NRLW Live Blog: Bulldogs-Cowboys launch Saturday session
On the back of a hugely successful Magic Round weekend in Wagga Wagga, the Round 6 NRLW action kicks off at Belmore Oval, the spiritual home of the Bulldogs.
With a 2-3 record after five rounds the Bulldogs need to start making a move and they will fancy their chances against the travelling Cowboys (1-4).
Next stop is Ocean Protect Stadium where the Sharks also need to get their skates on if they want to be part of the finals action for the third year running.
Injuries have hit the Sharks hard but they will be hoping home ground advantage can help them spring an upset against a Titans outfit playing some exhilarating attacking football.
The last stop on the Saturday NRLW road train is FMG Stadium in Waikato for a showdown between the Warriors and Knights.
From sevens rugby legends to powerhouse forwards and gifted playmakers, this promises to be an absolute cracker to close out a bumper day.
Follow all the action from Round 6 of the NRLW Telstra Premiership on NRL.com's live blog.
Bulldogs v Cowboys at Belmore Sports Ground
Match: Bulldogs v Cowboys
Round 6 -
home Team
Bulldogs
8th Position
away Team
Cowboys
11th Position
Venue: Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
11 min: Emma Manzelmann is caught under a pile of players as the Cowboys scramble to try and stop Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa from close range. Manzelmann hobbles off with what appears to be an ankle injury.
10 min: A mistake by Essay Banu sees the Cowboys squander their first shot at points with the one-player advantage.
9 min: Daynah Nankivell is sent to the sin bin for a hip drop on Abigail Roache whose leg is bent back awkwardly in the tackle.
8 min: The Bulldogs are again caught on the last as the ball dies with Tayla Preston.
7 min: Emma Manzelmann goes way too deep with her kick on the last and Elizabeth MacGregor takes it easily in-goal for a seven-tackle set.
5 min: Tayla Preston fails to find touch after a penalty and the Cowboys have good field position.
3 min: The Bulldogs elect to run the ball on the last and Monca Tagoai is brought down five metres out. The Cowboys then get a piggyback out of trouble with a high tackle penalty against Giovanna Suani.
Late Mail
Bulldogs: No further changes on game day after Pani Hopoate (knee) dropped out on Friday, replaced in the front row by Giovanna Suani. The new face on the bench is Paea Uilou. Centre Monica Tagaoi has scored a try in four of her five games this season.
Cowboys: The Cowboys have made late changes to the bench with Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell and Tiana Raftstrand-Smith coming in for Lily Dick and Lydia Turua-Quedley. Former rugby star Ashley Marsters is set to start in the front row for the first time as coach Ricky Henry rejigs his forward pack. Bree Chester shifts from lock to the second row, with Makenzie Weale moving from prop to lock. The Cowboys have won their last three games in Sydney.
Numbers Game
- The Bulldogs were beaten 56-24 by the Raiders in their only previous match at Belmore Sports Ground.
- The Cowboys have won their last three games in Sydney.
- Bulldogs centre Monica Tagoai has scored a try in four of her five games this season.
- The Cowboys are chasing back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
Sharks v Titans at Ocean Protect Stadium
Match: Sharks v Titans
Round 6 -
home Team
Sharks
9th Position
away Team
Titans
3rd Position
Venue: Ocean Protect Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Sharks v Titans: Round 6
Warriors v Knights at FMG Stadium, Waikato
Match: Warriors v Knights
Round 6 -
home Team
Warriors
5th Position
away Team
Knights
4th Position
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Warriors v Knights: Round 6
