Roosters v Dragons NRLW preview

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Sydney Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons Friday 5:40pm at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park / Gadigal

History will be made on Friday night when the Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra Dragons become the first sporting event to take place at the brand-new Allianz Stadium in a grand final rematch.

The Sydney Roosters have started their title defence in stunning style winning both their opening games over the Eels and then last week against the Broncos. Last weekend, the Roosters sent a shockwave down the competition when they easily handled the Broncos in their 28-8 victory up at Suncorp Stadium last week. It was an impressive performance from the tricolours although early on errors put a halt to their attacking momentum only to find top gear opening up a 16-0 lead at the half time break. The Broncos hit back before the Roosters found their groove again opening extending their margin.

One concern though is that there have been times in the game where the Roosters intensity has dropped off which has allowed teams back into the game which was shown by the Eels coming from behind in round one and then last week the momentary dominance of the Broncos. This will be something that needs to be looked at for coming up against the Dragons and Knights over the next two weeks. The Roosters have named an unchanged line-up although there are injury concerns surrounding Jess Sergis, Sarah Togatuki, Jayme Fressard and Sam Bremner all picking up niggles last week and not finishing the match but expected to be right to go.

Coming into the grand final rematch undefeated, the St George Illawarra Dragons have pushed their case to show they can go one better than last year as well picking up an impressive win over the Titans then last weekend a 16-10 victory over the Eels at Parramatta. The Dragons have shown that they are able to both put on a classy performance with a big win over the Titans but then also have the ability to grind out a victory as they did against Parramatta last week in a topsy-turvy performance.

One of the biggest assets that the Dragons possess is the kicking game of Rachael Pearson who controls the game off her boot excellently. The Red ‘V' have relied on the power and knack of the Pearson's kicking game to turn the momentum around and get themselves out of a tricky position when heavily under pressure. The Dragons have again named an unchanged squad which will be a strong boost for them.

Last meeting: Grand Final 2021 - Dragons 4 Roosters 16

Who to watch: There's a theme across because for both sides it's a battle of the sisters, Raecene McGregor for the Roosters and little sister Page for the Dragons. Focussing on Raecene to begin with, the Kiwi Ferns international has started the season with a bang and was the best player on the field for the tricolours last weekend. Raecene possesses a strong running game which caused issues for the Broncos and the Dragons need to watch out for it.

Meanwhile for the Dragons, it's little sister Page that has been an attacking weapon scoring three tries across the opening two games. It's been down the left-hand side where the Red ‘V' have found their strike and McGregor has been there to take advantage. The Roosters will need to make sure that their defence is in order to ensure they keep the Dragons scoring to a minimum.

The favourite: The Roosters' early form has them well backed for the win here.

My tip: It's hard to go past the Roosters, although both sides are in strong form the consistency of the Roosters will be a strong factor although question marks remain over the fitness of stars which could cause them some issues. The Dragons will ensure the game goes down to the wire. Roosters by 8.

1. Sam Bremner 2. Leianne Tufuga 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Jayme Fressard 6. Zahara Temara 7. Raecene McGregor 8. Sarah Togatuki 9. Destiny Brill 10. Mya Hill-Moana 11. Shaniah Power 12. Olivia Kernick 13. Keilee Joseph 14. Jocelyn Kelleher 15. Shawden Burton 16. Kalosipani Hopoate 17. Otesa Pule 18. Joeli Morris

1. Emma Tonegato 2. Teagan Berry 3. Keele Browne 22. Cassie Staples 6. Taliah Fuimaono 7. Rachael Pearson 8. Elsie Albert 9. Keeley Davis 16. Monalisa Soliola 11. Kezie Apps 12. Shaylee Bent 13. Holli Wheeler 14. Quincy Dodd 10. Tegan Dymock 17. Tara McGrath-West 23. Chantel Tugaga 18. Renee Targett

Referees: Kasey Badger; Sideline Officials: Jordan Morel, Rochelle Tamarua; Video Referees: Matt Noyen;