NRLW Match Preview: Round 6 v Dragons

Author: Zoe Filetti Sharks Reporter
Timestamp: Fri 8 Aug 2025, 10:49 AM

The Sharks head over the bridge to Kogarah on Saturday to face the Dragons in a must-win Indigenous Round clash for both sides.

In a double-header with their male counterparts at Jubilee Stadium, the NRLW local derby will kick off a special two-week celebration across the game. All teams will wear Indigenous jerseys to honour the rich culture of First Nations people.

Sharks hooker Quincy Dodd, a proud Booraborringal woman from the Dharug nation, shared how special it is to represent her people.

"It's unreal, there is so much more meaning behind this jersey," Dodd said.

For eighth-placed Cronulla, the cross-town crunch match is crucial to their finals chances. Their record sits at 2-3 amid a luckless run of injuries.

Similarly, St George Illawarra have not had their season go to plan with only two wins. Regardless of form, it's expected to be a mighty showdown given the rivalry often brings out the best in both sides.

In a silver lining to their injury woes, the Sharks have blooded five NRLW debutantes this season. Dodd praised their ability to rise to the challenge considering many were not expecting the call-up so soon.

Jaydika Tafua, Steph Faulkner, Grace-Lee Weekes, Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu and Leki Leilua have all made the leap into the top grade in 2025.

"They've taken it with both hands and really excelled," Dodd said.

In last year's meeting, Cronulla got the better of the Red V with a 28-4 thrashing which they'll hope to replicate come Saturday. Both teams fell short in miserable conditions during the inaugural Magic Round in Newcastle last week, increasing their hunger to secure two vital competition points tomorrow.

"Last year they came out really strong… They've got a few younger, next-generation players coming through as well," Dodd remarked of the Dragons.

Dodd and her teammates are keen to draw on the energy of the crowd, urging Sharks fans to make the trip into the St George area and show their colours.

"I'm so excited – we haven't had a double-header (involving the NRL team) this year; this is our first one. It just brings a different feel about the game when there are more fans there to support us," the dummy-half added.

For both sides, it's the young halves that have grasped their moments this season. Chantay Kiria-Ratu, 20, has locked down Cronulla's No.7 jersey, impressing with her kicking game in particular, while 19-year-old Dragons playmaker Kasey Reh has steered the ship at five-eighth but will step up as halfback this weekend with Raecene McGregor suspended. Maddie Studdon will partner Reh in her first NRLW appearance since 2023.

Tune into the blockbuster on 9, 9Now, Kayo and Foxtel. Kick-off at 12.45pm.

See the teams below.

Round 6 - Round 6 - Saturday 9 Aug

Full Time

Dragons

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Tyra Ekepati

Fullback for Sharks is number 22 Emma Verran
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Maria Paseka

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Shenai Lendill

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Grace-Lee Weekes
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Keele Browne

Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Jayme Millard

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Maddie Studdon

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Kasey Reh

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-Ratu

Forwards

Prop for Dragons is number 8 Madison Mulhall

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Zali Hopkins

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
Prop for Dragons is number 10 Bronte Wilson

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Jacinta Carter
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Ella Koster

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Charlotte Basham

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Hannah Southwell

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson

Interchange

Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Tori Shipton

Interchange for Sharks is number 1 Tyla King
Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Ahlivia Ingram

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Manilita Takapautolo
Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Jamilee McGregor

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Nakia Davis-Welsh
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Tahlia O'Brien

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Stephanie Faulkner