The first-ever local derby between the Sharks and Dragons kicks off Round 8 of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership on Thursday night with plenty of fireworks expected between the two clubs.
It's been an interesting season for both teams with the Sharks failing to live up to any pre-season hype placed on them while the Dragons have exceeded expectations with three wins after being tipped by many to struggle in 2023.
St George Illawarra are still alive in the finals race but require the Broncos and Raiders to drop games in the coming fortnight for any sort of hope to finish in the top four.
The Sharks squad features 10 players who have represented the Dragons previously, none more recently than Emma Tonegato, who's move to the Shire created all the headlines in the off-season.
Tonegato's showdown with fellow rugby sevens convert Tyla Nathan-Wong will be one to watch at PointsBet Stadium while Dragons coach Jamie Soward is sure to have had this match circled on his calendar after mass defections last season.
Match: Sharks v Dragons
Round 8 -
home Team
Sharks
7th Position
away Team
Dragons
6th Position
Venue: PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
Team news
Sharks: Brooke Anderson will start with Quincy Dodd coming off the bench. Annessa Biddle's return from suspension pushes Kiana Takairangi out of the side and sees Cassie Staples move from centre to the wing in the only other change.
Dragons: A host of late changes for the Red V. Maddison Weatherall joins the bench and Sophie Clancy move into the starting side with Alexis Tauaneai (knee) dropping out. Cortez Te Pou and Sarah Riordan are the fresh faces in the back-line with Taylor Mapusua dropping out and Ella Koster moving to the second row.
Match: Sharks v Dragons
Round 8 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Dragons
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada TaylorFullback for Dragons is number 1 Teagan Berry
-
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Georgia RavicsWinger for Dragons is number 5 Margot Vella
-
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana PenitaniCentre for Dragons is number 3 Shenai Lendill
-
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa BiddleCentre for Dragons is number 24 Sarah Riordan
-
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Cassie StaplesWinger for Dragons is number 21 Cortez Te Pou
-
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Emma TonegatoFive-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Tyla Nathan-Wong
-
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla PrestonHalfback for Dragons is number 7 Raecene McGregor
Forwards
-
Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie JohnstonProp for Dragons is number 10 Tara McGrath-West
-
Hooker for Sharks is number 16 Brooke AndersonHooker for Dragons is number 9 Renee Targett
-
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Tegan DymockProp for Dragons is number 12 Roxy Murdoch
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes2nd Row for Dragons is number 4 Ella Koster
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Vanessa Foliaki2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Madison Mulhall
-
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Holli WheelerLock for Dragons is number 16 Jamilee Bright
Interchange
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 9 Quincy DoddInterchange for Dragons is number 8 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Sereana NaitokatokaInterchange for Dragons is number 14 Zali Hopkins
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Harata ButlerInterchange for Dragons is number 15 Macie Carlile
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Chloe SaundersInterchange for Dragons is number 18 Maddison Weatherall
Reserves
-
Replacement for Sharks is number 18 Maddie StuddonReplacement for Dragons is number 22 Ellie Williamson
Match Officials
- Referee: Wyatt Raymond
- Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Dragons are completing at a competition-high 81 percent this season.
- Cronulla have touched the ball more than any other side in 2023.
- St George Illawarra (2,518) and Cronulla (2,466) lead the competition in kick metres.
