penitani Gray produced a superb pass to spend Cassie Staples over in the corner. The try came at a cost for the Cowboys, with two players picking up leg injuries after colliding attempting to tackle Penitani Gray. Francesca Goldthorpe and Jasmine Peters have both returned to their feet and will play on for now. Cowboys 0 - Sharks 6. 

Kick-off: We are underway in Townsville, with the Sharks to have first use of the ball. Cronulla are desperate to return to the grand final after last year's loss to the Sharks but they'll have to do it the hard way with a trip to North Queensland in the opening week of the finals. The Cowboys prevailed when the two sides faced off earlier this year and they're full of confidence in hot conditions at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Cowboys 0 - Sharks 0.

Late Mail

Cowboys: Just one change for the Cowboys on game day and it's a familiar one, with Essay Banu coming into the starting side. China Polata shifts to the interchange as a result. Star fullback Jakiya Whitfeld will play her first game since suffering a shoulder injury in Round 9. The Jillaroo's return will see Krystal Blackwell shift to the wing. Tahlulah Tillett is set to return to the starting side in No.7 after coach Ricky Henry made a bold call to change his halves just days out from the must-win clash. "It has been a fierce competition with the three halves and they have all put their hand up at certain times of the year but we felt this was the best combination coming into the semi-final," Henry said. Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell is the 18th player.

Sharks: Rhiannon Byers is set to complete her comeback from a back injury and has been named on the bench for Saturday's clash in Townsville. Winger Georgia Ravics (knee) is also on track to return after she was a late scratching last week. Halfback Chantay Kiria-Ratu is set to battle through a knee injury suffered in Round 11 and take her place in the team. Cronulla will line up 1-17, with Nakia Davis-Welsh the 18th player. 

Knights v Titans at McDonald Jones Stadium

Press Conference

Full-time: The Knights are through to the NRLW preliminary finals after claiming a 34-20 victory over the Titans. A dominant first half laid the foundation for the win, with Newcastle jumping out to an 18-0 half-time lead. Gold Coast fought hard throughout the second half but their comeback bid ultimately fell short. Newcastle will now play Brisbane next Sunday afternoon in front of an expected sell-out crowd at Suncorp Stadium. Knights 34 - Titans 20.

68th minute: The Knights have surely put this one to bed now. Yasmin Clydsdale produced a kick that was spilled by Phoenix-Raine Hippi, with Newcastle picking up the loose ball and going straight on the attack. The Titans scrambled desperately but they were unable to prevent Shanie Parker from scoring. Knights 34 - Titans 20.

65th minute: Gold Coast are not going down without a fight, with Phoenix-Raine Hippi producing another impressive effort to bowl over Keighley Simpson on her way to the try line for her second of the day. The Titans are withing two converted tries with just under five minutes remaining. Knights 30 - Titans 20. 

63rd minute: The Titans have got one back, with winger Phoenix-Raine Hippi producing an outstanding finish to beat her opposite and get the ball down in the corner. Lauren Brown nailed another sideline conversion from out wide but the visitors need something miraculous with less than seven minutes remaining. Knights 30 - Titans 16.

61st minute: The Knights have capitalised on the fresh set, with Kayla Romaniuk producing a barnstorming carry to bump off a couple of defenders, reach out and slam the ball down. Knights 30 - Titans 10.

59th minute: The Titans have launched a Captain's Challenge, with the referee ruling Phoenix-Raine Hippi had knocked the ball on while attempting to make a tackle. It's a close call but the Bunker agrees and the Knights receive a fresh set of six. Knights 24 - Titans 10.

57th minute: This time the Titans have broken through, with Sarina Masaga burrowing over from dummy half on the last tackle to cross for her side's second try of the game. The visitors are racing the clock to pull off the comeback but we saw how quickly they can pile on the points in last week's come-from-behind win over the Raiders. Knights 24 - Titans 10.

55th minute: The door remains ajar for the Titans, with Newcastle making a number errors throughout the past 10 minutes. The Knights defence has so far been good enough to prevent a second try but Gold Coast have another attacking set and a chance to cut the deficit. Knights 24 - Titans 4.

45th minute: The Titans comeback bid has begun, with Jasmine Solia producing a powerful carry to finish off a right-edge shift and charge to the line. Lauren Brown's kick from out wide was waved away, but the visitors now have a pep in their step. Knights 24 - Titans 4.

41st minute: Newcastle appear to have spilled the ball in the opening carry off the kick off, however the Knights have launched a Captain's Challenge. The appeal is quickly dismissed, with the Titans handed an attacking set of six. Knights 24 - Titans 0.

