Dragons v Broncos NRLW preview

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St George Illawarra Dragons (W) v Brisbane Broncos (W) Saturday 1:30pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville / Wulgurukaba

Brisbane is eyeing their fifth minor premiership, whilst the Dragons are fighting to finish their season on a high despite not being able to make the 2024 finals. 

The Dragons faced their seventh loss of the season last week, with the Tigers recording their first ever win of the season over the St George Illawarra side. They have now not won since Round 6 against the Eels and are looking to put together something in this final round of their season. 

Jamie Soward makes some changes for the side, with Kimberley Hunt returning to the wing which sees Maatuleio Fotu-Moala drop to the reserves. There is also a slight reshuffle, with Sophie Clancy starting at hooker, Kasey Reh at lock and Alexis Tauaneai moving from starting lock to prop. 

Looking to face their first loss since Round 2 last week, the Broncos scored a try in the final 20 seconds, to give them their sixth win in a row, and consolidate a finals campaign for the sixth time, only missing out on finals during 2022. 

The Broncos make one forced change to the side, with Lauren Dam returning to the starting 17 in the wing position, after Stacey Waaka suffered a suspected fractured fibula in her leg. After a massive effort last week, Chelsea Lenarduzzi swaps to start off the bench, with Annetta Nu'uausala instead in the starting line-up. 

Both clubs have been a part of the NRLW competition since its inception in 2018, and the Broncos have the upper hand winning six of their seven match ups. 

Last meeting: Round 9 2023 - Dragons 12 Broncos 46

Who to watch: Leading the try scoring leader board for the 2024 season, Teagan Berry has scored eight tries this year, including a double in both Round 6 and 7, she is a weapon in the Dragons side. Along with this she has also made three try assists, 40 tackle breaks and nine line breaks. 

Opposite Berry is Broncos fullback Hayley Maddick, who has had an outstanding season so far, scoring three tries, making nine try assists (with a record five in one match), 14 tackle breaks and six line breaks. 

MY TIP: Brisbane have been on a roll and have consistently gotten the job done over the past six rounds, and I don't think it's stopping anytime soon for them. The minor premiership is in grasp for them but won't be decided until the Roosters also play their match this round. Broncos by 18.

1. Teagan Berry 2. Kimberley Hunt 3. Keele Browne 4. Bobbi Law 5. Alice Gregory 6. Tyla King 7. Raecene Mcgregor 8. Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa 9. Sophie Clancy 10. Alexis Tauaneai 11. Shenai Lendill 12. Ella Koster 13. Kasey Reh 14. Zali Hopkins 15. Jamilee Bright 16. Madison Mulhall 17. Charlotte Basham 18. Steph Hancock 19. Jordyn Preston 20. Kaarla Cowan 21. Bronte Wilson 22. Maatuleio Fotu-moala

1. Hayley Maddick 2. Julia Robinson 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Shenae Ciesiolka 5. Lauren Dam 6. Gayle Broughton 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Brianna Clark 9. Jada Ferguson 10. Annetta Nuuausala 11. Mariah Denman 12. Romy Teitzel 13. Keilee Joseph 14. Destiny Brill 15. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 16. Lavinia Gould 17. Tafito Lafaele 18. Skyla Adams 19. Tazmin Rapana 20. Jasmine Fogavini 21. Ashleigh Werner 22. Hannah Larsson

Referees: Daniel Schwass; Sideline Officials: Izzy Davidson, Josh Eaton; Video Referees: Kasey Badger;