The first-ever local derby between the Sharks and Dragons kicks off Round 8 of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership on Thursday night with plenty of fireworks expected between the two clubs.
It's been an interesting season for both teams with the Sharks failing to live up to any pre-season hype placed on them while the Dragons have exceeded expectations with three wins after being tipped by many to struggle in 2023.
St George Illawarra are still alive in the finals race but require the Broncos and Raiders to drop games in the coming fortnight for any sort of hope to finish in the top four.
The Sharks squad features 10 players who have represented the Dragons previously, none more recently than Emma Tonegato, who's move to the Shire created all the headlines in the off-season.
Tonegato's showdown with fellow rugby sevens convert Tyla Nathan-Wong will be one to watch at PointsBet Stadium while Dragons coach Jamie Soward is sure to have had this match circled on his calendar after mass defections last season.
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Team news
Sharks: Brooke Anderson will start with Quincy Dodd coming off the bench. Annessa Biddle's return from suspension pushes Kiana Takairangi out of the side and sees Cassie Staples move from centre to the wing in the only other change.
Dragons: A host of late changes for the Red V. Maddison Weatherall joins the bench and Sophie Clancy move into the starting side with Alexis Tauaneai (knee) dropping out. Cortez Te Pou and Sarah Riordan are the fresh faces in the back-line with Taylor Mapusua dropping out and Ella Koster moving to the second row.
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Stat Attack
- The Dragons are completing at a competition-high 81 percent this season.
- Cronulla have touched the ball more than any other side in 2023.
- St George Illawarra (2,518) and Cronulla (2,466) lead the competition in kick metres.