Articles

[getsmarty]

LADIES WHO LEAGUE


Penitani hoping dream year ends with another high
Author
Mary Konstantopoulos NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 2 Oct 2019, 12:01 PM

Tiana Penitani has reached a few firsts in her sporting career in 2019, but the one she achieved at Leichhardt Oval last weekend may just be her favourite.

She represented Australia in Rugby Sevens before her first foray in rugby league in 2019 resulted in a State of Origin debut for NSW and a key role in helping the Dragons reach Sunday's NRLW grand final.

The special aspect of last Sunday's stand-alone match between the Dragons and Roosters was the knowledge Penitani had that a host of family and friends were watching her play live for the first time.

"Most of my family and friends have never seen me play because when I was playing rugby, I was playing overseas for the majority of the time," Penitani said.

"I've been playing footy for quite a long time so for so many of my family and friends to get the chance to see me play live was really special. It was really nice to have some familiar faces in the stands."

What an occasion it was for those special people in her life.



Harbour Bridge lit up in grand final week

As well as being a big day for Penitani, the match doubled as a farewell for Ruan Sims - a woman Penitani has admired for many years.

"I look up to Ruan so much because of the transition that she made; captaining Australia in rugby union and then all of the achievements and the accolades she has racked up playing rugby league. She is quite an incredible person," Penitani said.

With the win over Sims' Roosters on Sunday, the Dragons booked their spot in the premiership decider.

I know it was a shock for many of the players, with Penitani and Kezie Apps in disbelief on the bus ride home.


Match: Broncos v Dragons

Grand Final - Sunday 6th October

4:05pm

Home Team

Broncos

1st Position


Away Team

Dragons

2nd Position

Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Match broadcasters:

• Nine Network
• Foxtel
• GEM
• KAYO
• LIVE PASS

The scary thing is I have a feeling we haven't seen the best of the Dragons this season.

Many predicted the Dragons would be the team to beat this season. With talent like Apps, Maddie Studdon, Jessica Sergis and Brittany Breayley in the squad, big things were expected.

Things didn't click straight away with the Broncos winning the round one meeting between the two teams.

For Penitani, the pressure that came with a first up loss reflects the challenges associated with such a short NRLW season.

"Being in the NRLW is really tough. You are together for an eight-week period where all these players are thrown into a brand new team and have to get their combinations right really quickly and you have to build culture really quickly," Penitani said.



NRLW tackle of the year nominees

"It’s not easy to do with big personalities and lots of talent in the room, but we had a process and Daniel Lacey had a plan for us. The biggest thing for us is family – we place a lot of emphasis on family and the broader community as well as the talent that we’ve got at the Dragons.

"I think we knew that over time our combinations would gel and we wanted to peak in the grand final, not round one."

It was that second game against the Warriors where the Dragons showed what they were capable of, running away to win 26-6. They have not looked back.

Penitani's personal interest on Sunday extends beyond the Dragons team she is a part of.

Her fiance Aaron Gray will be playing for the Newtown Jets in the State Championship decider against the Burleigh Bears.

Neither Penitani or Gray could watch the other live last weekend with one game at Leichhardt Oval and the other at Bankwest Stadium.



NRLW try of the year nominees

Gray watched the end of Penitani's game just before he went out to prepare and Penitani got hold of her phone as soon as she could after her game to keep track of the score in Gray's match.

But the duo will have a big cheer squad there on Sunday, with Penitani's mum being on the phone trying to secure more tickets once both results were confirmed.

It would be a fitting end to the season if this couple both lift premiership trophies on Sunday afternoon.




https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/02/penitani-hoping-dream-year-ends-with-another-high/

 

[getsmarty]

Studdon: Dragons can go to another level
Maddie Studdon believes the Dragons can go to another level after gaining confidence from back to back wins leading into the NRLW grand final against the Brisbane Broncos

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/02/studdon-dragons-can-go-to-another-level/

 

[getsmarty]

WOMEN'S RUGBY LEAGUE


Dragons to determined to win NRLW for suspended Fotu-Moala
Author
Alicia Newton NRLW Chief Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 2 Oct 2019, 11:01 AM

St George Illawarra rookie Maddison Weatherall says the Dragons are determined to win the NRLW title on Sunday for suspended teammate Teuila Fotu-Moala.

Fotu-Moala became the first woman in NRLW history charged and banned after a crusher tackle on Brisbane's Lavinia Gould in last month's opening round resulted in a three-game ban.

The club's decision to seek a downgrade backfired in the end with the former Broncos forward forced to sit out an extra week - the grand final on Sunday.

The Dragons have rallied around Fotu-Moala and the incident had a unifying effect on the team.

St George Illawarra won their next two games and found form after they dropped their first-round clash against the Broncos at Bankwest Stadium.

"All of us have tried to play for her and we made a pact to take out the competition for her and all the other girls who can't play," Weatherall told NRL.com.



