Cowboys v Dragons: Raftstrand-Smith to debut; Hunt wings it
The Cowboys and Dragons are eyeing their first victory of the NRLW season as they prepare to face off in the final game of Round 2 on Sunday night.
North Queensland will return home to Townsville after a 14-0 loss to the Sharks in Cronulla last weekend, while St George Illawarra fell to the Titans 18-10.
The Cowboys have turned their focus to improving their attack after being held scoreless last Saturday, with coach Ricky Henry eager to see his side look more dangerous with ball in hand.
Halfback and skipper Kirra Dibb is set to play a key role in this quest, with the NSW and Australian representative looking to lead the side to their first victory at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
North Queensland will also have to be switched on defensively and must shut down the Dragons attacking weapons led by fleet-footed fullback Teagan Berry.
The 22-year-old scored a try in last week's loss to the Gold Coast, her 22nd from just 24 NRLW matches.
St George Illawarra were slow out of the gates in the defeat, two Titans tries in the first 11 minutes crippling their chances.
Coach Jamie Soward is determined to ensure there is no repeat on Sunday night, with the side eager to set the tone early against the Cowboys.
Match: Cowboys v Dragons
Round 2 -
home Team
Cowboys
7th Position
away Team
Dragons
8th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Team News
Cowboys: A swap on game day with Lily Peacock starting the game at prop and Tallisha Harden going to the bench. Ebony Raftstrand-Smith makes her NRLW debut and joins sister Tiana in the Cowboys colours. The younger Raftstrand-Smith comes into the side in place of Vitalina Naikore. Other changes from Ricky Henry sees Essay Banu come in as starting prop with Mackenzie Weale ruled out after failing her HIA last week. Shaniah Power also makes her comeback via the bench after a leg injury last season last. Harata Butler is the replacement player.
Dragons: The Dragons are 1-17 with no late changes. New recruit Kimberley Hunt will make her first appearance in Dragons colours after being brought in on the wing in place of Maatuleio Fotu-Moala. Coach Jamie Soward has again named veteran forward Steph Hancock on the bench with Jamilee Bright to start. Tayla Curtis is the replacement player.
Match: Cowboys v Dragons
Round 2 -
home Team
Cowboys
away Team
Dragons
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Francesca GoldthorpFullback for Dragons is number 1 Teagan Berry
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Krystal BlackwellWinger for Dragons is number 2 Kimberley Hunt
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Jakiya WhitfeldCentre for Dragons is number 3 Keele Browne
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Jasmine PetersCentre for Dragons is number 4 Bobbi Law
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Ebony Raftstrand-SmithWinger for Dragons is number 5 Margot Vella
-
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tahlulah TillettFive-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Zali Hopkins
-
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Kirra DibbHalfback for Dragons is number 7 Raecene McGregor
Forwards
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Essay BanuProp for Dragons is number 8 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
-
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Emma ManzelmannHooker for Dragons is number 9 Sophie Clancy
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 15 Lily PeacockProp for Dragons is number 10 Jamilee Bright
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 China Polata2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Shenai Lendill
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Tiana Raftstrand-Smith2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Charlotte Basham
-
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Bree ChesterLock for Dragons is number 13 Alexis Tauaneai
Interchange
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 8 Tallisha HardenInterchange for Dragons is number 14 Kasey Reh
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Alisha FoordInterchange for Dragons is number 15 Sara Sautia
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Sareka MookaInterchange for Dragons is number 16 Bronte Wilson
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Shaniah PowerInterchange for Dragons is number 17 Steph Hancock
Reserves
-
Replacement for Cowboys is number 19 Harata ButlerReplacement for Dragons is number 20 Tayla Curtis
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Dave Munro
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Cowboys have lost all three games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
- Dragons fullback Teagan Berry has scored 14 tries in her last 12 NRLW games.
- The Cowboys conceded 128 points in three games at QCB Stadium in 2023.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
