Dragons v Sharks: Halves duo intact; Byers back
The top-of-the-table Sharks head to Wollongong to take on the Dragons in their local derby to round out Round 5.
It has been a mixed bag of results for the Dragons so far this season, toppling the defenders premiers one week, to losing by 20 points against the Roosters another.
However, one constant has been the attacking threat posed by fullback Teagan Berry, who is topping the tackle breaks (28) and line breaks (seven) for the competition so far.
Cronulla have gone from strength-to-strength in season 2024 and come into this match with a hard-fought victory over Newcastle under their belts last round.
NRLW SportsBet Betting Preview - Dragons v Sharks
In good new for the home side, the Dragons will have their experienced halves pairing of Tyla King and Raecene McGregor intact for the game after both passed their HIAs last week and are fit to play against the undefeated Sharks.
Match: Dragons v Sharks
Round 5 -
home Team
Dragons
9th Position
away Team
Sharks
1st Position
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team news
Dragons: Both Tyla King and Raecene McGregor have been named to take their place in the halves they were pulled from the field late last game last for HIAs. Bobbi Law is also named in the centres after she also came off the field for a HIA. All three passed and are right to go. Coach Jamie Soward has made a number of changes for the match, with Zali Hopkins to start at hooker, with Kasey Reh on to the bench. Maria Paseka is on the wing for her NRLW debut in place of Kimberley Hunt, with Steph Hancock on the bench, moving Bronte Wilson to the reserves.
Sharks: Rhiannon Byers comes into the second row for the injured Talei Holmes this week in the only change to the side that beat the Knights last week. In good news, scans cleared Holmes of a serious neck injury after she was stretchered off in Sunday's match. Prop Filomina Hanisi, who is yet to make an appearance this year, has been named in 18. New signing rugby sevens convert Dominique du Toit is on the extended interchange after joining the club on Tuesday.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Teagan BerryFullback for Sharks is number 1 Cassie Staples
-
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Maria PasekaWinger for Sharks is number 2 Nakia Davis-Welsh
-
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Keele BrowneCentre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani
-
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Bobbi LawCentre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle
-
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Alice GregoryWinger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics
-
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Tyla KingFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Emma Tonegato
-
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Raecene McGregorHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla Preston
Forwards
-
Prop for Dragons is number 8 Angelina Teakaraanga-KatoaProp for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
-
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Zali HopkinsHooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
-
Prop for Dragons is number 10 Madison MulhallProp for Sharks is number 10 Holli Wheeler
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Shenai Lendill2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Vanessa Foliaki
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Charlotte Basham2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Rhiannon Byers
-
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Alexis TauaneaiLock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Kasey RehInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Sharni Smale
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Ella KosterInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Chloe Saunders
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Jamilee BrightInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Manilita Takapautolo
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Steph HancockInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Tegan Dymock
Reserves
-
Replacement for Dragons is number 18 Jordyn PrestonReplacement for Sharks is number 18 Filomina Hanisi
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 19 Kaarla CowanReserve for Sharks is number 19 Leki Leilua
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 20 Bronte WilsonReserve for Sharks is number 20 Pia Tapsell
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 21 Sophie ClancyReserve for Sharks is number 21 Talei Holmes
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 22 Maatuleio Fotu-MoalaReserve for Sharks is number 22 Dominique du Toit
Dragons Ins
- Jordyn Preston
- Kaarla Cowan
- Maatuleio Fotu-Moala
- Maria Paseka
- Sophie Clancy
Sharks Ins
- Dominique du Toit
- Filomina Hanisi
- Pia Tapsell
- Rhiannon Byers
Dragons Outs
- Kimberley Hunt
Sharks Ins
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Dave Munro
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Dragons have lost their last three games at WIN Stadium.
- The Sharks will play at WIN Stadium for the first time.
- Dragons fullback Teagan Berry has scored seven tries in her past five games at WIN Stadium.
- The Sharks will be aiming for a seventh consecutive victory.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
