LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
NRLW Team List: Curtain Back for Magic Round Clash
The NZ Warriors are set to face the North Queensland Cowboys in their Magic Round clash at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Sunday, with a kickoff at 11:50 AM local time (1:50 PM NZT).
Experienced halfback Emily Curtain makes her return from injury, while middle forward Matekino Gray is out due to concussion protocols following a head injury sustained during the Warriors' recent match.
Curtain, who wore the #7 jersey in the first three rounds, missed last Saturday's home game against the Titans due to a hip injury but has now recovered.
Her inclusion is a significant boost for the team.
However, the Warriors will also be without some key players, including Gray, who will miss a week of play, and former Black Fern Shakira Baker, who is sidelined with a pectoral injury.
In positive news, Lavinia Kitai returns to the starting front row after making a notable impact from the bench against the Titans, recording 134 meters in 15 runs and completing 33 tackles.