Both narrow losers in Round 4, the Wests Tigers and Dragons meet in a crucial showdown on Saturday at CommBank Stadium.
After making a roaring start to their maiden NRLW campaign that saw them go undefeated through the opening fortnight, the Wests Tigers have fallen to consecutive defeats which has seen them drop to 5th on the ladder.
While they took a two-point lead into the final 15 minutes, Brett Kimmorley's side were run down late against the Cowboys, with their 36 missed tackles a leading contributor across the 70 minutes.
The Dragons head into the clash having suffered golden point heartbreak against the Raiders, after earlier fighting their way back from an 18-6 half-time deficit.
With just one win to their name so far, the Red V will know it's time to get moving if they are to be a contender in 2023.
In four games at this week's venue the Dragons have won just once, while the Wests Tigers opened their season there and enjoyed a 36-8 win over the Eels.
It will be a particularly interesting occasion for former Dragons captain Kezie Apps, who lines up against her former club for the first time after joining Wests Tigers on a three-year deal.
Match: Wests Tigers v Dragons
Round 5 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
5th Position
away Team
Dragons
8th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Wests Tigers: No changes on game day. Fullback Botille Vette-Welsh (head knock) will play in a boost for Brett Kimmorley's side after missing last week's loss to the Cowboys. Losana Lutu (knee) remains another week away. Pauline Piliae-Rasabale back to the halves while Salma Nour makes her NRLW debut off the bench.
Dragons: A game day switch with Sarah Riordan promoted to the starting side and Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa going to the bench. That comes after Ella Koster came in for Sara Sautia on Friday and Macie Carlile joined the bench. Sophie Clancy is good to go after missing last week with a head knock.
Match: Wests Tigers v Dragons
Round 5 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
away Team
Dragons
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Botille Vette-WelshFullback for Dragons is number 1 Teagan Berry
-
Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Jakiya WhitfeldWinger for Dragons is number 2 Margot Vella
-
Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Rikeya HorneCentre for Dragons is number 3 Keele Browne
-
Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Leianne TufugaCentre for Dragons is number 4 Bobbi Law
-
Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Josie LenazWinger for Dragons is number 5 Shenai Lendill
-
Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Pauline Piliae-RasabaleFive-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Tyla Nathan-Wong
-
Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Emily CurtainHalfback for Dragons is number 7 Raecene McGregor
Forwards
-
Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Sarah TogatukiProp for Dragons is number 10 Tara McGrath-West
-
Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Ebony PriorHooker for Dragons is number 9 Sophie Clancy
-
Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 Christian PioProp for Dragons is number 16 Sarah Riordan
-
2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Kezie Apps2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Jamilee Bright
-
2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Eliza Siilata2nd Row for Dragons is number 15 Ella Koster
-
Lock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Najvada GeorgeLock for Dragons is number 13 Alexis Tauaneai
Interchange
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Sophie CurtainInterchange for Dragons is number 8 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Taylor OsborneInterchange for Dragons is number 14 Zali Hopkins
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Salma NourInterchange for Dragons is number 17 Cheynoah Amone
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 18 Jessica KennedyInterchange for Dragons is number 21 Macie Carlile
Reserves
-
Replacement for Wests Tigers is number 21 Imogen GobranReplacement for Dragons is number 18 Renee Targett
Match Officials
- Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Dave Munro
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- Leianne Tufuga averages two line breaks per game this season, the most in the NRLW.
- The Dragons complete sets at a higher rate (81 percent) than any other team heading into Round 5.
- As a team the Wests Tigers are by far the competition's top offloaders, with their 43 so far being 14 more than the nearest team. Back-rower Christian Pio is their individual leader with 13 offloads.