Every NRLW try from Round 3

"We hit their middle a lot in the first game but in the last couple of matches we've gone to our edges and it's been a lot better.

"It's going to be a big crowd because of the men's game shortly after, we're excited but it's a bit nerve-racking so we've got to contain that."

For Weatherall, who turned 18 just three days before the competition started a month ago to make herself eligible, the second season of the NRLW has been a long time coming.

The NSW under 18s representative was in the Dragons' system last year but couldn't play due to age restrictions.

She's now one of Daniel Lacey's most important impact players coming off the bench.


Match: Broncos v Dragons

Grand Final - Sunday 6th October

4:05pm

Home Team

Broncos

1st Position


Away Team

Dragons

2nd Position

Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Match broadcasters:

• Nine Network
• Foxtel
• GEM
• KAYO
• LIVE PASS

"I just try my hardest not to get pumped," Weatherall laughed.

"It was hard last year to just train with the girls but not be able to play ... But I feel more ready now.

"It's a lot harder than the 18s game I played a few months ago, you're playing grown women and I haven't really been able to do that. I just run hard and close my eyes."

Weatherall grew up with four brothers and parents with a strong rugby league background.

Weatherall says her mother Tracy is one of her biggest supporters but harshest critics and likes to compare her daughter's performances to that of her own when she was playing the game as a teenager in New Zealand.

"She tries to tell me how she was better than me at this age and that I should be smashing people," Weatherall said.



Match Highlights: Dragons v Roosters

"It makes me laugh, I'm convinced she's just talking crap but talking to my uncles they say how tough she was. It actually would be cool to represent New Zealand one day for her.

"That's my next little goal I'd like to tick."

Tickets for the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final 2019 are now on sale to the general public.

Tickets are available through Ticketek and nrl.com/tickets.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/201...ermined-to-win-nrlw-for-suspended-fotu-moala/

 

[getsmarty]

NRL NEWS


Today's players owe it all to trailblazer Tutty: Nightingale
Author
Margie McDonald Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 2 Oct 2019, 04:01 PM

Former Dragons and Kiwis Test winger Jason Nightingale says the 12th winner of the prestigious Dennis Tutty Award will soon learn the tremendous honour of being linked with the man who gave birth to player rights in rugby league.

The Dennis Tutty Award will be part of the annual RLPA Players' Champion awards night on October 14. The association is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, although the Tutty award didn't enter the program until 2008.

Nightingale is the 2018 recipient and said every rugby league player needed to say "thank you" to Tutty – the talented Balmain lock, who took on restrictive NSWRL player contract and transfer laws in 1968, fighting them through the Supreme Court and the High Court, and finally winning.

But Tutty's fight for players to be able to determine their own futures came at a cost. He stood down from playing for two years, suffered financial stress, health issues, and lost his marriage.

However, it was through his sacrifice that the legal doctrine of "Restraint of Trade" was established.

"It's a massive award for a lot of reasons. Mostly because of the sacrifices that Dennis made and what that means for your teammates and people you work with," Nightingale told NRL.com.



The bunker's new innovation to detect injuries

"It's about giving back and doing something selfless for the playing group as a whole, which is the example that Dennis gave us.

"It's a special award because it signifies what actions now, can do for players of the future."

RLPA chief executive Ian Prendergast said the Dennis Tutty Award was an integral part of the Players’ Champion event each year.

Dennis Tutty. NRL Photos
"It's important that we continually take time to reflect and pay tribute to Dennis for his selfless actions that paved the way for the modern day professional players," Prendergast said.

"The RLPA board selects the recipient of this honour, which is bestowed upon an individual who has assisted in advancing the interests of the collective.

"We look forward to announcing the winner of this prestigious award on October 14."

Criteria for selecting the Dennis Tutty winner include:

• Leadership on and off the field
• Commitment to fellow players and to the protection of their rights
• Service and dedication to the game of rugby league

Nightingale, who retired last season after 266 games for the Dragons including the 2010 premiership, and 33 Tests for New Zealand, said players had a strong voice in the game today.

"You look across professional sports and the stronger the player association is involved, then the better the relationship is between them and the governing body," he said.



Greenberg adamant grand final negotiations will conclude soon

"The RLPA is all about making sure everyone is treated the right way – having our rights respected.

"That again is something that throws back all the way to Dennis. We're in a pretty good position today in terms of player conditions, well-being and education.

"Players are better looked after and are able to work hard and produce what they need to produce when it's time to play and train."

Previous Winners

• 2018 Jason Nightingale
• 2017 James Maloney
• 2016 Dene Halatau
• 2015 Tom Symonds
• 2014 Nate Myles
• 2013 Clint Newton
• 2012 Robbie Farah
• 2011 Andrew Ryan
• 2010 Petero Civoniceva
• 2009 Michael Gordon
• 2008 Jason King

https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/10/02/todays-players-owe-it-all-to-trailblazer-tutty-nightingale/

 

[getsmarty]

Sergis secures Women's Dally M Medal
Jessica Sergis caps off a stunning rise with a Dally M Medal for the best player in the Women's game

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/02/sergis-secures-womens-dally-m-medal/

 

[getsmarty]

'Over the moon': Stunned Sergis collects women's Dally M Medal
Author
Troy Whittaker NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 2 Oct 2019, 10:53 PM

Dragons star Jessica Sergis has completed the first leg of what could be a career-defining double by winning the female Dally M Medal in Sydney on Wednesday night.

