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[getsmarty]

Season Review | Ben Hunt
St George Illawarra Dragons halfback Ben Hunt had a mixed year in 2019, from playing three 80-minute matches for Queensland at hooker to a heartbreaking last-minute loss to the Rabbitohs in Round 19. Watch as Hunt looks back on 2019.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/15/season-review--ben-hunt/

 

[getsmarty]

NINES


Brought to you by

Why equal pay means so much to female World Cup 9s stars
Author
Brad Walter NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 16 Oct 2019, 05:08 PM

Respect, recognition and a massive step forward for women’s sport.

Those were some of the reactions from players in the women’s teams at this week’s World Cup Nines to news that they would receive the same payment as their male counterparts for playing in the tournament.

The revelation by NRL.com that the 256 players in the four women’s teams and 12 men’s teams would be paid $2,000 each by tournament organisers was a topic of discussion at the official World Cup Nines launch in Sydney on Wednesday.

For most players in the Papua New Guinea and England women’s teams and USA and Lebanon men’s teams, it is the first time they have been paid to represent their nation.

However, for many of the game’s female stars the fact that men and women are receiving equal pay is as significant as the amount they are being paid.

“If you speak to the girls it is not the money but the reason behind it. It’s the recognition, it’s the respect,” PNG Orchids forward Lekiellia Brown said.

“Back home the girls get criticised a lot for playing rugby league so hopefully it changes people’s attitudes.

“Now when we go back the news will spread that we are equal, we are getting paid the same as the boys and it will motivate the young girls back home to take up rugby league.”



Brigginshaw talks up 'scary' Australian backline

Orchids co-captain Angelena Watego said many of the players had made financial sacrifices to play.

“I think it is good that we are being recognised and are finally on the same levels,” Watego said. “We live in the 21st century so we should all be treated the same.

“For the majority of the boys this is their job, they play football day in and day out, whereas the majority of us girls have to work and we have to train after work and we have to take time off work to come to these camps.”

Despite being contracted to St George Illawarra during the recent NRLW season, Kiwi Ferns forward Teuila Fotu-Moala is among the players who have to take time off work to play at the World Cup Nines.

“This means that I don’t have to worry about paying the bills for the week that I am away from work,” Fotu-Moala said.

“It’s awesome and I guess that the game is moving somewhere we would like it to go. It’s better than last year and better than the years before so gradually we are making changes and it is awesome to see that they are putting us on the same platform. It means a lot to the girls.”

Jillaroos fullback Botille Vette-Welsh said having pay parity at the World Cup Nines was significant for all women’s sport.

“It’s good to be acknowledged and rewarded for our efforts,” Vette-Welsh said. “We obviously want to be as great as the men so to be recognised and rewarded and paid equally is pretty cool.

“We have got to take a week off work so to get any money is something we are very grateful for but to get the same amount as the men is a really massive stepping stone for women’s footy and women’s sport in general.”



For ticket and travel packages for the Downer Rugby League World Cup 9s Sydney 2019, head to nrl.com/tickets.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/17/why-equal-pay-means-so-much-to-female-world-cup-9s-stars/

 

[getsmarty]

Canberra Raiders star Joseph Leilua remains on Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs’ radar, report

2 hrs ago
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are reportedly set to offer Joseph ‘BJ’ Leilua a long-term deal that would cut short the Canberra Raiders centre’s stay in the nation’s capital.

Leilua has one full season to run on his deal with The Green Machine but was last month given permission to speak with rival NRL clubs due to salary cap pressures in Canberra.

The Bulldogs have been circling the former Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights star in recent weeks.



And according to Fairfax Media journalist Adrian Proszenko the Bulldogs are poised to offer the 27-year-old a multi-year deal from 2020.

It is understood Leilua’s departure would free up around $500,000 in salary cap space as the Raiders scramble to keep the nucleus of the squad that made the 2019 grand-final intact.

Leilua’s departure could also allow the Raiders to ramp up their pursuit of highly-rated St George Illawarra young gun Zac Lomax.

Getty Images
Senior journalist for The Australian Brent Read last month told Sporting News: “They’re not resting on their laurels the Raiders, they are already looking at their options for 2021 and I understand they are very keen on Zac Lomax, the St George Illawarra outside back.

“He’s more a centre, Zac, and they are looking at him as a centre potentially for when BJ Leilua leaves.

"He is an interesting one, his contract is up at the end of 2020 and they have given him permission to go and negotiate.

"Lomax is their long-term goal to replace Leilua, so we will see whether or not BJ can find another home.”

