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Roosters v Dragons: Hill-Moana out, Sergis in; Cowan new No.9

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An upset loss to the Raiders in Round 2 will have left the Roosters with some soul searching to do before taking on a Dragons side who bounced back in style last week. 

The Tricolours had no answer for Canberra's energy and execution last Saturday, and by coach John Strange's own admission the result means his side can no longer claim to be the favourites for the 2023 title. 

Struggles to control the ball and complete sets, which they did just 66 percent of the time, were compounded by a poor defensive effort that included 32 missed tackles. 

It was a different story for the Dragons, who responded to coach Jamie Soward swinging the selection axe after their opening-round defeat in positive fashion with a comprehensive 38-12 win against the Eels. 

With their new-look halves pairing looking far more connected, and each setting up two tries, St George Illawarra showed they have enough strike with ball in hand to cause opponents headaches this season.

Both foundation NRLW clubs, these two have met on six occasions to date with the Roosters winning four times, including getting over the top of the Dragons in the 2021 decider. 

Team News 

Roosters: The Roosters are 1-17 with no late changes. Jess Sergis will play after being a late withdrawal last week due to a hamstring concern. Joeli Morris, who came in to fill a gap in a revamped backline in Round 2, is the 18th player. With Mya Hill-Moana (head knock) out, Teuila Fotu-Moala starts at prop and former Wallaroos and NSW Waratahs player Grace Hamilton – who has joined the squad as an injury replacement – comes in on the bench. Otesa Pule goes back to the interchange after starting last week, with Amelia Pasikala named to start in the back row.

Dragons: The Dragons are 1-17 as named with no late changes. Renee Targett is out of the squad after starting the first two games at hooker, with Kaarla Cowan the new No.9 after coming off the bench last week. Sophie Clancy is the new face on the bench. Margot Vella and Cortez Te Pou remain the first-choice wingers for coach Jamie Soward after both scoring doubles last week. 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Corban Baxter
    Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Teagan Berry
  • Winger for Roosters is number 2 Brydie Parker
    Winger for Dragons is number 2 Margot Vella
  • Centre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica Sergis
    Centre for Dragons is number 3 Keele Browne
  • Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle Kelly
    Centre for Dragons is number 4 Bobbi Law
  • Winger for Roosters is number 5 Jayme Fressard
    Winger for Dragons is number 5 Cortez Te Pou
  • Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Tarryn Aiken
    Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Tyla King
  • Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Jocelyn Kelleher
    Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Raecene McGregor

Forwards

  • Prop for Roosters is number 8 Millie Elliott
    Prop for Dragons is number 8 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa 
  • Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Keeley Davis
    Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Kaarla Cowan
  • Prop for Roosters is number 10 Maatuleio Fotu-Moala
    Prop for Dragons is number 10 Roxy Murdoch
  • 2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Amelia Pasikala
    2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Sara Sautia
  • 2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Olivia Kernick
    2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Shenai Lendill
  • Lock for Roosters is number 13 Keilee Joseph
    Lock for Dragons is number 13 Alexis Tauaneai

Interchange

  • Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Shawden Burton
    Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Sophie Clancy
  • Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Grace Hamilton
    Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Ella Koster
  • Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Lexi Kiriwi
    Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Tara   McGrath-West
  • Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Otesa Pule
    Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Maddison  Weatherall

Reserves

  • Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Joeli Morris
    Replacement for Dragons is number 18 Zali Hopkins

Match Officials

  • Referee: Wyatt Raymond
  • Senior Review Official: Dave Munro

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • The Roosters have won three of their last four matches against the Dragons.
  • Dragons fullback Teagan Berry has scored four tries in two games to start the NRLW season.
  • Roosters prop Millie Boyle leads the competition in post-contact metres with 180.

Related

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.