Sergis became the second NRLW player to win the game's highest individual honour after Brittany Breayley at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday night.

With three tries, a try assist, 21 tackle breaks and an average of 153 metres per match in three appearances this season, Sergis was a deserved recipient.

The 22-year-old St George Illawarra star said it was the "pinnacle" of her career to date but there could be even bigger things to come on Sunday when the Dragons tackle Brisbane in the NRLW grand final at ANZ Stadium.

"I did not expect it at all. It's major," Sergis told NRL.com.

"Coming so close last year and now being here and winning it, it's the pinnacle for me at the moment. I'm absolutely over the moon.

"It's been such a big year for women's rugby league, it's growing tremendously and getting better and better. This is definitely just the icing – it's amazing.

"If we win the premiership on Sunday, I won't be able to beat 2019. I'm lost for words."

Zac Lomax and Jessica Sergis arrive in style at the Dally Ms. Nathan Hopkins/NRL Photos
While acknowledging the enormity of the award, the team-first Sergis was already thinking about how her Dragons colleagues would react at training on Thursday morning.

"The girls are going to be so pumped. We're going to have a good week to get ready for that premiership. I think it's definitely boosted all our confidence," Sergis said.

"I'll enjoy tonight and then we'll knuckle down back into training tomorrow. We've got to take it pretty seriously to beat those Broncos."



Studdon: Dragons can go to another level

St George Illawarra lost 14-4 to reigning premiers Brisbane in round one but after recovering with consecutive victories to make the decider, Sergis has faith the Red V can reverse the result when it counts.

"We knew round one, it was our first game together to gel as a team. We didn’t play our best footy; there were a lot of silly mistakes," Sergis said.

"I know that we've worked on that and we know how to fix that. Having two back-to-back do-or-die wins is making us even hungrier.

"I know the Broncos will want that back-to-back but we're even hungrier."


https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/10/02/over-the-moon-stunned-sergis-collects-womens-dally-m-medal/

 

[Dragsters]

Congrats Jess.

Well deserved.

2nd best centre at the club...

 

[getsmarty]

OPINION


NRL.com predicts NRLW grand final winner
Author
NRL.com
Timestamp
Thu 3 Oct 2019, 09:01 AM

Who will win the 2019 NRLW grand final? Can the Broncos make it back-to-back premierships or will be Dragons get the job done.

The experts at NRL.com have their say on who which team will be celebrating on Sunday night.

NRL.com experts view
Steve Renouf (Maroons legend)
The Broncos will go back-to-back because their forwards are disciplined and just grind the opposition into the ground. Out wide they have rampaging backs like Amber Pilley who is devastating close to the line. The Broncos have impressed me as the best-drilled team in the competition and particularly in defence where they give away nothing. Broncos by 4

Brett Kimmorley (Former NSW halfback)
Broncos. As they did last year when the won the premiership they've played with consistency. They've got two ex-NRL players (Corey Parker and Simon Mannering) helping with the coaching and having been there last year they'll be ready. Broncos by 4

Jamie Soward (Premiership winner)
Ali Brigginshaw is the world's premier halfback. Her experience will prove vital. She will steer her side to victory. Broncos by 2



Match Highlights: Dragons v Roosters

Alicia Newton (NRLW Chief Reporter)
Brisbane will bounce back with a far better performance after suffering their first NRLW loss last week and have experience on their side but the Dragons have created the momentum and won't be overawed. Dragons by 8

Margie McDonald (NRL.com senior reporter)
This is virtually a State of Origin match as the Broncos had nine Queenslanders in their 17 last weekend against the Warriors, while the Dragons had eight rep players in their 17 at Leichhardt Oval against the Roosters. Brisbane already have an NRLW premiership so let's spread the love. Dragons by 2

Zac Bailey (NRL.com reporter)
The Dragons. Back-to-back wins gives them the momentum heading into the grand final. The Red V turned a corner in the second half of their round two match against the Warriors – and haven't missed a beat since. If their forwards can dominate the middle, Maddie Studdon will take control and link with their strike weapons on the edge in Jess Sergis and Tiana Penitani. Dragons by 8

Michael Chammas (NRL.com chief reporter)
The Brisbane Broncos are a class above the rest of the pack, however, the Dragons have hit their straps at the right time. The Dragons would have learned some valuable lessons from the first loss of the season and expect them to make the adjustments needed to deny the Broncos going back to back. Dragons by 4