Leilua had been a mainstay of the Raiders’ squad since joining the club from the Knights in 2015 but was limited to just 12 NRL appearances in 2019 due to injury and suspension.

He has played 204 NRL games since making his first-grade debut for the Roosters in 2010.

Leilua is also a veteran of 14 Tests for Samoa and will play in their World Nines squad this weekend.


https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/rug...wn-bulldogs-radar-report/ar-AAISCY6?li=AA54yd

 

[getsmarty]

Jessica Sergis: How women's rugby league has become 'more professional' than ever
Written By Lachlan McKirdy
@LMcKirdy7
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Jess Sergis was in a reflective mood at the Rugby League World Cup Nines media day.


It's not hard to understand why, 2019 has been an incredible year for the 22-year-old St George-Illawarra Dragons centre.


Sergis was part of the victorious NSW Origin side that defeated Queensland at North Sydney Oval in June.

She made the second-ever NRLW grand final with the Dragons.

MORE: Braden Hamlin-Uele on realising 'childhood dream' to play for New Zealand

But the biggest accolade came when Sergis became just the fifth woman to win the Dally M Female Player of the Year.

It was an honour the Dragons centre wasn't expecting and one she describes as 'amazing'.

Getty Images
Jess Sergis after winning the 2019 Dally M Female Player of the Year award
"It’s something I guess I didn’t really expect from my whole career," Sergis said.

"To even be nominated for the second time that was amazing.

"It was such an overwhelming feeling really I didn’t really know what to expect.

"To get called on to that stage, that was the most nervous I’ve been in my entire life.

"I was definitely honoured and I was over the moon."

The award now sits on an equal footing with the Dally M Male Player of the Year, both being awarded on the same night.

It might not seem a big deal, but to the female players, it's important acknowledgement of the dedication they put into rugby league.

"It’s so great for our women’s game to get the same recognition as the men," Sergis said.

"The game has grown so much in the last few years so I guess we've worked just as hard.

"We’re only semi-professional but we do put in all the work and it’s great to see all those accolades and that we still get recognised the same as the men."

Sergis was one of 19 female players in Australia to be awarded a central contract for 2019, part of the NRL’s female pathways development program.

She scored three tries in four NRLW matches for the Dragons this year, instrumental in their march to the grand final.

Her standout performance came against the Roosters as she scored two tries to book her team's place in the big dance.

Jess Sergis... take a bow #NRLWDragonsRoosters pic.twitter.com/33OX7DxzJN

— Women's Rugby League (@WRugbyLeague) September 29, 2019


She's capped off 2019 by being named in the Jillaroos squad for the World Cup Nines and the test against the Kiwi Ferns.

The Nines, in particular, is a tournament she 'can't wait' to be involved with.

"The [Nines] world series is going to be different football, it’s going to be fun," Sergis said.

"To play alongside the men and have their support, it’s going to be great.

"I love playing at Bankwest, it’s such a small intimate ground so you just feel like you’re there with the crowd."

Getty Images
Jess Sergis at the NRLW Grand Final media day
As for whether she's ready for the fast-paced nature of the Nines, Sergis jokingly suggested that she could be a little bit unfit going into the tournament.

"It's a little bit daunting," she said.

"We’ve really prepared well and for my sake, I really hope my fitness levels are still up to scratch.

"I did play a bit of sevens and a bit of touch as well [growing up] but I was too unfit back then so it wasn’t really right down my alley, so hopefully my fitness levels have improved from then.

"Obviously it’s only 18 minutes so it’s going to be fast and electric and I can’t wait."

Sergis shouldn't have any concerns, her aggressive and powerful playing style now has her firmly cemented as one of the best players in the game.

What about the try savers from Jess Sergis #NRLW pic.twitter.com/AAGaDAhMur

— Women's Rugby League (@WRugbyLeague) September 5, 2019


She also became the inaugural winner of the RLPA NRLW Players' Champion award, voted for by her peers.

It's one of many new accolades in the women's game now that the level of competition has become so professional.

"The level of footy and the talent that’s come through it’s been amazing," Sergis said.

"Playing on the field it’s been different, it feels more professional and a better season of football.

"So if that’s one year's improvement I can’t wait to see the next years to come."

The 22-year-old recognises that she couldn't have achieved any of this if it wasn't for the amazing female players who came before her.

The increased coverage of competitions like the NRLW and Women's State of Origin has Sergis very excited for the future.

"We’ve definitely had a lot more media exposure and the women’s game is definitely getting out there which is amazing," she said.

"We’ve worked so hard, especially the ladies who have paved the way for us years and years ago.


"It never got televised and...I never knew women’s rugby league was even a thing.

