Dragons v Warriors: NRLW Round 2 preview

Author: Alicia Newton NRL Reporter
Timestamp: Tue 11 Sep 2018, 01:00 PM

St George Illawarra will treat round two of the NRL Holden Women's Premiership like a do-or-die clash as they host the Warriors at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

The Dragons can ill-afford another loss if they want to keep their grand final hopes alive, while the Warriors are chasing back-to-back victories after their impressive 10-4 victory against the Roosters.

Last-start winners the Warriors will travel over to Australia for the second time of potentially four occasions this month and are expected to re-arrange their flight schedule after last week's chaotic travel preparation.

Round 2 - Round 2 - Saturday 15 Sep

Full Time

Dragons

TBC

Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney

Key match-up: Sam Bremner v Apii Nicholls – Both fullbacks starred for their respective sides in the opening round and their sweeping ability will come into play once more on Saturday. Bremner accumulated 11 tackle breaks against the Broncos, while Nicholls was at her roaming best in both attack and defence to prove she's one of the elite fullbacks in rugby league.

For the Dragons to win: They'll need to tighten their goal-line defence after conceding 30 points against the Broncos, but will be better for the run after having no trial game leading into last week's clash. The scoreline probably wasn't a fair reflection of the game for a side who had never played together. Expect a better showing against the Warriors with some game-breakers in their line-up.

NRLW Dragons v Warriors - Round 2

For the Warriors to win: Their defence led them to victory last week and that will be a focus again for Luisa Avaiki's side. The game plan of kicking early in the tackle count worked against the Roosters, but 10 points in attack probably isn't going to be enough for a second week in a row against the Dragons, who are set to improve on last round's effort. The forward pack will need to get on the front foot and allow room for the outside backs to find space.

And another thing: The first 500 Dragons foundation members will receive a free ticket for the clash ahead of Saturday night's double-header, which includes the men's side playing South Sydney in the semi-final clash later in the evening.

St George Illawarra Dragons v New Zealand Warriors, Saturday 5.10pm AEST at ANZ Stadium

Round 2 - Round 2 - Saturday 15 Sep

Full Time

Dragons

TBC

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Dragons is number 4 Honey Hireme

Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Apii Nicholls
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Rikeya Horne

Winger for Warriors is number 5 Hilda Peters
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Jessica Sergis

Centre for Warriors is number 2 Langi Veainu
Centre for Dragons is number 15 Hannah Southwell

Centre for Warriors is number 14 Sarina Clark
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Shakiah Tungai

Winger for Warriors is number 21 Lisa Edwards
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Keeley Davis

Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Laura Mariu
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Raecene McGregor

Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Georgia Hale

Forwards

Prop for Dragons is number 8 Oneata Schwalger

Prop for Warriors is number 8 Crystal Tamarua
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Anneka Stephens

Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Krystal Rota
Prop for Dragons is number 14 Holli Wheeler

Prop for Warriors is number 10 Aieshaleigh Smalley
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Kezie Apps

2nd Row for Warriors is number 4 Onjeurlina Hunt
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Talesha O'Neill

2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Alice Vailea
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Annette Brander

Lock for Warriors is number 18 Masuisuimatamaalii Tauaua-Pauaraisa

Interchange

Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Teina Clark

Interchange for Warriors is number 13 Luisa Gago
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Melanie Howard

Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Lorina Papali'i
Interchange for Dragons is number 18 Asipau Mafi

Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Amber Kani
Interchange for Dragons is number 19 Kate Haren

Interchange for Warriors is number 20 Raquel Anderson-Pitman

Match Officials

Referee: Matt Noyen
Referee: Wyatt Raymond
Senior Review Official: Henry Perenara

Last updated: 10/4/2024 2:48:12 AM

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Dragons: A big blow for the Dragons with captain Sam Bremner ruled out through injury. Honey Hireme shifts to fullback, while Hannah Southwell has been promoted to start in the centres. Holly Wheeler will start at prop and Kate Haren moves from the reserves to the bench. Talia Atfield was omitted an hour prior to kick-off.

Warriors: The Warriors have made several changes, with Sarina Clark to start at centre after initially being named on the bench. Winger Langi Vaina has been moved from wing to centre, while Lisa Edwards has been promoted to start on the wing. Onjeurlina Leiataua has been dropped to the bench and Sui Tauaua moves from the reserves to starting lock. The new face on the bench is Raquel Anderson. Va'Nessa Molia-Fraser was cut an hour before kick-off.