Chris Kennedy (NRL.com reporter)
The Dragons have looked potent during the past fortnight while Brisbane are coming off their first-ever NRLW loss. I just see the Broncos having a touch too much polish. Brisbane by 4



Match Highlights: Broncos v Warriors

Dan Walsh (NRL.com reporter)
They may have lost last weekend, but the Broncos have been the best team the NRLW has seen over its first two years. They're good enough to get over the line against a strong Dragons team. Broncos by 2

Brad Walter (NRL.com senior reporter)
St George Illawarra. The Dragons only loss was a narrow defeat by the Broncos in the opening game and since then they have got better with each match. St George Illawarra have a mobile forward pack and strike across their backline. Dragons by 4

Joel Gould (NRL.com reporter)
The Dragons look to be hitting their straps and realising their potential with big game players Kezie Apps, Jessica Sergis, Maddie Studdon, Maitua Feterika and Brittany Breayley all potential game-breakers. The Broncos will be favourites but the experience of the Dragons will get them home. Dragons by 4



It's anyone's game

Paul Suttor (NRL.com editor)
The Dragons will have learned plenty of lessons from their loss to the Broncos in the opening round of the NRLW. They've improved each week of the competition since that day and can upset Brisbane at ANZ Stadium if they spin the ball out wide nice and early to their speedy outside backs. Dragons by 2

Mary Konstantopoulos (Ladies Who League)
It may have taken the St George Illawarra Dragons a couple of weeks to click, but I'm confident we still haven't seen the best this team has to offer. The combination of Keely Davis and Maddie Studdon is working well for the Dragons and added to the attacking potential of the likes of Jessica Sergis and Tiana Penitani. Dragons by 4

Brett Keeble (NRL.com reporter)
The Dragons will break the Broncos' domination of the NRLW and claim the title on Sunday. Pre-season favourites, the Dragons' combinations have improved during the competition and they will take the next step by defeating the defending premiers in a close match. Dragons by 1

Maria Tsialis (Big League editor)
The Dragons can definitely threaten the Broncos but I don't see the women from Brisbane dropping two in a row following their shock loss to the Warriors last week. Their forward pack is excellent and it should create plenty of space for for their halves and hooker. Broncos by 10



Studdon excited to play 'friends'

Tanisha Stanton (NRL.com reporter)
The Dragons had a slow start to the season but in the last two weeks they have found their groove. They will also be wanting revenge for not making the grand final last year so they'll be prepared to step up to the occasion on Sunday. On the edges is where they will win this match - watch out for Jess Sergis and Tiana Penitani. Dragons by 12

Lone Scout (NRL Fantasy expert)
Brisbane have been the most successful team in the short history of the NRLW and they will have the bounce-back factor on their side after suffering their first NRLW defeat last week. The Dragons have plenty of stars and should be competitive. Brisbane by 4

Troy Whittaker (NRL.com reporter)
St George Illawarra were below their best in round one but still managed to compete with Brisbane for most of the match. While the Dragons have now hit form, the Broncos' confidence may be shaky. Dragons by 8



Aussie artists join the 2019 Grand Final entertainment

Tony Webeck (NRL.com reporter)
Last week's loss to the Warriors will only be a hiccup for the Broncos. Return of Meg Ward on the wing is a bonus and the experience of Ali Brigginshaw will be crucial in their pursuit of a second straight NRLW title. Broncos by 2

Corey Rosser (NRL.com reporter)
When the Dragons have switched it on in attack over the past fortnight they've looked near unstoppable. If they can find space for the likes of Jessica Sergis and Tiana Penitani on Sunday, St George Illawarra will have too many points in them. Dragons by 4

Kenny Scott (NRL.com podcaster)
Brisbane have shown this season that they know how to get the job done, with the only exception being their last game against the Warriors where they missed a match-levelling conversion and were denied a try in interesting circumstances. The Dragons have gotten better as the season went on, but the Broncos will hold steady. Broncos by 10

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/03/nrl.com-predicts-nrlw-grand-final-winner/

 

[getsmarty]

2019 Ken Stephen Medal finalist - Corey Norman
Since 2018, the Dragons five-eighth has regularly volunteered his time with the Pass It On Clothing & Co – and encourages fellow players to do the same. Corey and Pass It On take clothing donations directly to those who need it most. The Medal is proudly supported by One Solutions

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/03/2019-ken-stephen-medal-finalist---corey-norman/

 

[getsmarty]

Sergis reveals how the Red V turned their season around
St George Illawarra Dragons centre Jess Sergis joined Wednesdays Our Way to talk about the Red V's stunning form leading into the Holden Women's Premiership decider against the Brisbane Broncos

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/03/sergis-reveals-how-the-red-v-turned-their-season-around/

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


1966 grand final | Dragons v Tigers
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Thu 3 Oct 2019, 03:39 PM

As the 2019 grand final inches closer, wind back the clock to 1966 when the Dragons produced yet another outstanding season and claimed their record 11th premiership in a row.

