Round 3: Broncos v Warriors NRLW preview
For the first time, the NRLW heads to the Sydney Cricket Ground as the final round of the competition gets underway with the Brisbane Broncos taking on the Warriors on Saturday evening.
The Broncos secured their second straight Grand Final berth following their 20-0 victory last weekend over the Roosters in wet conditions at AAMI Park. The Broncos were impressive in the opening 10 minutes of each half of the match which enabled them to win the game. The performance from Brisbane was impressive defensively - which saw them keep the Roosters scoreless - but what was also impressive was their ball security in the tough conditions.
Brisbane have made one change to their side with winger Tamika Upton returning from a leg injury that she suffered in Round 1. The return of Upton sees QLD Origin winger Meg Ward dropped to the reserves.
The Warriors were expected to make a big impact last weekend when playing in front of their home ground, a win offering them the potential to book their first ever NRLW Grand Final spot. However, despite a strong first half from the home side, their defence became non-existent in the second half as the St George Illawarra Dragons ran in five unanswered tries to consign the Warriors to a 26-6 defeat. They looked to be in control in the first half but were unable to match the power of the Dragons once their attacked clicked after the break.
The women from across the Tasman will be boosted the returns of Madison Bartlett, Amber Kani and Tasi Seumanufagai into the 17 named on Tuesday, with the impressive Onjerulina Leiataua dropping back to the reserves.
Last meeting: Round 3 2018 - Broncos 32 Warriors 10
Who to watch: Brisbane dummy-half Lavinia Gould played second-fiddle behind Brittany Breayley but was very impressive coming off the bench, and has been super impressive for the Broncos this season with excellent service out of the ruck. Gould's dummy-half work has asked the opposition plenty of questions and her short ball skills have led to points for the Queensland girls.
Likewise for the Warriors, Krystal Rota has been very good over the past two weeks and her service out of dummy half will be important if the Warriors want to try and book a spot in next weekend's big dance. Rota had a strong performance during the first half in Sunday's loss to the Dragons, and tried valiantly to get the Warriors back into the game.
My tip: The Warriors were impressive in Round 1 against the Roosters and for the first 30 last week against Dragons. But they fell into a heap last week and in the second half their defence was very poor. The Broncos have the ability to take the Warriors flimsy defence apart if they fire, Brisbane's backs are where they'll get it done. The NZ girls know they need the win which will make them desperate for it, but the reigning premiers should see them off. Broncos by 8.
