NRLW 2023, Dragons v Broncos, match preview, team lists, statistics, analysis

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sat 16 Sep 2023, 07:06 PM

Knowing a win will secure a finals berth, the Broncos head to Sydney to take on a Dragons side looking to end their season on a high.

Sitting even on points with the fifth-placed Raiders, but inside the top four thanks to a 66-point differential advantage over the Green Machine, Brisbane are in control of their own destiny in 2023 after missing the finals for the first time in their history last season.

They head into the game on a three-game winning streak and are battled-hardened thanks being in four-point ball games in each of the past two weeks.

While they are out of the running for the finals, Jamie Soward's Dragons will be keen to end on a high as they look to develop their new-look squad into a contender next year.

Both foundation NRLW clubs, these two sides have been six times in the past with the Broncos winning all but last year's meeting, when they were beaten by St George Illawarra in golden point.

Round 9 - Round 9 - Saturday 16 Sep

Full Time

Dragons

Broncos

Venue: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

Highlights Latest

Team News

Dragons: A late change on game day sees Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa shift to the bench with Macie Carlile to start at prop. Young Queenslander Ellie Williamson and Illawarra Tarsha Gale Cup junior Charlotte Basham will make their NRLW debut as Jamie Soward deals with one of the largest injury tolls in the competition. Cortez Te Pou (hand) will return to the wing while Tara McGrath-West (sternum) moves back to the reserves. Ella Koster returns to the centres in place of Sarah Riordan.

Broncos: No late changes on game day, with Jasmine Fogavini wearing No.22 instead of No.15. Gayle Broughton is back at five-eighth after missing last week and Tafito Lafaele comes into the starting side after Annetta Nu'uausala was suspended for two matches. Lavinia Gould is back on the interchange. Jada Ferguson and Grace Griffin remain in the wider squad.

Round 9 - Round 9 - Saturday 16 Sep

Full Time

Dragons

Broncos

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Teagan Berry

Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Hayley Maddick
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Margot Vella

Winger for Broncos is number 2 Julia Robinson
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Shenai Lendill

Centre for Broncos is number 3 Mele Hufanga
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Ella Koster

Centre for Broncos is number 4 Shenae Ciesiolka
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Cortez Te Pou

Winger for Broncos is number 5 Ashleigh Werner
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Tyla Nathan-Wong

Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Gayle Broughton
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Raecene McGregor

Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Ali Brigginshaw

Forwards

Prop for Dragons is number 10 Roxy Murdoch

Prop for Broncos is number 8 Tafito Lafaele
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Renee Targett

Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Destiny Brill
Prop for Dragons is number 16 Macie Carlile

Prop for Broncos is number 10 Brianna Clark
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Madison Mulhall

2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Tazmin Gray
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Ellie Williamson

2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Romy Teitzel
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Jamilee Bright

Lock for Broncos is number 13 Mariah Denman

Interchange

Interchange for Dragons is number 8 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa

Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Lavinia Gould
Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Zali Hopkins

Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Chelsea Lenarduzzi
Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Charlotte Basham

Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Lauren Dam
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Maddison Weatherall

Interchange for Broncos is number 22 Jasmine Fogavini

Reserves

Replacement for Dragons is number 21 Taylor Mapusua

Replacement for Broncos is number 18 Jada Ferguson

Match Officials

Referee: Belinda Sharpe
Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen

Last updated: 9/17/2023 11:04:02 PM

Stat Attack

The NRLW's top try-scorers face off this week when Teagan Berry (10 tries) lines up against Mele Hufanga (8 tries).
The Broncos complete sets at a 71 percent average this year, the worst rate in the competition, while the Dragons are the best in that area at 82 percent.