The mighty Red V side was once again the clear favourite of the competition, claiming the minor premiership with just four losses in the entire season. But the strong Balmain side were their closest competitors finishing in second place with just six losses.

In the last season of the unlimited tackle rule the Dragons’ defence was unbreakable, not allowing the Tigers to get into their in-goal under the stewardship of Dragons legend and captain-coach, Ian Walsh. Watch the entire record breaking match below.

Sign up for a free NRL Account to access this video and other exclusive content.

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https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/03/1966-grand-final--dragons-v-tigers/

 

[getsmarty]

Breayley anticipates a fired-up Broncos
Brittany Breayley expects the Broncos to come out firing for the NRLW grand final after their loss to the Warriors in the last round of the competition

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/03/breayley-anticipates-a-fired-up-broncos/

 

[getsmarty]

Penitani lauds 'lethal' Horne
Dragons centre Tiana Penitani says she is lucky to play alongside lethal winger Rikeya Horne

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/04/penitani-lauds-lethal-horne/

 

[getsmarty]

Coach's preview: NRLW grand final
Dragons women's coach Daniel Lacey previews Sunday's NRLW grand final against the Brisbane Broncos.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/03/coachs-preview-nrlw-grand-final/

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons 2019: Jess Sergis receives Dally M Female Player of the Year medal

• 
  Joshua Bartlett

Local Sport

HAPPY DRAGON: Jess Sergis proudly holds her Dally M female player of the year medal on Wednesday night. Picture: Grant Trouville/NRL Imagery
Jess Sergis has praised her Dragons team mates after receiving NRLW's most prestigious individual honour on Wednesday night.

The Dragons centre was named the Dally M Female Player of the Year at NRL's night of nights at Hodern Pavilion.

Sergis, 22, is the second NRLW player to receive the honour after Brittany Breayley (Brisbane Broncos) won the medal last year.

Sergis told the Mercury that she was "still buzzing" after taking out the medal and it was great reward for the whole team.

"I did not expect it at all," she said.

"It's massive, not just for me but for my team mates as well.

"I wouldn't be standing on that stage last night if it wasn't for them. I've played my best footy here, we've bonded so well."

In her medal acceptance speech, Sergis said she remained focused on this weekend's grand final against Brisbane.

"We've worked so hard to get into that grand final this Sunday," she said.

"We've got one more week together and one more game together. I can't wait to get that premiership."

I wouldn't be standing on that stage if it wasn't for my team mates.

Jess Sergis
Sergis had represented the Jillaroos and played State of Origin when she signed for the Dragons last year.

She made her NRLW debut after a frustrating run with injuries, but has gone to a new level in 2019.

Sergis played alongside Kezie Apps for Helensburgh in the Illawarra league, scoring 32 tries in 10 games, and was part of NSW's winning Origin side.

She then scored three tries and made 21 tackle breaks during the NRLW season and was a key factor in the Dragons' push towards the title.

Sergis' standout performance came last week when she scored two tries to guide her side to a 24-16 win over the Roosters to book a spot on grand final day.

"To play this sport, you need your body and I took that for granted last year," Sergis said.

"My goal coming in this year was to look after myself and it had paid off for me."

Congratulations to Jessica Sergis, the 2019 #DallyM Female Player of the Year! pic.twitter.com/JIn6eKPwTn

— Women's Rugby League (@WRugbyLeague) October 2, 2019
Sergis thanked her family and her partner, Dragons NRL player Zac Lomax for their ongoing support.

"They've supported me the whole way and I love them lots," she said.

Dragons NRLW coach Daniel Lacey said Sergis had been in great form this season and deserved the medal.

"I'm really happy for Jess and it's given us a boost for this weekend," he said.

"She's a really balanced athlete and really strong, but she's also got that mongrel in her that's hard to contain.

"I'm really happy that she's on our team and not the opposition."

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...lly-m-female-player-of-the-year-medal/?cs=302

 

[getsmarty]

Rejuvenated Studdon chasing grand prize in NRL Women's decider

• Cameron Mee

Dragons Den

Hitting her straps: Maddie Studdon has led the Dragons to the NRLW grand final. Picture: NRL Imagery/Grant Trouville.
When the Roosters ran out for the 2018 NRL Women's grand final, there was one notable player missing.

Maddie Studdon.

The NSW captain, Studdon was signed by the Roosters to lead the team to premiership glory.

But come grand final day, the halfback couldn't even crack the 17.

So instead of playing on rugby league's biggest day, Studdon watched on as her team was defeated.

What followed was a period of soul searching before she ultimately made the move to the Dragons.

Studdon will finally get her chance at grand final glory on Sunday when she runs on to ANZ Stadium for St George Illawarra's clash with the Broncos.

It's a moment she's been looking forward to for a long time.

"I've worked really hard on my game this year and to get all the way, it's awesome," Studdon said. "This is what I really wanted, to be in the starting side for the NRLW and that's what I have for the Dragons.