"Even the little things, walking down the street getting recognised by little girls and little boys you can tell it’s going in the right direction and we’re getting the exposure that we need."

Sergis will be part of the Australian Jillaroos squad at the Rugby League World Cup Nines on October 18 and 19 at Bankwest Stadium, and the Jillaroos test against the Kiwi Ferns on October 25 at WIN Stadium.

https://www.nospam47.com/au/league/...omens-nrlw-dally-m/11ow337m6x7qj1x20fiwqjwutd

 

[getsmarty]

Sergis stunned by breakout 2019 season

• NRL
  
  
  
  Jess Sergis has addded the NRLW Players' champion award to her Dally M Medal.
  Jess Sergis has continued her quest to make up for lost time after she capped off her tremendous club year with a second top gong on Monday night.
  
  Sergis was named the NRLW Players' Champion on Monday night, with the top award voted by her peers now sitting on the mantle alongside Dally M women's player of the year.
  
  The 22-year-old's breakout year comes after one of the toughest seasons of her life, where she was reduced to just six games across state leagues, NRLW and representative football in 2018.
  
  That included her being ruled out of what would have been just her second match for the Jillaroos last year, when she succumbed to injury in the captain's run.
  
  "I'm really proud of myself for this year," she said.
  
  "I have done everything that I wanted to do. I've ticked all those boxes and looked after myself and given it my all.
  
  "To be voted by your peers. I play alongside them and against them week in and week out ... I'm honoured and grateful, and shocked to be honest.
  
  "I can't believe what 2019 has given me."
  
  A star of St George Illawarra's run to the NRLW grand final, Sergis is ready to thrive in the Nines World Cup this weekend with the open-game expected to suit her style.
  
  Sergis led the NRLW this year for tackle busts with 15, averaging close to 125 metres per game as she crossed for three tries.
  
  "To see her come back and have an outstanding NRLW season and get picked up for representative football (is great)," Jillaroos coach Brad Donald said.
  
  "She was great for NSW, she was great for the Dragons.
  
  "She has had a killer season and I can't wait to see her go around in the Nines and the Test match."
  
  Australian Associated Press
  
  
  
  https://www.theleader.com.au/story/6438314/sergis-stunned-by-breakout-2019-season/?cs=9737

 

[BLM01]

Sergis stunned by breakout 2019 season

• NRL
  
  
  
  Jess Sergis has addded the NRLW Players' champion award to her Dally M Medal.
  Jess Sergis has continued her quest to make up for lost time after she capped off her tremendous club year with a second top gong on Monday night.
  
  Sergis was named the NRLW Players' Champion on Monday night, with the top award voted by her peers now sitting on the mantle alongside Dally M women's player of the year.
  
  The 22-year-old's breakout year comes after one of the toughest seasons of her life, where she was reduced to just six games across state leagues, NRLW and representative football in 2018.
  
  That included her being ruled out of what would have been just her second match for the Jillaroos last year, when she succumbed to injury in the captain's run.
  
  "I'm really proud of myself for this year," she said.
  
  "I have done everything that I wanted to do. I've ticked all those boxes and looked after myself and given it my all.
  
  "To be voted by your peers. I play alongside them and against them week in and week out ... I'm honoured and grateful, and shocked to be honest.
  
  "I can't believe what 2019 has given me."
  
  A star of St George Illawarra's run to the NRLW grand final, Sergis is ready to thrive in the Nines World Cup this weekend with the open-game expected to suit her style.
  
  Sergis led the NRLW this year for tackle busts with 15, averaging close to 125 metres per game as she crossed for three tries.
  
  "To see her come back and have an outstanding NRLW season and get picked up for representative football (is great)," Jillaroos coach Brad Donald said.
  
  "She was great for NSW, she was great for the Dragons.
  
  "She has had a killer season and I can't wait to see her go around in the Nines and the Test match."
  
  Australian Associated Press
  
  
  
  https://www.theleader.com.au/story/6438314/sergis-stunned-by-breakout-2019-season/?cs=9737

Can play girl...just might be a better centre than her man ATM
Cmon Zac lift your game and show us all what you got as you might end up being one of the "habs"

 

[getsmarty]

NINES


Brought to you by

Widdop hoping World Cup 9s provides happy ending to 'disaster' year
Author
Troy Whittaker NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Fri 18 Oct 2019, 11:01 AM

Gareth Widdop declared St George Illawarra's season a "disaster" but the England star can still end a long Australian stint in style at the Downer World Cup 9s.

After a decade in the NRL, the five-eighth will go home and join Warrington in the Super League on a three-year deal.

