Forward thinking: Apps relishing chance to join middle

Dragons captain Kezie Apps hopes a switch to prop will bring her more into games this year as she prepares to take on Gold Coast's inaugural forward pack on Sunday.

Apps will link with PNG powerhouse Elsie Albert up front for the Dragons at McDonald Jones Stadium after playing most of her career in the back row.

The change, orchestrated by Dragons coach Jamie Soward, has been welcomed by the 31-year-old, who is eyeing a big year of NRLW and representative footy.

"I'm excited a bit nervous but after training with the team in that position I'm really comfortable there," Apps told NRL.com.

"I've been playing lock at my local footy club and have absolutely loved being in the middle and having my hands on the ball a bit more.

"It's something I've probably missed in the last few seasons. You rely on the middle to play some footy so if we're not doing that we can't go wide.

"Being in the second row you wait a little bit which for me I've got that opportunity now to move into the middle now and having that role of getting the team moving forward."

Soward's decision to move Apps into the middle could also be a sign of things to come with the Bega junior a strong chance to feature for the Jillaroos in the World Cup in November.

Apps said the Dragons had responded to their new coach's "brutal honesty" both individually and as a team ahead of their fourth campaign.

"The more honest we are of each other the better it is," she said.

"Sowie is just so direct and just tells you how it is, he doesn't care if you're male or female, you're a rugby league player.

"That's been massive for us. I love that personally and I know a lot of the girls too."

The Dragons will kick off the season against the Titans in Newcastle as part of a triple-header on Sunday before round two shifts to Wollongong on March 6.

"It's going to be unbelievable down there with WIN stadium our home ground," Apps said.

"To be able to have a home game will be great for our area. It will be massive for the region, we've got a lot of rugby league players in the area so to have young girls and boys come to our game to watch."

Be there at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday for the opening round of the NRLW. Ticket prices start at just $12 for adults, and juniors under 15 can redeem a free general admission ticket with any paying adult. Visit nrl.com/tickets