"We've got one more to go, we've got to really dig deep in this hard week coming up. We've still got a lot of things to fix up and we'll definitely learn from Sunday's game.

"Playing a grand final on ANZ Stadium right before the men, it's going to be a great crowd. It's going to be awesome."

Studdon's form since she signed with the Dragons has been superb.

After leading the NSW Blues to State of Origin glory in June, and picking up player of the match honours in the process, the halfback has played a crucial role in helping St George Illawarra progress to this week's decider.

Read more: St George Illawarra trio earn representative honours

The round one struggles have been replaced by quality attack, with Studdon forming a superb combination with halves partner Keeley Davis in the last two weeks.

The Dragons fell to Brisbane in their opening-round clash, however they have improved with each performance and Studdon is confident her side can knock off the defending premiers.

"We're playing a lot better than in round one. We've worked on our combinations, we've changed up our gameplan a little bit and we just know it's a simple game.

"We all run the right lines and go off each other. We've got a great team here and we're all bonding really well."

The week ahead will mark foreign territory for many in the St George Illawarra side, as they prepare for the club's first women's grand final.

Having been a member of the Roosters squad in 2018, Studdon is prepared for the unique challenges and extra commitments that grand final week throws up.

The number one message she has for her teammates is to enjoy the week and everything that pops up along the way.

"Just take it as it comes and enjoy the week," Studdon said. "You've got to enjoy it because there is a lot of pressure and outside noise, but you've just got to forget about that stuff and remember why you're doing this and who you're doing it for.

"You need to focus on playing your own footy game, not going away from anything that we're doing here now."


https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...ng-grand-prize-in-nrl-womens-decider/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

Holli Wheeler hoping for a NRLW premiership with St George

• Women in Sport
  
  
  
  Holli Wheeler will play lock for St George in Sunday's NRLW grand final against Brisbane. Photo NRL Photos.
  HOLLI Wheeler will be aiming to win her second premiership in a year on Sunday when she lines up for St George-Illawarra in the NRLW grand final against Brisbane at ANZ Stadium.
  
  Earlier in the season Wheeler, 29, originally from Old Bar near Taree, NSW, was named player of the match when CRL Newcastle defeated Mounties in the NSW Women's Premiership decider, also at ANZ Stadium. This was before the start of the second NRLW premiership.
  
  A former Australian Country hockey representative, Wheeler only started playing rugby league in 2018 following a suggestion from Country Rugby League women's participation officer Kylie Hilder, who lives down the road at Forster.
  
  Wheeler and Hilder played hockey together and league tag against each other. They were team-mates at CRL Newcastle and the Country representative side and also in the NSW State of Origin clash this year. Wheeler made her Origin and Australian debuts last year.
  
  Now Wheeler, who now lives in Newcastle, will be lock for St George-Illawarra in the NRLW grand final against defending champions, Brisbane.
  
  The Broncos won the inaugural NRLW grand final last year. Saints only won one game in 2018.
  
  
  
  
  Holli Wheler on the move for CRL Newcastle in a NSW Women's Premiership match. Kylie Hilder is in the background.
  
  "It's been a bit of a whirlwind - it seems to have come around very quickly,'' Wheeler said of Sunday's grand final.
  
  She's not being happy with her current form.
  
  "I've had to make adjustments because I've moved from second row to lock, so I'm spending more time in the middle,'' Wheeler explained.
  
  "I'm probably not getting as much game time as I would like. But this week I'm just going to focus on doing my job and make sure I have the right mindset.''
  
  The Dragons had a high turnover of players from last year and given the short nature of the NRLW, Wheeler explained there's not a lot of time to develop combinations.
  
  Saints went into the season as favourites but lost to Brisbane in the opening match before scoring strong wins over New Zealand and Sydney Roosters. Success against the Roosters sealed a berth in the big dance.
  
  
  Wheeler is confident the Dragons are peaking at the right time, but she conceded the Broncos will be tough.
  
  "You can never write them off, even though they lost players from last season, they still have plenty of quality players and a great coaching staff,'' she said.
  
  "I think the teams are evenly matched and hopefully it is a great game of football, so people watching will come away with a positive impression of the women's game.''
  
  Wheeler's already won one premiership this year. She was player of the match in the NSW Women's Premiership grand final when her side, CRL Newcastle, downed Mounties.
  
  "I'll take it,'' she replied when asked if she can reproduce that effort on Sunday.
  
  "But as long as I do my job for the team I'll be happy, especially if we get to hold up the trophy at fulltime.''
  
  
  
  
  Holli Wheeler blocks the path of a Sydney Roosters player during a clash in 2018 NRLW competition.
  
  Four teams enough for now
  HOLLI Wheeler cautions against expanding the NRLW before there's a sufficient pool of quality players.
  