Unless the 30-year-old returns to the NRL in his career twilight or comes Down Under on international or World Club Challenge duty, the Nines will mark his final games on Australian soil.

"I probably haven't looked at it that way. It's been chaos the last couple of weeks and then straight into camp," Widdop told NRL.com before the tournament at Bankwest Stadium on Friday and Saturday.

"I've been here for 10, 11 years now and it is a beautiful country. I hope to be back here to live at some point. I'm looking forward to my next adventure and I'll miss this weather, I know that.

"My wife and my kids are all Australian, so I plan to head overseas for a couple of years and come back here one day. When that'll be, I'm not sure."

Widdop was denied a perfect finish at the Dragons; he underwent shoulder surgery after a bad dislocation in round three and the club's finals chances were all but dashed once he returned.



Why you shouldn't miss the World Cup 9s

However, the goal-kicking playmaker - who is St George Illawarra's second-highest all-time point-scorer - believes the side is stronger than when he arrived before the 2014 campaign.

"The club's come a long way since then. Certainly the last few years we improved a hell of a lot," he said.

"We planned to win trophies and we haven't managed to do that but I'd certainly like to think I've contributed a little bit in improving the club.

"Obviously this year was a disaster, I guess. Injuries, off-field [incidents] - all sorts of little things that you can never write in a fairytale ending. Sometimes that's just life, it throws curve balls.

"It was very hard to take and disappointing to finish on that note but I'd like to think I've given my everything for the last six years."

Aside from a premiership ring to match the one he claimed with Melbourne in 2012, another thing that eluded Widdop at the Dragons was experiencing the NRL Nines, which ran from 2014 to '17.

He's not exactly sure what to expect in the World Cup 9s but is honoured as ever to be representing England.



Why Bennett wants long-term future for Nines

"Usually I missed out [on the NRL Auckland Nines] because I came back late from pre-season and did a bit more training rather than playing," Widdop said.

"I'm looking forward to it. It's a bit of a different concept and obviously to do it for your country is a big occasion. It should be fun.

"We've obviously picked a good squad. A lot of players with a lot of skill and good running games. I'm just excited to be a part of the team again and get away with the boys.

"There's plenty of people in this competition who are dangerous, a lot of talent on show. It should be a good spectacle."



For ticket and travel packages for the Downer Rugby League World Cup 9s Sydney 2019, head to nrl.com/tickets.


https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/10/18...up-9s-provides-happy-ending-to-disaster-year/

 

[getsmarty]

Why Shane Flanagan will give the Dragons exactly what they need
Dragons

• October 18, 2019 12:00am
• by George Clarke
• Source: FOX SPORTS

Former Sharks coach Shane Flanagan has landed a job at the Dragons.Source: News Corp Australia
Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita is delighted to see Shane Flanagan back in coaching - even if it is with rivals St George Illawarra.

The Tonga international was a star of the Sharks side under Flanagan, which won the 2016 Grand Final.

Flanagan was set to coach the Sharks this year until an NRL investigation saw him deregistered indefinitely after it emerged he had been in contact with club officials during a year-long ban enforced in the wake of the club’s ASADA scandal.

Less than a year later and Flanagan has been allowed to return to coaching - albeit as an assistant with the Dragons - and Fifita says he’s happy that his former mentor is back doing what he does best.

former Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan points at Andrew Fifita after winning the 2016 grand final.Source: News Corp Australia
“I’m stoked for him,” Fifita told foxsports.com.au.

“He always has a special place in my heart.

“You talk about the premiership and what he did for me growing up. He’s been there for almost my whole career until this year, I gave him my Dally M trophy - that’s how much he means to me. It’s good for him.

“There’s too much respect when you talk about Shane Flanagan.

“It’s good to see him back. I wish it was our team, but he’s down the road at our local team. I’ll always hold him in the highest regards.”

The much-fancied Dragons slumped to 15th this year, prompting a review into the coaching of Paul McGregor.

Now, with the experience of Flanagan by his side, Fifita is predicting the Red V will be a force in 2020.

“He’s a really good coach. You can’t credit him enough,” Fifita said, before laughing: “Now he’s gone back to assistant - I think he’ll be trying to push for control down there anyway.

“I know Flanno and how he works and what he brings to the team. I think he’ll have the Dragons boys humming down there.”

'I'd never leave my mate'


Fifita will be part of the Tonga side in the World Cup Nines and is relishing the chance to play in the shortened format.

There is one downside, however, he won’t get to play with brother David.

“I said to Jason (Taumalolo) we’ll take our forwards jerseys off and become the halfbacks,” Fifita said.

