Dragons v Broncos: Ciesiolka returns; Southwell hits 50
This clash in Wollongong sees two teams coming off wins in Round 9.
The Dragons produced one of their most spirited performances of the season in Round 9, securing a dramatic last-minute 22-18 win over the Warriors. Although finals football may remain a long shot, it was a timely reward for their persistence.
Brisbane also rebounded impressively, beating Parramatta 44-10 to snap a three-game losing streak. Led by experienced weapons across their spine, the defending premiers looked far more like the side that has been a powerhouse of the NRLW.
The Broncos enter this clash knowing there is little room for error. A top-four finish remains achievable, but every remaining match has genuine finals implications.
For the Dragons, confidence should be high after their win in Auckland. Their left-edge attack found success late against the Warriors and will need to be at its best against Brisbane's experienced defensive structure.
This shapes as a fascinating clash between a rejuvenated Brisbane outfit and a St George Illawarra side playing with renewed belief.
Match: Dragons v Broncos
Round 10 -
home Team
Dragons
12th Position
away Team
Broncos
3rd Position
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Team News
Dragons: Shenae Ciesiolka was added to the starting side on Saturday as she makes a return from a quad injury against her old club, so Jayme Millard reverts to 18th player. Ahlivia Ingram joins the interchange in place of Seriah Palepale (stood down). No further changes were made in the 90-minute squad update.
Broncos: The Broncos will line up as named on Tuesday. Brianna Clark is back from suspension and starts at prop, moving Reegan Hicks back to the bench. Other changes see Tavarna Papalii come on to the bench for her Brisbane debut, with Rhemy Hinckesman shifted to 18th player. Jesse Southwell is set to become the youngest player to reach 50 NRLW games aged just 21, surpassing Roosters prop Otesa Pule who will set the mark on Saturday at 23.
Match: Dragons v Broncos
Round 10 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Teagan BerryFullback for Broncos is number 1 Tamika Upton
-
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Maria PasekaWinger for Broncos is number 2 Kerri Johnson
-
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Tyra EkepatiCentre for Broncos is number 3 Deleni Paitai
-
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Tahlia O'BrienCentre for Broncos is number 4 Georgia Bartlett
-
Winger for Dragons is number 21 Shenae CiesiolkaWinger for Broncos is number 5 Julia Robinson
-
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Zali HopkinsFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ali Brigginshaw
-
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Kasey RehHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Jesse Southwell
Forwards
-
Prop for Dragons is number 8 Amelia HuakauProp for Broncos is number 8 Shannon Mato
-
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Brooke AndersonHooker for Broncos is number 9 Jada Ferguson
-
Prop for Dragons is number 10 Ruby-Jean Kennard-EllisProp for Broncos is number 10 Brianna Clark
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Montana Clifford2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Lauren Dam
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Ella Koster2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Romy Teitzel
-
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Hannah SouthwellLock for Broncos is number 13 Lillian Yarrow
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Tori ShiptonInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Tavarna Papalii
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Trinity TauaneaiInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Chelsea Lenarduzzi
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Keele BrowneInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Reegan Hicks
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 18 Ahlivia IngramInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Bree Spreadborough
Reserves
-
Replacement for Dragons is number 5 Jayme MillardReplacement for Broncos is number 18 Rhemy Hinckesman
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Dave Munro
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Dragons have won only one of their last seven games at WIN Stadium.
- The Broncos have won eight of their nine games against the Dragons.
- Dragons fullback Teagan Berry has scored 11 tries in her last nine games at WIN Stadium.
- Broncos halfback Jesse Southwell will make her 50th NRLW appearance.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
