Local rivals meet not so locally

Embed from Getty Images

St George Illawarra Dragons (W) v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (W) Sunday 6:10pm at WIN Stadium, Wollongong / Dharawal

Dragons winger Teagan Berry is having a strong season as she is one of seven players to have scored four tries this season which is the most in the competition. Berry has also lead the competition in both linebreaks and tackle breaks this season which will be needed by the Red ‘V' coming up against the best defensive side in the NRL.

Sharks speedster Emma Tonegato made her return last week from injury and played well. Whilst not being a first choice half, Tonegato will play an important role for the Sharks coming up against an experience pairing of King and McGregor.

A Sunday night local derby finishes off Round 5 of the NRLW as the St George Illawarra Dragons play host to the undefeated Cronulla Sharks at WIN Stadium in Wollongong making it not so true local derby.

The St George Illawarra Dragons have had on paper what looks to be a disappointing season and it probably has been as they have only notched up one win from their four games so far this season. Coming off the back of a victory against the Knights, the Dragons would've been confident of going back-to-back but they put in another poor performance going down to the Roosters 28-8. Despite opening the scoring, it was a 15-minute burst that wiped the game away.

Starting their season without superstar Tyla King didn't help the Red'V' with the NZ international competing for New Zealand in the Rugby Sevens at the Paris Olympics. The Dragons went 0-2 to start the season with narrow losses to the Titans and Cowboys before coming from behind to beat the Knights 18-10 in a shock result where King's impact was on show but last week couldn't have that same impact.

The Dragons have been boosted with Tyla King and Raecene McGregor cleared to play after leaving the field late last week as has Bobbi Law who was also forced from the field for a HIA. Coach Jamie Soward has tweaked his line up with Zali Hopkins moving into the hooker role with Kasey Reh moving to the bench. Maria Paseka will make her debut being named on the wing replacing Kimberley Hunt.

Things haven't gone smoothly so far in 2024 for the Cronulla Sharks with injuries to key players looking as if they could put a dent in the roll but they haven't as the Sharks sit top of the NRLW ladder as the only undefeated team.

If you asked round prior to the NRLW season, not many people would have had the Sharks sitting undefeated in top spot on the NRLW leader but they are right now. Cronulla were probably lucky to win last week as goalkicking made a difference as the perfect boot of Tayla Preston helped the Sharks to a 14-12 win over Newcastle. The Knights had scored 3 tries to the Sharks two but missed goals hurt Newcastle and a second half penalty goal put the Sharks ahead having to manage a two-point lead.

Whilst being undefeated, the Sharks have sort of been up and down in their season opening up with a 14-0 win over the Cowboys at home before just getting home against the Parramatta Eels getting home in the final five minutes there. The Sharks then bounced back to come from behind against the Raiders in Canberra before the narrow win last week against the Knights. The best thing for the Sharks has been their defence with the least amount of points conceded in the comp.

The Sharks have only made one change to their side with second rower Talei Holmes ruled out after a neck injury last week saw her stretchered from the field. Thankfully, scans ruled out a serious injury but her return is still unclear meaning that Rhiannon Byers comes straight into the second row in the only change.

Last meeting: Round 8 2023 - Sharks 16 Dragons 8

Who to watch:  Dragons winger Teagan Berry is having a strong season as she is one of seven players to have scored four tries this season which is the most in the competition. Berry has also lead the competition in both linebreaks and tackle breaks this season which will be needed by the Red ‘V' coming up against the best defensive side in the NRL.

Sharks speedster Emma Tonegato made her return last week from injury and played well. Whilst not being a first choice half, Tonegato will play an important role for the Sharks coming up against an experience pairing of King and McGregor.

The favourite: The Sharks are the favourite

My tip: It's hard to go past the Sharks in this one, defensively they have been strong which will be the biggest asset and for the Dragons their attacking inconsistencies doesn't allow me to have any confidence in tipping them. A red ‘V' win wouldn't shock but they are probably less likely to win against a side like the Sharks. Sharks by 4.

1. Teagan Berry 2. Maria Paseka 3. Keele Browne 11. Shenai Lendill 5. Alice Gregory 9. Zali Hopkins 7. Raecene Mcgregor 8. Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa 14. Kasey Reh 10. Madison Mulhall 15. Ella Koster 12. Charlotte Basham 13. Alexis Tauaneai 16. Jamilee Bright 17. Steph Hancock 18. Jordyn Preston 19. Kaarla Cowan 20. Bronte Wilson

1. Cassie Staples 2. Nakia Davis-Welsh 3. Tiana Penitani 4. Annessa Biddle 5. Georgia Ravics 6. Emma Tonegato 7. Tayla Preston 8. Ellie Johnston 9. Quincy Dodd 10. Holli Wheeler 11. Vanessa Foliaki 12. Rhiannon Byers 13. Brooke Anderson 14. Sharni Smale 15. Chloe Saunders 16. Manilita Takapautolo 17. Tegan Dymock 22. Dominique Du Toit