“I wish my brother was here because he’d love it too. I’ve seen some of the tries he’s been scoring (in England with Wakefield) and I’ve been like: ‘nah you shouldn’t be scoring tries, making 60m breaks down the touchline and kicking like that’.

“He says: ‘Eats pies scores tries’, he’s got that slogan from me when I was Cronulla’s top tryscorer one year. I can’t wait, Nines is my type of football.”


https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/f1ead9f0ca2e54a181582ff4d35ac54e

 

[getsmarty]

Widdop's departure a long goodbye

• 
  Mitch Jennings

Dragons Den

FINAL LAP: Gareth Widdop enjoys a dip in the England camp ahead of the World Nines that kicked off on Friday. Picture: NRL Photos


HE'S a Dragon no more but that feeling is yet to fully sink in for departing skipper Gareth Widdop. The fact he's, as yet, only swapped the red V for the red and white of England for this weekend's World 9s probably doesn't help.

It is a fact, however, that he won't be returning to Wollongong when the end-of-season Test campaign concludes.

Instead, he'll be heading to the UK to take up a rich deal with Super League giants Warrington and only then will it really hit home.

"It has a little bit obviously the last couple of weeks packing things up," Widdop said.

"At the Dragons awards night it hit me a little bit, it was good night and a good send off but, at the end of the day, I don't think it'll really sink in until it's all done and dusted it will.

"I've still been around the boys, I've been training and there's a still a bit of buzz around the Nines and the GB tour so my mind's pretty set on that.

"I think when this [Great Britain] tour's over and I have that bit of time off and it's time to fly it probably will hit me."

The opportunity to link with the Wolves was only made possible when the Dragons agreed to the release their skipper from the final two years of a lucrative deal.

It came as a shock when he first asked for the release in February but, having moved to Melbourne with his family as a teenager, it was a pilgrimage he always planned to make.

"I've always spoken about my journey coming over here as a young kid I never got to play in the Super League," he said.

"All I ever wanted to do was play over there. It's quite funny I suppose, [Englishman] generally grow up in England, play over there and dream about coming over here.

"For myself I've done it the other way around, played in the NRL and dreamed about playing in the Super League.

"I've been very thankful to play over here for 10 years but at some point I always wanted to go back.

"You never really know when it's going to happen but it's something that came up and I'm really looking forward to getting over there while I'm still young and fit and winning trophies."

The latter fact is not a given in the game, something Widdop's become acutely aware of how finite rugby league careers can be after twice dislocating his shoulder.

He admits the first, suffered in his side's finals win over Brisbane last year, factored into his decision to hasten a shift to England.

The second, that required a second surgery and sidelined him for the bulk of his final season with the Dragons only made him more comfortable with the call.

"This last year with the injuries has made me a lot more comfortable with the decision, knowing I'm going now, I'm still feeling good, I'm still feeling fit," he said.

"You never know what happens with injuries, it can finish you really quick. If I wait another couple of years the opportunity might not come up again.

"I didn't want to end up kicking myself."


https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/6446538/england-tour-a-long-goodbye-for-widdop/?cs=3713

 

[getsmarty]

WOMEN'S RUGBY LEAGUE


Davis likely to step into Breayley's vacated Jillaroos spot
Author
Margie McDonald Senior Reporter
Timestamp
Sun 20 Oct 2019, 02:01 PM

Wollongong native Keeley Davis is favoured to be the starting No.9 for the Jillaroos against New Zealand on Friday following the withdrawal of Dragons teammate Brittany Breayley.

Australia coach Brad Donald said he would name a replacement on Monday for Breayley, who has had to miss both the WIN Stadium Test and World Cup 9s due to work commitments.

"It's where the women's game is at the moment. She's had to relocate for eight weeks to play at the Dragons but she just can't get any more time off work," Donald said, of the Brisbane-based No.9.

"She will leave a big hole in our team. But we've got some young players like Keeley Davis, who was just outstanding over this tournament.

"I think she's shown that she will handle that role really well."



Jillaroos out to make amends against Kiwi Ferns

Davis, 19, scored the first Jillaroos try at the World Cup 9s at Bankwest Stadium.

Donald has other options for the crucial dummy half position with NSW Origin utility Botille Vette-Welsh playing in that position during the Nines.

"Bo can pretty much cover anything from fullback, half to hooker. Out of the crew we've got there we'll be fine," Donald said.

Vette-Welsh is one of six debutants for the Wollongong Test against the Ferns. The others are Millie Boyle (Broncos), Kirra Dibb (Roosters), Chelsea Lenarduzzi (Broncos), Shakiah Tungai and Dally M winner Jess Sergis (Dragons). Sergis played in the PM's XIII in 2017 but has not played a Test.



