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Roosters v Dragons: NRLW Round 3 preview

Author
Alicia Newton NRL Reporter
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Alicia Newton

After back-to-back defeats the Sydney Roosters will be looking to turn around their form in front of a preliminary final crowd when they clash with St George Illawarra in round three of the NRL Holden Women's Premiership at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Both sides are coming off mixed results with the Tricolours struggling to live up to early favouritism. 

However last week's results have left Adam Hartigan's side with a chance to feature in the inaugural NRLW grand final if they can secure a big win against the Dragons.

The Red V impressed against the Warriors last week and a repeat performance could send them into the competition's first-ever decider.

In both clubs' advantage will be the fact they'll know exactly where their grand final chances stand by Saturday, with the Broncos and Warriors to clash 24 hours prior.

Key match-up: Isabelle Kelly v Jess Sergis. Both players came off cracking games last week and Sergis, who has played with Kelly for NSW on the wing, will be up for this battle against her old teammate. With both sides spreading the ball wide to their backline, look for the pair to be heavily utilised.

For the Roosters to win: A 55% completion rate is not going to win many games but they need more out of their experienced players, particularly the halves. The forward pack are experienced and making metres but the final tackle options are leaving a lot to be desired. The Tricolours need to go back to basics, kick early and remain patient with the ball in hand.

For the Dragons to win: They just need to hold the ball. The Dragons improved dramatically with just six errors against the Warriors compared to the previous week and that enabled them to get good flow between the outside backs and forwards. It's clear the Red V were on the same page defensively against the Warriors, and they've got the strike power to challenge anyone if they can utilise the ball.

And another thing: There will be plenty of Origin and international talent on show with the Roosters set to field at least 12 players from both NSW and Queensland, while the Dragons could have eight on the paddock if Sam Bremner overcomes a toe injury.

Sydney Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons, Saturday 5.10pm AEST at Allianz Stadium

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Karina Brown
    Fullback for Dragons is number 4 Honey Hireme
  • Winger for Roosters is number 2 Brydie Parker
    Winger for Dragons is number 2 Rikeya Horne
  • Centre for Roosters is number 3 Shontelle Stowers
    Centre for Dragons is number 3 Jessica Sergis
  • Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle Kelly
    Centre for Dragons is number 15 Hannah Southwell
  • Winger for Roosters is number 5 Taleena Simon
    Winger for Dragons is number 5 Shakiah Tungai
  • Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Lavina O'Mealey
    Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Keeley Davis
  • Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Zahara Temara
    Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Raecene McGregor

Forwards

  • Prop for Roosters is number 8 Ruan Sims
    Prop for Dragons is number 14 Holli Wheeler
  • Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Nita Maynard
    Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Anneka Stephens
  • Prop for Roosters is number 10 Elianna Walton
    Prop for Dragons is number 18 Asipau Mafi
  • 2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Tazmin Gray
    2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Kezie Apps
  • 2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Vanessa Foliaki
    2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Talesha O'Neill
  • Lock for Roosters is number 13 Simaima Taufa
    Lock for Dragons is number 13 Annette Brander

Interchange

  • Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Sarah Togatuki
    Interchange for Dragons is number 8 Oneata Schwalger
  • Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Victoria Latu
    Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Teina Clark
  • Interchange for Roosters is number 19 Kandy Kennedy
    Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Melanie Howard
  • Interchange for Roosters is number 21 Kylie Hilder
    Interchange for Dragons is number 19 Kate Haren

Match Officials

  • Referee: Jon Stone
  • Referee: Kasey Badger
  • Video Referee: Alan Shortall
  • Senior Review Official: Luke Patten

Last updated:

Roosters: Sharon McGrady is out, while Maddie Studdon has been dropped. Brydie Parker is on the wing, Zahara Temara will start at halfback, while Nita Maynard is the hooker and Simaima Taufa starts at lock. Kandy Kennedy and Kylie Hilder have been moved to the bench. Quincy Dodd and Chloe Caldwell were cut an hour before kick-off.

Dragons: Several game-day changes for the Dragons. Captain Sam Bremner is out, replaced at fullback by Honey Hireme, while Hannah Southwell will start in the centres. Asipau Mafi and Holli Wheeler are the new starting props. Oneata Schwalger drops to the bench and Kate Haren has been promoted from the reserves to the bench. Talia Atfield was cut an hour prior to kick-off.

Tarsha Gale's prediction: The Dragons were on fire last week. They could have dropped their heads after a 30-4 loss in round one, but, instead they learned from their mistakes and came back a much stronger team. Full credit to coach Daniel Lacey for the culture he has developed. Dragons wingers Rikeya Horne and Shakiah Tungai, and centres, Jessica Sergis and Honey Hireme, have proven themselves to be absolute weapons. This, combined with their impressive forward pack, will be too much for the Roosters. Dragons by 8

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