NRLW Match Preview: Round 5 v Dragons

Author: Claire Stegbauer Sharks NRLW Reporter
Timestamp: Sat 24 Aug 2024, 06:09 PM

The Sharks and Dragons will not only clash in a fierce local derby this Sunday but also proudly debut their NRLW Indigenous jerseys, setting the stage for a momentous showdown at WIN Stadium.

The highly anticipated match is set to draw a big crowd, taking place right after the men's game in Wollongong. Adding to the excitement, both teams will don their NRLW Indigenous jerseys, marking a historic moment in the competition.

Indigenous Sharks player Quincy Dodd shared her pride, stating: "The first time wearing an Indigenous jersey means so much. We've been pushing for this for a while now, and to be the first one to wear it, along with the Dragons, means so much.

"I feel like soon there will be an Indigenous Round in the future."

With a packed stadium and cultural significance in the air, this derby promises to be a thrilling spectacle.

Cronulla have been a dominant force this season, sitting comfortably as ladder leaders. They have yet to taste defeat, showcasing their consistency and strength across all facets of the game. With four victories under their belt, the Sharks are on the hunt to extend their perfect record.

Their unblemished form has solidified them as the team to beat thus far, but coach Tony Herman knows there's still improvement to come from his troops.

With only one victory – a boil-over against the formidable Knights in Round 3 – the Dragons will also be fired up to secure a much-needed two points.

"They're a really good footy side," Herman said.

"Teagan Berry at the back, she's got good speed. They've got a really good middle, halves are really experienced. You've got Tyla King there who's just won a gold medal at the Olympics. Raecene McGregor, she's the NZ halfback.

"They'll throw a lot of footy at us, so it'll be a really big challenge, but I think we are up for it."

The match is headlined by a battle of the halves, with both teams featuring standout names in their line-ups. For the Sharks, the return of five-eighth Emma Tonegato to full fitness last round after a lingering calf injury represents a significant boost.

Alongside Tayla Preston, her presence will be crucial in conjuring up points.

The Sharks have endured their fair share of injuries this season, but coach Herman has unrelenting belief in the depth of his squad.

"It says a lot about the girls; we have had a lot of injuries, losing halves and fullbacks," he said.

"I don't think we have had the same spine two weeks in a row yet, so our attack's been a little clunky at times, but defensively the girls just keep turning up for each other. The fact we trained a lot of girls in different positions in the pre-season has really helped us.

"With those injuries, I think they've done incredibly well. True character in certain areas, that's for sure."

In team news, Rhiannon Byers is set to return from a head knock in the second row in place of Talei Holmes, who avoided a serious neck injury after an awkward landing last week but has been omitted from the extended squad as she recovers.

It is the only change to the side that toppled Newcastle. Prop Filomina Hanisi, who is yet to make an appearance this year, has been named in jersey 18, while new rugby sevens convert Dominique du Toit also remains on the extended bench.

Don't forget to grab your tickets and make the trip down to Wollongong to support the Sharks as both teams take on the Dragons, or catch all the NRLW action on Nine Now, Nine Gem, Kayo or Foxtel. Kick-off is at 6.10pm.

See the updated teams below.

Round 5 - Round 5 - Sunday 25 Aug

Full Time

Dragons

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Teagan Berry

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Cassie Staples
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Maria Paseka

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Nakia Davis-Welsh
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Keele Browne

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani
Centre for Dragons is number 11 Shenai Lendill

Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Alice Gregory

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 9 Zali Hopkins

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Emma Tonegato
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Raecene McGregor

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla Preston

Forwards

Prop for Dragons is number 8 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
Hooker for Dragons is number 14 Kasey Reh

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
Prop for Dragons is number 10 Madison Mulhall

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Holli Wheeler
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Charlotte Basham

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Vanessa Foliaki
2nd Row for Dragons is number 15 Ella Koster

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Rhiannon Byers
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Alexis Tauaneai

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson

Interchange

Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Jamilee Bright

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Sharni Smale
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Steph Hancock

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Chloe Saunders
Interchange for Dragons is number 18 Jordyn Preston

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Manilita Takapautolo
Interchange for Dragons is number 19 Kaarla Cowan

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Tegan Dymock