Round 4: Broncos v Dragons NRLW preview
The second of Saturday's NRLW action in Melbourne sees a Broncos side that has bounced back to form taking on the St George Illawarra Dragons who are looking to reaffirm their winning form after a big loss last week.
It's been an uncharacteristic season from the Broncos with two losses to start compounded by play filled with errors and just a lack of direction in attack. However last weekend, they were finally able to get their season underway with their 22-4 victory over the Gold Coast Titans last week in a better but still not yet at their polished best. The Broncos lost a number of key players and despite them still having a strong structure, it took its toll as the impact of these players such as the go forward of Millie Boyle and the impact from the back of Tamika Upton missing from the Brisbane performances this season.
Kiwi ferns international Annetta Nu'uausala finally gets to make her Broncos debut after injury has curtailed the start to her season with Sophie Holyman going back to the interchange bench. Shakiah Tungai is expected to play despite leaving the field last week with a head knock.
Starting the season with back-to-back wins, the Dragons came crashing back to earth last week as their second half implosion against the Roosters brought confidence to other teams in the competition that the Red ‘V' are beatable following their 34-6 defeat. The Dragons scored first and dominated territory and possession early and were level at 6-6 at half time before the Roosters turned on the class and wiped the Dragons off the park. The Dragons started the season with a big win against the Gold Coast before they were able to get past the Eels in an arm-wrestle a fortnight ago. The Dragons have mixed their form but last week was a disappointment although a mounting injury toll took its toll on the Red ‘V'.
Dragons coach Jamie Soward has been forced into two injury related changes with Tegan Dymock and Chantel Tugaga both ruled out with shoulder injuries. Talei Holmes is expected to play after missing last week with injury while Holli Wheeler is expected to play despite a collarbone injury.
Last meeting: Round 3 2021 - Broncos 22 Dragons 18
Who to watch: Ali Brigginshaw has probably been below her best this season and now is the time where the veteran needs to stand up if the Broncos have a chance. Brigginshaw is going to be key if the Broncos want to get another victory on the road to the finals and put themselves back into contention for the premiership.
Dragons halfback Rachael Pearson has had a good but quiet at times season so far and this is going to be a game where she needs to be at her best. The Dragons halfback was outplayed by the Broncos five-eighth Tarryn Aiken when the pair went up against each other in origin so the Dragons number 7 will be hoping to get one back.
The favourite: Brisbane's return to form and the Dragons' big loss see the three-time premiers better backed here.
My tip: The Broncos should have enough to get over the Dragons here, there was some good improvement in the Brisbane side last week and I think with a win under their belt they could pull off something strong again. The Dragons have proven themselves this season and are strong chances to win but injury concerns could hurt them which is why Brisbane finding form is a scary factor. Broncos by 4.
