NRLW Grand Final Preview: Dragons v Roosters

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St George Illawarra Dragons v Sydney Roosters Sunday 1:30pm at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe / Kabi Kabi

History will be made in Redcliffe on Sunday afternoon when either the St George Illawarra Dragons or the Sydney Roosters become NRLW Premiers for the first time since the competition began back in 2018.

The St George Illawarra Dragons have been a surprise packet this season (well to me at least) as they went on to finish second on the NRLW ladder for the 2021 season and it was their consistency through the season that made them dangerous contenders this year. The Red ‘V' won four of their five matches during the regular season which saw them only fall to a narrow defeat against the Broncos when heavily under-strength.

Last weekend was hardly a vintage performance by the Dragons who started slowly trailing 6-0 early before getting back into the game thanks to the ill-discipline of the Titans which allowed the Dragons to build momentum. The Dragons attack though looked disjointed at times as they repeatedly failed to get away last tackle kicks both during the first and second half. The Red ‘V' were able to open up a 22-6 lead despite their attacking flaws and only just thwarted a miraculous comeback to hold on 22-16.

The Dragons have announced an unchanged 17 from the one announced last week, but as has been the case there have always been late changes from coach Jamie Soward so it is highly unlikely the 17 names will be the 17 that takes the field.

With their season looking over, the Sydney Roosters needed a miracle to even get into the NRLW finals and when the Broncos thrashed the Eels in the final round, it was the miracle that the tricolours needed. Making the finals though meant that the inconsistent Roosters had to come up against the Broncos who were coming off a big win and were the minor premiers looking to go into their fourth straight grand final.

Needing a miraculous victory, things started terribly for the Roosters as the Broncos were quickly dominating the game and went to a 16-0 lead after just fifteen minutes with things looking very bleak for the Roosters as they had a player in the sin bin as well. A try on the twenty-minute mark swung momentum back to the Roosters and then a try just shy off half-time showed that the Roosters weren't quite out of the contest. Momentum was truly with the Roosters and a try to Keilee Joseph on the fifty-minute mark got the Roosters level after the conversion and then with 10 minutes to go the tricolours hit the front as Jocelyn Kelleher got over to score and the Roosters lead 22-16.

The Roosters have been given a boost with prop Sarah Togatuki free to play after having a Careless High Tackle charge downgraded at the Judiciary but otherwise it's the same 17 that was named last week by coach John Strange.

Last meeting: Round 5 2021 - Dragons 16 Roosters 10

Who to watch: With doubt over her return for the 2022 season of NRLW, Emma Tonegato will be looking to potentially end her return to Rugby League on a high as the Aussie women's 7 star has been a key player for the Dragons. Tonegato has been dangerous all year and her experience on the biggest stage in Rugby 7s could help a young side out.

As the only player to have won an NRLW premiership out of either side, Raecene McGregor's grand final experience will be a key factor for the Roosters looking to pull off another miracle. McGregor is one of the games best players and she was an important part of the Tricolours comeback last weekend. Having the experience in a winning grand final side, will be a big boost to the Roosters this week.

The favourite: The Dragons are considered favourites for the contest

My tip: In a game that could go either way, I'm leaning towards the upset and the miracle result for the Sydney Roosters this weekend. Their performance against the Broncos was very strong in that second half and they handled the pressure extremely well. The Dragons are going to be tough to beat but some of their play last week was a touch concerning and if halfback Rachael Pearson isn't 100% fit then there are some concerns. It will be a close game but Roosters might just have an edge. Roosters by 4.

1. Emma Tonegato 2. Teagan Berry 3. Jaime Chapman 4. Page McGregor 5. Madison Bartlett 6. Taliah Fuimaono 7. Rachael Pearson 8. Elsie Albert 9. Keeley Davis 10. Kezie Apps 11. Talei Holmes 12. Shaylee Bent 13. Holli Wheeler 14. Quincy Dodd 15. Kody House 18. Renee Targett 19. Keele Browne 21. Aliti Namoce

1. Corban Baxter 2. Leianne Tufuga 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Brydie Parker 6. Zahara Temara 7. Raecene Mcgregor 8. Sarah Togatuki 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Mya Hill-Moana 11. Yasmin Meakes 12. Olivia Kernick 13. Hannah Southwell 14. Jocelyn Kelleher 15. Keilee Joseph 16. Tayla Predebon 17. Simone Karpani 18. Joeli Morris

Referees: Belinda Sharpe; Sideline Officials: Kasey Badger, Karra-Lee Nolan; Video Referees: Matt Noyen;