Brigginshaw: We are proud of our efforts despite loss

Five of those – the exception being Lenarduzzi - played in the Donald's Nines squad at Bankwest Stadium, who lost to the Kiwis 17-15 in the final.

Donald and his players will have to quickly readjust their thinking in terms of match planning despite having just six days between the World Cup 9s and a Test match.

"It's just a completely different game – 18 minutes and nine players there as opposed to 80 minutes on the back of playing 60-minute games in the NRLW," Donald said.

"But we do take a lot of confidence out of this weekend and take a lot of confidence in our younger players and debutants."

There is no denying that the longer length of a Test match might be key in deciding the result.

"Twenty minutes extra is a long time," Donald said. "The 30-minute halves we have in the NRLW is the right concept for where we are in the game and the talent pool we've got.

"These are the best players and they're really conditioned for 60 minutes. So that's why the fatigue on the back end of both halves on Friday is going to affect the outcome."


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/201...o-step-into-breayleys-vacated-jillaroos-spot/

 

[getsmarty]

REPRESENTATIVE


Wheelaroos ready to rock Wollongong
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Tue 22 Oct 2019, 11:06 AM

The Wheelaroos have arrived in Wollongong ahead of their huge wheelchair rugby league Test against England on Wednesday, October 23 at the University of Wollongong.

With wheel off set for 6:30pm, the Wheelaroos will be aiming to level the series following England's win on Monday night at Liverpool's Whitlam Leisure Centre.

The Wheelaroos and England Test series are a precursor to the upcoming 2021 World Cup set to be played in the UK.

This year's Australian side sees a father and son combination in the team for the very first time. Craig Cannane and his able-bodied son Cory both play for the St George Illawarra team in the Sydney competition.

"We tried to make it happen in 2017 when I went to the World Cup but unfortunately (Cory) was selected as a shadow player," Craig told NRL.com in September.

"Our goal was set from there. He was pretty disappointed and we worked hard to get to where we are today."

Tickets to the second and final wheelchair rugby league Test are free, and are available here.

England will complete their tour of Australia when they face the New South Wales WRL team – also at the University of Wollongong – on Friday, October 25 at 11:30am.

Tickets to the England's final tour match against New South Wales are free, and are available here.

Wheelchair rugby league is a fully inclusive game which allows athletes both with and without a disability to play alongside each other at all levels of the game. Played over two 40-minute halves, there are brothers and sisters, fathers and sons and mates who play alongside each other across the world.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/22/wheelaroos-ready-to-rock-wollongong/

 

[getsmarty]

NINES


NRL Nines confirmed for 2020 return in Perth
Author
Troy Whittaker NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Tue 22 Oct 2019, 02:01 PM

The return of the NRL Nines is confirmed, with Perth's HBF Park to host the footy festival in 2020.

With the World Cup 9s garnering positive feedback over the weekend, fans will get another taste of the modified game on February 14-15.

Fun is the focus of the two-day tournament. Supporters are encouraged to dress extravagantly and join in the party while enjoying some high-octane summer rugby league.

The NRL Nines, formerly held in Auckland, started in 2014 but went on hiatus from 2018 amid player workload concerns after a World Cup.

All 16 NRL clubs and four NRLW sides will compete in the revamped concept. The men's competition will feature four pools, while the women will play a round-robin.

To encourage teams to field their best players, $1 million will be awarded to any club that wins the Nines and the NRL Telstra Premiership.



The best moments from the 2019 Downer World Cup Nines

"Nines is the fastest form of our game. It shows the speed, agility and attacking prowess of our most exciting players," said NRL head of elite football Graham Annesley.

After successfully bringing State of Origin II to Western Australia's Optus Stadium earlier this year, Annesley said the state's hunger for rugby league is clear and the 20,500-capacity HBF Park is the ideal venue.

"The sell-out crowd in Perth for State of Origin highlighted how much interest West Australians have in rugby league and we are committed to growing the game here," he said.

"There are few better destinations than summer in Perth and we want this event to be a summer vibes festival. We're looking forward to seeing a stadium of colour to kick-off our 2020 season."



The best of Shaun Johnson at the 9s

WA tourism minister Paul Papalia heralded the Nines as a major coup.

"We're thrilled to have locked in the best in rugby league, playing in the fun, fast, Nines format," Papalia said.

"We have earned our stripes by hosting some blockbuster NRL games in Perth, showing just how popular the sport is here in WA and how well we host big events.

"This is another chance for people to get their mates together and enjoy another rugby league first for WA with the Nines tournament."

