Mcb777 APPNRLW 2024, Round 4, Dragons v Roosters, match report, score, highlights, statistics, analysis

Author: Corey Rosser NRL Reporter
Timestamp: Sun 18 Aug 2024, 01:47 PM

Powerhouse forward Amber Hall and classy centre Isabelle Kelly had a field day at the Dragons' expense on Sunday afternoon as they helped the Roosters to a 28-6 victory at WIN Stadium.

Hall, a two-time NRLW premiership winner and former Kiwi Ferns international, looked back to her best in her third game of the year, after missing all but the opening round of the 2023 season with a foot injury.

She finished with two tries and 11 tackle breaks to her name, while skipper Kelly – who shifted from the halves back to her more customary centre spot prior to kick-off as replacement for the injured Jessica Sergis – stood out with a busy outing that included a double of her own and 287 run metres.

While the final scoreline told the story of a dominant Roosters performance, the opening half hour was anything but a walk in the park for John Strange's side.

The Dragons were first to score through Indigenous All Stars winger Kimberley Hunt, who went over out wide following a Raecence McGregor break.

Kimberley Hunt Try

But after Hall's first on 22 minutes put the visitors in front, thanks to Jocelyn Kelleher's ensuing conversion, the Dragons fell apart badly in the shadows of half time to end up down 18-6 at the break.

First a crisp left-side shift resulted in Kelly strolling over, before Sam Bremner broke the line and linked with winger Jayme Fressard who did the rest.

Isabelle Kelly Try

Three minutes into the second period Hall was at it again from close range, this time taking multiple defenders with her as she powered over for her second and the Roosters' fourth try of the day.

Amber Hall 2nd Try

Facing an 18-point deficit with 15 to play, the Dragons' task then got a whole lot harder when McGregor left the field following a head knock.

A try from prolific fullback Teagan Berry – her 17th in her past 15 games – gave the Dragons a sniff late on, but a wayward conversion from Tyla King left the gap at three scores, before Kelly put the result beyond doubt with her second minutes later.

In a beaten side Berry was again outstanding, coming up with some big defensive plays and contributing three line breaks and 186 run metres with ball in hand, to go with her try.

Tegan Berry putting in the work

In addition to the defeat, the Dragons suffered three injury concerns, with McGregor joined by centre Bobbi Law and King in leaving the field for a head injury assessment.

Round 4 - Round 4 - Sunday 18 Aug

Full Time

Dragons

Roosters

Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Highlights Latest

Match Snapshot

The result continues a dominant run for the Roosters against the Red V and they've now won five of their past six games against the Dragons.
Amber Hall put in her strongest performance of the year with a pair of tries and 11 tackle breaks.
Dragons fullback Teagan Berry scored a try for the fifth game in a row, tying Jessica Sergis' NRLW record for consecutive games with a try, and now has 17 four-pointers in her past 15 appearances.

Teagan Berry Try

The match saw both sides field a debutante, with Tavarna Papalii having her first outing for the Roosters and Alice Gregory debuting on the wing for St George Illawarra.
Dragons centre Bobbi Law was ruled out on 31 minutes after leaving the field for a HIA, while halves Raecene McGregor and Tyla King also finished the game on the sidelines due to head knocks.
Dragons winger Kimberley Hunt has now scored nine tries in her past eight games.

Play of the Game

It's hard to believe Sam Bremner wasn't even intending to play in 2024, before answering an eleventh-hour request from the Roosters to come in after Corban Baxter was ruled out for the season. The veteran No.1 carved through the line and then had the presence of mind to turn her winger Jayme Fressard back inside for a crucial try right on half-time.