Dragons v Broncos: Soward eyes winning finish; Dam in for Waaka
The Brisbane Broncos will travel north determined to claim the NRLW minor premiership when they face the Dragons in the final round of the regular season.
The Broncos are effectively assured a place in next week's semi-finals, but they have their eyes on the crucial top seed as they look for a clear path to the decider.
Brisbane climbed into second with a last-gasp victory over the Sharks last weekend and they will now travel to Townsville eager to defeat St George Illawarra in the first match of a double-header at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The Cowboys will face the Knights in the second match of the Saturday afternoon double at the venue.
While the Dragons can't play finals, they have plenty of motivation to send outgoing coach Jamie Soward off on a high in his last game in charge.
It's been a tough year for the squad, winning just two matches but this weekend's game will provide more crucial experience for the side's youngsters.
Match: Dragons v Broncos
Round 9 -
home Team
Dragons
9th Position
away Team
Broncos
2nd Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Dragons: Kimberley Hunt comes onto the wing in place of Maatuleio Fotu-Moala, who drops to the reserves. Kasey Reh moves to lock and Sophie Clancy starts at hooker while Alexis Tauaneai will start at prop and Jamilee Bright moves to the bench. Jordyn Preston and Bronte Wilson are in the extended reserves, with Charlotte Basham coming onto the interchange. Steph Hancock - who recently suffered an ankle injury - has been named as 18th player.
Broncos: After confirmation of a suspected fracture of the fibula for Stacey Waaka, Lauren Dam comes onto the wing, with youngster Skyla Adams the new 18th player. Other changes see last week's match-winning try scorer Chelsea Lendarduzzi move to the bench, with Annetta Nuuausala promoted to the starting side. Tazmin Rapana has been named in the extended reserves.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Teagan BerryFullback for Broncos is number 1 Hayley Maddick
-
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Kimberley HuntWinger for Broncos is number 2 Julia Robinson
-
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Keele BrowneCentre for Broncos is number 3 Mele Hufanga
-
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Bobbi LawCentre for Broncos is number 4 Shenae Ciesiolka
-
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Alice GregoryWinger for Broncos is number 5 Lauren Dam
-
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Tyla KingFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Gayle Broughton
-
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Raecene McGregorHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Ali Brigginshaw
Forwards
-
Prop for Dragons is number 8 Angelina Teakaraanga-KatoaProp for Broncos is number 8 Brianna Clark
-
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Sophie ClancyHooker for Broncos is number 9 Jada Ferguson
-
Prop for Dragons is number 10 Alexis TauaneaiProp for Broncos is number 10 Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Shenai Lendill2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Mariah Denman
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Ella Koster2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Romy Teitzel
-
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Kasey RehLock for Broncos is number 13 Keilee Joseph
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Zali HopkinsInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Destiny Brill
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Jamilee BrightInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Chelsea Lenarduzzi
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Madison MulhallInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Lavinia Gould
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Charlotte BashamInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Tafito Lafaele
Reserves
-
Replacement for Dragons is number 18 Steph HancockReplacement for Broncos is number 18 Skyla Adams
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 19 Jordyn PrestonReserve for Broncos is number 19 Tazmin Rapana
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 20 Kaarla CowanReserve for Broncos is number 20 Jasmine Fogavini
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 21 Bronte WilsonReserve for Broncos is number 21 Ashleigh Werner
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 22 Maatuleio Fotu-MoalaReserve for Broncos is number 22 Hannah Larsson
Dragons Ins
- Charlotte Basham
- Kaarla Cowan
- Kimberley Hunt
- Steph Hancock
Broncos Ins
- Ashleigh Werner
- Hannah Larsson
- Jasmine Fogavini
- Skyla Adams
- Tazmin Rapana
Dragons Outs
Broncos Ins
- Stacey Waaka
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Dragons have lost four of their five games played in Queensland.
- The Broncos have won six of their seven games against the Dragons.
- Listed as 18th player when teams were announced on Tuesday, veteran Dragons forward Steph Hancock is in line to play her 40th NRLW game.
- Broncos winger Julia Robinson has scored four tries in her last two games against the Dragons.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