39th minute: Newcastle have capitalised on the Titans error, with a penalty helping the hosts work their way into attacking territory. Shanice Parker did the rest, producing a powerful fend to muscle her way over the line. Knights 24 - Titans 0.

Kick-off: We are back for the second half and it's almost an exact repeat of the opening kick off. The ball bounced and the Knights were unable to field it before it bounced dead. Newcastle kicked short and the Titans were unable to pick up the bouncing ball without spilling it. That's a major missed opportunity for the visitors who need to be almost perfect in the second half to pull off a spectacular comeback. Knights 18 - Titans 0.

Half-time: A really big couple of minutes on the stroke of half-time to blow this game open. Gold Coast received a penalty and had a full attacking set of six in the red zone. The Knights held firm before forcing a turnover on the last tackle and rolling down the field with ball in hand. Olivia Higgins capped off the momentum swing when she burrowed over from dummy half with 10 seconds left in the half. Jesse Southwell slotted the conversion to make it 18-0 at the break. Knights 18 - Titans 0.

28th minute: Grace Giampino is now receiving treatment after falling victim to a crusher tackle by Titans captain Georgia Hale. The young forward has got back to her feet and will play on, while Hale has been put on report. Newcastle have taken another two points and stretched their lead to two converted tries. Knights 12 - Titans 0.

25th minute: Jesse Southwell continues to pick apart the Titans with her kicking game. After forcing a dropout with another well-placed bomb, the halfback produced a superb grubber into the in goal. Tenika Willison got to the ball first, but was unable to reel it in as it bounced away and the Bunker has confirmed the referee's on-field ruling of No Try. The Titans continue to hold on and would love a try in the final 10 minutes of this half. Knights 10 - Titans 0.

17th minute: Newcastle have launched a Captain's Challenge after Fane Finau was stopped just short of the try line on the last tackle. The Knights had alleged a hair pull and replays show this had occurred. The challenge is successful and Newcastle take the two points on offer from the penalty. Knights 10 - Southwell 0.

13th minute: Gold Coast errors continue to open the door for the Knights and this time the hosts have capitalised. Another Jesse Southwell bombed forced an error, with Georgia Grey spilling the ball. While the Titans initially scrambled to hold their opponents out their defensive line was stretched and Newcastle produced a big shift for Keighley Simpson to score in the left corner. Knights 8 - Titans 0.

7th minute: Yasmin Clydsdale has fallen awkwardly in a tackle and quickly clutched at her upper leg. The Knights skipper received some treatment and will attempt to play on, with Newcastle receiving a penalty and another attacking opportunity for a dangerous tackle. Knights 4 - Titans 0.

5th minute: A heavy breeze is blowing through McDonald Jones Stadium and it hasn't taken long for Jesse Southwell to take advantage of it. The Knights halfback producing a towering bomb that hung in the air, with the Titans misjudging its trajectory. Newcastle secured the kick and after a couple of passes Fane Finau had crashed over. Knights 4 - Titans 0.

Kick-off: We are underway at McDonald Jones Stadium, with a dramatic opening minute in Newcastle. Sienna Lofipo put her foot on the dead ball line as she fielded a bouncing kick off resulting in a line dropout. The Titans went short and the Knights touched it before it crossed the 10-metre line. Gold Coast receive a penalty and survive an early scare. Knights 0 - Titans 0. 

Stat Attack

• The Knights have won their last five games against the Titans.
• Titans captain Georgia Hale will make her 50th NRLW appearance.
• Knights winger Sheridan Gallagher has scored five tries in her last three games against the Titans.
• Titans winger Georgia Grey has scored four tries in her last three games.
• The Knights have won five of their six games at McDonald Jones Stadium this season.

Late Mail

Knights: Prop Tayla Predebon will line up in Saturday's semi-final despite picking up a calf injury in last week's win over the Dragons, while Bo Vette-Welsh is set to complete her comeback from a concussion. Young gun Keighley Simpson is set for her second NRLW game after entering the fray as 18th player last week. The Knights will line up 1-17, with Joeli Morris the 18th player. 

Titans: A big boost on gameday for the Titans with Sarina Masaga cleared to return from a head knock. The youngster comes into the centres, with Georgia Grey shifting to the wing in her return from a concussion. Phoenix-Raine Hippi moves back to the interchange, with Takoda Thompson reverting to 18th player. One other tweak for Karyn Murphy, with Brittany Breayley-Nati to start at hooker and Lily-Rose Kolc shifting to the bench in the same gameday change that worked so well last week. Jasmine Solia is set to start at second row after being cleared of a shoulder injury.