The Sydney Roosters were the most recent NRL Nines champions, with the Parramatta Eels, South Sydney Rabbitohs and North Queensland Cowboys also having lifted the trophy.

However, Parramatta's 2016 triumph was stripped because of salary cap breaches.

Canberra's Jarrod Croker, St George Illawarra's SHaylee Bent, Canterbury's Marcelo Montoya and Brisbane's Darius Boyd at the launch of the 2020 Nines. Nathan Hopkins/NRL Photos

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/22/nrl-nines-confirmed-for-2020-return-in-perth/

 

[getsmarty]

LADIES WHO LEAGUE


Bo knows she's chosen well
Author
Mary Konstantopoulos NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Wed 23 Oct 2019, 12:01 PM

Botille Vette-Welsh used to sledge James Tamou for choosing Australia over New Zealand but now she can empathise after making the switch.

"I used to give James Tamou so much slack for choosing to represent Australia over New Zealand. I used to think ‘how could you’, but now I think ‘how could you not?."

It's one of two big decisions which have led to her lining up with the Jillaroos.

Dahlia Tahu is a name that will be unfamiliar to many rugby league fans, but she was Jillaroo No.89, played for NSW and is also the reason Vette-Welsh chose the sport over rugby union.

"Dahlia has been trying to convert me to union from league for years. It was during a 2015 Test match where I watched Teuila Fotu Moala absolutely smash Mahalia Murphy and I thought there is no way I will ever play rugby league," says Vette-Welsh.

"But she kept at me and eventually I gave in and I think it’s probably been one of the best decisions I have ever made."

Botille Vette-Welsh passes for NSW at the 2019 State of Origin clash with Queensland. Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos
Her other big decision was whether to declare herself eligible for the Kiwi Ferns or Jillaroos.

The Australian rugby league family around Vette-Welsh is the main reason she chose to represent Australia. Vette-Welsh had to make the choice after the NRLW grand final when Australia offered her a position in the squad.

"I love New Zealand and I am a proud Maori woman, so choosing Australia is a bit hard when you have been raised in New Zealand and taught that Australia is the enemy, but I give so much credit to Australia for the opportunities they have given me so if that means representing Australia, then I am very proud to do so," she said.



Taufa racing clock to play Jillaroos test

What strikes me about Vette-Welsh is how humble she is and her passion for encouraging others to love the game as much as she does.

Vette-Welsh, who only took up the sport four years ago, credits her incredible rise this year to her Wests Tigers "sisters" and to all the Australian teams she has represented throughout her career.

She began 2019 with the newly formed Wests Tigers team and was rewarded for her performances in in the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership and at the National Championships with a Blues jersey.

Vette-Welsh was surprised with her NSW selection, given she only had the chance to play one game at the National Championships in her preferred position at fullback after other appearances in unfamiliar positions like hooker and second row.

So surprised was Vette-Welsh that when she answered the phone and Blues coach Andy Patmore said "this is Andy", her response was "I’m sure I’ve paid all my bills" thinking she was speaking to a bank rather than her future coach.

From State of Origin success, Vette-Welsh played with St George Illawarra in the Holden Women’s Premiership and also represented Australia in the World Cup 9s leading into this Friday's Test against the Kiwi Ferns in Wollongong.



Jillaroos call-up a shock for Penitani

She still can’t quite believe she is playing alongside women like Isabelle Kelly and Kezie Apps who she has idolised for several years.

Vette-Welsh's biggest fan of all is her dad who accompanied her to the Dally M Awards this year where she was nominated for Female Dally M Player of the Year. Whilst she feels slightly uncomfortable in the spotlight, her dad certainly didn’t.

"He was so proud to come to the Dally Ms with me. As soon as her found out he was going he went straight down to the mall to look at suits and asked me if there was any jewellery that I needed for my outfit," she said.

Her dad attends all her game, goes to Wests Tigers training and even travels across to New Zealand to watch his other children play if there is an important game.

Dragons fullback Botille Vette-Welsh is wrapped up by the Brisbane defence in their 2019 round-one clash. Nathan Hopkins/NRL Photos
Vette-Welsh has even managed to get her dad in an Australian jersey and is working on her brother too.

On the weekend, the Jillaroos suffered their first loss in two years, falling to the Kiwi Ferns in the World Cup 9s.

"The footy we played on the weekend was incredible ... but the Kiwi Ferns are a team on the rise and the loss on the weekend just makes us want it more ahead of our game on Friday."