  Wheeler was St George-Illawarra's player of the year in the inaugural NRLW season in 2018 and will start at lock in Sunday's grand final against Brisbane. She's also a NSW State of Origin and Australian representative.
  
  Four teams - Saints, Sydney Roosters, Brisbane and New Zealand have contested the first two years of the NRLW and there is speculation the number could go to six as soon as 2020.
  
  "I've heard Newcastle could be entering a team, but I don't think there's anything in concrete yet,'' Wheeler said.
  
  However, she pointed out that while women's rugby league has made significant strides in the last couple of years, it is still in its infancy. Wheeler would like to see a longer NRLW season, but not necessarily more teams.
  
  "I'd stick with four sides, but play each-other twice before the semi-finals,'' she said.
  
  At the moment the teams only meet once.
  
  
  
  
  A talented athlete, Holli Wheeler was an Australian Country hockey representative before switching to rugby league.
  
  Wheeler fears that expansion for the sake of expansion could dilute the standard of the competition and probably lead to blowout scorelines.
  
  "Teams getting beaten by 50 or 60 points isn't good,'' she said.
  
  However, she has confidence in the NRL.
  
  "I know they listen and after last year's competition they sought feedback from the players.
  
  "Tiffany Slater (NRL general manager for Elite Women's Program) has the good of the game at heart. We all want the game to get bigger and stronger,'' Wheeler said.
  
  Wheeler played in the one-off test against New Zealand last year. The Jillaroos will meet New Zealand in New Zealand in November.
  
  There's also the World Nines in late October, but Wheeler doesn't think she'll be part of that.
  
  "I don't think I'd be much of a nines player,'' she said.
  
  Wheeler isn't thinking too much about another tilt at the Kiwis at the moment. Her focus is firmly on Sunday and beating the Broncos.
  
  "Anything that happens after that is a bonus,'' she said.

https://www.theleader.com.au/story/...ms-for-two-premierships-in-one-year/?cs=14772

 

[getsmarty]

Keeley Davis grows in confidence ahead of NRLW grand final with Dragons

• Local Sport
  
  
  
  Dragons five-eighth Keeley Davis runs the ball forward against the Sydney Roosters last Sunday. Picture: Grant Trouville/NRL Imagery
  It was the surprise switch that breathed fire into the Dragons' season.
  
  Dragons NRLW coach Daniel Lacey may have raised a few eyebrows when he selected Keeley Davis at five-eighth for their crunch round two clash with the New Zealand Warriors.
  
  The change was forced after the unexpected late withdrawal of Kimioara Nati due to illness.
  
  Davis is no stranger to the number six jersey, but has made her mark at representative level as a utility and was expected to play that role in a star-studded Dragons outfit in 2019.
  
  However, the move to the halves paid dividends as Davis steered the Dragons to a 26-6 win over the Warriors. Davis then backed up to lead her side to a 24-16 victory against the Roosters to book a spot in the 2019 grand final.
  
  The 19-year-old said she had relished the chance to slot into the halves alongside Maddie Studdon.
  
  "I really enjoying playing five-eighth, it's where I play my club games [for Corrimal Cougars]," Davis said.
  
  "The first game in there was a little rocky as I tried to build cohesion with the team.
  
  "I feel like we've done really well and everyone in the team has helped me fill in that spot.
  
  "I'm definitely feeling more comfortable and confident going into this week's game."
  
  That's how you finish off the half! #NRLWDragonsRoosterspic.twitter.com/HjrNdpPjnc
  
  — Women's Rugby League (@WRugbyLeague) September 29, 2019
  Davis has received great support from Lacey, who backed her in to shine at five-eighth.
  
  In turn, Lacey said the teenager was a versatile and reliable player.
  
  "Keeley's young but she's experienced," he said.
  
  "She played NRLW last year and it's her second year like everyone else. I know she can do the job and I trust her.
  
  "The luxury of bringing in a player like that is something that came up in our review last year, it's about being able to change players and put in a like-for-like replacement."
  
  Keeley's young but she's experienced. I know she can do the job and I trust her.
  
  Daniel Lacey
  The Dragons are preparing for their inaugural NRLW premiership tilt this Sunday.
  
  Davis said the team had gained some confidence after last week's victory against the Roosters.
  
  "It was a tight win and they played really well so it was great to get the win," she said.
  
  "Because it's such a short competition, it's hard to build that team cohesion and confidence quickly. But I think we are gelling really well and are building each week.
  
  "We're definitely going in as strong as we've been this weekend."
  
  Sunday's opponents Brisbane Broncos will enter the decider as favourites.
  
  The defending premiers sealed a 14-4 win over the Dragons in round one, but Davis said her side had learned a lot from that game.
  
  "We did not complete [sets] at where we should have in that game so that will be a massive focus for us," she said.
  
  "We're just doing what we can and looking at doing our jobs. If we do that right, we'll be in a really good place to win.
  
  "All the girls want to win the grand final so bad, that's our goal."
  
