Dragons v Eels: Cross shuffles forwards; Alo promoted to start
The Dragons and Eels both enter Round 2 searching for their first win after disappointing starts to season 2026. The Dragons managed just one try in a 20-4 loss to Raiders, while the Eels fell 28-16 to a new-look Tigers.
Of the two teams, Parramatta showed more attacking promise in Round 1. The Eels scored three tries and remained within striking distance for much of the contest before the Tigers secured the win.
St George Illawarra struggled to create opportunities against Canberra and will need greater involvement from their playmakers, and more discipline, if they are to challenge Parramatta's defensive line.
With both clubs eager to avoid a 0-2 start, expect scramble, physicality and plenty of emotion. Parramatta's sharper attack gives them a slight edge, but the Dragons return home, eager to level up.
Match: Dragons v Eels
Round 2 -
home Team
Dragons
9th Position
away Team
Eels
7th Position
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Dragons: Coach Nathan Cross has shuffled his line-up following last week's loss to the Raiders, with skipper Brooke Anderson shifting from lock to hooker in place of Nita Maynard-Perrin (head knock). Hannah Southwell will start in 13, while Ella Koster moves to start in the second row after coming from the bench last week. There have been further changes to the bench, with Zali Hopkins and Amelia Haukau added, while Tahlia O'Brien is the 18th player.
Eels: Young gun second-rower Ryvrr-Lee Alo has been named to start in place of Boss Kapua, who has been suspended for two matches. Khyliah Gray comes on to the vacant bench spot. Coach Steve Georgallis has otherwise kept faith with the rest of his team, with the rest of the line up unchanged.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Teagan BerryFullback for Eels is number 1 Abbi Church
-
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Maria PasekaWinger for Eels is number 2 Fleur Ginn
-
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Shenae CiesiolkaCentre for Eels is number 3 Rory Owen
-
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Keele BrowneCentre for Eels is number 4 Lindsay Tui
-
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Jayme MillardWinger for Eels is number 5 Martha Mataele
-
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Taliah FuimaonoFive-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Cassey Tohi-Hiku
-
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Kasey RehHalfback for Eels is number 7 Rachael Pearson
Forwards
-
Prop for Dragons is number 8 Madison MulhallProp for Eels is number 8 Elsie Albert
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Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Brooke AndersonHooker for Eels is number 9 Rueben Cherrington
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Prop for Dragons is number 10 Ruby-Jean Kennard-EllisProp for Eels is number 10 Ryvrr-Lee Alo
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Montana Clifford2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Chloe Jackson
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Ella Koster2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Mahalia Murphy
-
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Hannah SouthwellLock for Eels is number 13 Kennedy Cherrington
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Tori ShiptonInterchange for Eels is number 14 Taneka Todhunter
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Trinity TauaneaiInterchange for Eels is number 15 Tess McWilliams
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Amelia HuakauInterchange for Eels is number 16 Rosemarie Beckett
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Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Zali HopkinsInterchange for Eels is number 17 Khyliah Gray
Reserves
-
Replacement for Dragons is number 18 Tahlia O'BrienReplacement for Eels is number 18 Zali Fay
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 19 Ahlivia IngramReserve for Eels is number 19 Fontayne Tufuga
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 20 Arabella McKenzieReserve for Eels is number 20 Jasmin Morrissey
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 21 Sara SautiaReserve for Eels is number 21 Kiana Takairangi
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 22 Tyra Ekepati
Dragons Ins
- Ahlivia Ingram
- Amelia Huakau
- Arabella McKenzie
- Sara Sautia
- Tyra Ekepati
Eels Ins
- Fontayne Tufuga
- Jasmin Morrissey
- Khyliah Gray
- Kiana Takairangi
Dragons Outs
- Nita Maynard-Perrin
Eels Ins
- Boss Kapua
Match Officials
- Referee: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Dragons have won four of their five games against the Eels.
- The Eels have been outscored 48-12 in two losses at WIN Stadium.
- Dragons fullback Teagan Berry has scored 10 tries in her last eight games at WIN Stadium.
- Eels winger Martha Mataele has scored six tries in her last four NRLW games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
The Dragons NRLW side is back in Wollongong for the first time this year. Tickets are available from just $10, click here to secure your seats today.
