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Match Preview

Dragons v Broncos: Two new faces named; Nu'uausala suspended

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pan66.com
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Knowing a win will secure a finals berth, the Broncos head to Sydney to take on a Dragons side looking to end their season on a high.

Sitting even on points with the fifth-placed Raiders, but inside the top four thanks to a 66-point differential advantage over the Green Machine, Brisbane are in control of their own destiny in 2023 after missing the finals for the first time in their history last season.

They head into the game on a three-game winning streak and are battled-hardened thanks being in four-point ball games in each of the past two weeks.

While they are out of the running for the finals, Jamie Soward's Dragons will be keen to end on a high as they look to develop their new-look squad into a contender next year.

Both foundation NRLW clubs, these two sides have been six times in the past with the Broncos winning all but last year's meeting, when they were beaten by St George Illawarra in golden point.

Team News

Dragons: A late change on game day sees Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa shift to the bench with Macie Carlile to start at prop. Young Queenslander Ellie Williamson and Illawarra Tarsha Gale Cup junior Charlotte Basham will make their NRLW debut as Jamie Soward deals with one of the largest injury tolls in the competition. Cortez Te Pou (hand) will return to the wing while Tara McGrath-West (sternum) moves back to the reserves. Ella Koster returns to the centres in place of Sarah Riordan. 

Broncos: No late changes on game day, with Jasmine Fogavini wearing No.22 instead of No.15. Gayle Broughton is back at five-eighth after missing last week and Tafito Lafaele comes into the starting side after Annetta Nu'uausala was suspended for two matches. Lavinia Gould is back on the interchange. Jada Ferguson and Grace Griffin remain in the wider squad. 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Teagan Berry
    Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Hayley Maddick
  • Winger for Dragons is number 2 Margot Vella
    Winger for Broncos is number 2 Julia Robinson
  • Centre for Dragons is number 3 Shenai Lendill
    Centre for Broncos is number 3 Mele Hufanga
  • Centre for Dragons is number 4 Ella Koster
    Centre for Broncos is number 4 Shenae Ciesiolka
  • Winger for Dragons is number 5 Cortez Te Pou
    Winger for Broncos is number 5 Ashleigh Werner
  • Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Tyla King
    Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Gayle Broughton
  • Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Raecene McGregor
    Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Ali Brigginshaw 

Forwards

  • Prop for Dragons is number 10 Roxy Murdoch
    Prop for Broncos is number 8 Tafito Lafaele
  • Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Renee Targett
    Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Destiny Brill
  • Prop for Dragons is number 16 Macie Carlile
    Prop for Broncos is number 10 Brianna Clark
  • 2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Madison Mulhall
    2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Tazmin Rapana
  • 2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Ellie Williamson
    2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Romy Teitzel
  • Lock for Dragons is number 13 Jamilee Bright
    Lock for Broncos is number 13 Mariah Denman

Interchange

  • Interchange for Dragons is number 8 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
    Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Lavinia Gould
  • Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Zali Hopkins
    Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Chelsea Lenarduzzi  
  • Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Charlotte Basham
    Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Lauren Dam
  • Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Maddison Weatherall
    Interchange for Broncos is number 22 Jasmine Fogavini

Reserves

  • Replacement for Dragons is number 21 Taylor Mapusua
    Replacement for Broncos is number 18 Jada Ferguson

Match Officials

  • Referee: Belinda Sharpe
  • Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • The NRLW's top try-scorers face off this week when Teagan Berry (10 tries) lines up against Mele Hufanga (8 tries).
  • The Broncos complete sets at a 71 percent average this year, the worst rate in the competition, while the Dragons are the best in that area at 82 percent. 

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.