  
  
  https://www.theleader.com.au/story/...ce-ahead-of-dragons-nrlw-grand-final/?cs=1633

 

[getsmarty]

WOMEN'S RUGBY LEAGUE


Five things: NRLW grand final v Broncos
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Fri 4 Oct 2019, 02:41 PM

The Dragons and the Broncos will do battle in the 2019 NRLW grand final on Sunday setting up one of the biggest clashes in the history of the competition.

There is plenty to look forward to in this decider, but we've condensed everything into just five things.

The final countdown

The Dragons are just one win away from claiming their first-ever NRLW premiership and becoming the first side outside of Queensland to do so.

They face a tough Brisbane Broncos side who up until last week, had never lost a game in the women's format. The Broncos will be looking to go back-to-back after taking out last year's competition and will bank on their experience this time around to help.

A shaky start in Round 1 finished with the Broncos defeating the Dragons in a close 14-4 encounter. But the Dragons have gone from strength to strength and are riding a tidal wave of momentum into the final.

Strike power

You won't find a more lethal back five in the NRLW than the Dragons'. Loaded with pace, power and agility, the Dragons will need their outside backs to fire on Sunday.

Centre Jessica Sergis almost single handily took down the Roosters last week, while Tiana Penitani has scored two tries in her last two games. On the flanks, Shakiah Tungai can finish a try with the best of them in the NRL, and pocket rocket Rikeya Horne is always a danger.

Tying it all together is Bo Vette-Welsh who was nominated for Dally M Female Player of the Year and averaging 160 metres per game.



Penitani lauds 'lethal' Horne

Maitua Feterika v Millie Boyle

The battle of the forwards will be a massive determiner in which side finishes as champions on Sunday.

Feterika has been one of the Dragons' best this season and also one of the most damaging forwards in the competition. Feterika outdid nine of the Roosters' squad in post contact metres alone last week, and averages 157 metres per game.

While in just her first season in the NRLW, Boyle has made a name for herself as one of the best props in the game. Boyle is a tireless worker while on the paddock, with 68 tackles and 315 metres to her name in 110 minutes this season.

Big stage

It doesn't get much bigger than playing the curtain-raiser to the NRL grand final at a rapidly filling ANZ Stadium – that’s the scenario for both sides on Sunday, making experience on the big stage a valuable commodity.

The Broncos have experience on their side with up to 10 players remaining from the squad that won the title last year. But the Dragons have three former Broncos from the same premiership-winning side last year set to feature.

The Dragons have several players who have played in big matches – Origins, Test matches, World Cup games – so grand final day shouldn't be too much an ask.

Dally M represent

With the likes of Brittany Breayley and Jessica Sergis in the Dragons' side, the Red V will field both female Dally M winners from the NRLW era on Sunday.

Breayley was the first to be awarded the highest individual honour in the new women's format last year, while Jessica Sergis was presented with the award on Wednesday. Their talent and experience will be invaluable on Sunday.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/04/five-things-nrlw-grand-final-v-broncos/

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


1977 grand final | Dragons v Eels
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Fri 4 Oct 2019, 02:37 PM

There’s only one more sleep before the NRL grand final kicks off at ANZ Stadium. Before you witness the new era of history, rewind the clock to 1977 and watch the Dragons score 22 unanswered points against the more favoured Parramatta Side.

Parramatta finished the season in first place, only trumping the Dragons on for and against. And heading into the grand final, many had Parramatta as their favourite to claim the ultimate prize.

But true to the nature of both sides, the grand final finished as a draw with both sides scoring 9 points each, forcing another grand final to decide the winner.

The second time around the Dragons made no mistake and found the determination and grit ingrained into the Red V jersey during their incredible 11 premiership run just one decade earlier.

Relive the amazing match below!

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St George Dragons: 1. Ted Goodwin, 2. Steve Butler, 3. Graham Quinn 4. Robert Finch, 5. John Chapman, 6. Rod McGregor, 17. John Bailey, 8. Bruce Starkey, 9. Steve Edge , 10. Craig Young, 11. Robert Stone, 12. John Jansen, 13. Rod Reddy. Interchange 20. Barry Beath. Coach Harry Bath.

Parramatta Eels: 1. Mark levy, 2. Jim Porter, 3. Michael Cronin, 4. Ed Sulkowicz, 5. Graeme Atkins, 6. John Peard, 7. John Kolc, 8. Graeme Olling, 9. Ron Hilditch, 14. John Baker, 11. Ray Higgs, 12. Geoff Gerard, 13. Ray Price. Interchange 11. Denis Fitzgerald. Coach Terry Fearnley.

St George Dragons 22 (tries: John Bailey, John Jansen, Robert Stone. goals; Ted Goodwin 6/7. Field goals; Ted Goodwin) d Parramatta Eels (goals Michael Cronin 0/4) Saturday 24th September, 1977, Sydney Cricket Ground. 47,828 attendance.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/04/1977-grand-final--dragons-v-eels/