Perhaps Vette-Welsh’s brother can wear that green and gold jersey this Friday to cheer on his sister. I have a feeling it might suit him.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/23/bo-knows-shes-chosen-well/

 

[Dragonslayer]

https://leagueunlimited.com/news/34275-2019-review-st-george-illawarra-dragons/

Damn good review, straight to the point and all roads lead to McGregor as the issue.

 

[getsmarty]

2019 Review: St George Illawarra Dragons
Justin Davies | October 22 2019 2:30PM

Embed from Getty Images

The Dragons in 2019 were a car crash on the highway which you couldn't take your eyes off - and ended with their worst finish in the National Rugby League era in 15th.

They mustered just eight victories in a season which was only slightly better than a visit to the dentist to get a root canal. The constant chopping and changing of the side only exacerbated the sorrow that befell Dragons fans and heighted the calls for ‘Fail Mary', leaving more questions than answers for a side that considers itself a competitive one.

A pair of losses in the opening fortnight to Cowboys and Rabbitohs largely set the tone for the season. There was a brief heartbeat with four-straight wins to follow, but 2019 quickly turned into a forgettable mess for the joint venture side. Losses piled up higher than the protest banners which started to appear on the hills at Jubilee and WIN, and the Dragons lost what should have been the backbone to a successful season - their defence - as they conceded the third most points in the competition (575).

Their late season successes against the Titans which kept them from a first wooden spoon were met with a huge chorus of meh as the season was euthanized mercifully in front of a sparse crowd in Robina which was fitting for the NRL's two worst sides.

Headed into 2020 and his sixth full season as Dragons coach, Paul McGregor has a huge task ahead of him. The former Dragon might have taken the side to its tipping point and he will need a ferocious start to next season to quell the dissenting voices around the club. 2019 needs to be the rock bottom for the Red V, and not the continuation of a malaise which has spread around the club.

Turning Point
After back-to-back losses to open the season, Dragons reeled off four straight victories - their largest streak of the season - which included a pair of Golden Point field goals from Corey Norman and it looked like another top eight season for the Dragons. Alas, this review would still be a week or two away had that been the case. From there, they lurched from thrashing to thrashing with the low point a 45-12 loss in Mudgee to the Knights, in what was a season of dreading turning on the TV on weekends. Plenty might blame the drama which unfolded over the off-season but all considered, the Dragons had a roster that wasn't a 15th place finisher and there has already and will be pressure on Paul McGregor headed in 2020 to get them back to competitive and possibly top eight.

What worked
Only saved by the ignominy of the wooden spoon by the Gold Coast Titans, there wasn't much that worked this season for St George Illawarra. Plenty of reputations and egos were bruised by the Dragons work in 2019 and there will be a huge repair job on next season. The year worked in a sense that Dragons it might have been a rock bottom for a side that deluded itself with designs of competitiveness and now, can rebuild themselves into a contender which might not take long in the National Rugby League.

What didn't work
The simplistic answer would be to say everything and clock off for the day. Looking deeper - the Dragons tried to get too extra. Ben Hunt, off-season recruit Corey Norman and Gareth Widdop all tried to fit three into two for the halves which ended with a mix-and-match style before Widdop went down injured. They averaged 17.8 points (including tries from kicks) but outside of beating Bulldogs and Titans handily twice each, Dragons went past 20 points TWICE all season. The backline continued to age and the fullback position also became a poisoned chalice with a forward pack that still boasted plenty of representative experience but without Jack De Belin, there wasn't enough grunt to push past teams like 2018. In the end, a simplistic game plan with a tinker man at the helm, the Dragons didn't know what they were in 2019 and it showed in their performance and final deserved ladder position.

Best Players
Picking through the wreckage of the Dragons season - there wasn't much in the way of performances for the joint venture to savour. Luciano Leilua, took another step in his growth, the interchange forward sparked a side that had trouble moving the ball. Outside of that, there were consistent performances from Paul Vaughan, Cameron McInnes and sporadic work including a bunch of tries from Mikaele Ravalawa kept them afloat in a rough season.

Rookies
Tristian Sailor will be the name that is remembered from the Dragons rookie class of 2019. The son of former Dragon Wendell Sailor debuted in against the eventual Premiers Sydney Roosters in Round 23, scoring a try at fullback and might have started to regenerate their backline. Jackson Ford brought some late-season energy to the forward pack in his five appearances with a four-pointer to boot in a lean class for the famous Red V.

NRLW
Finishing bottom of the four-team competition last year, the Dragons made a huge splash in their recruitment to bring across a handful of the Broncos premiership winning side alongside Blues half Maddie Studdon which got them to a first Grand Final - a 30-6 loss to Brisbane. Centre Jessica Sergis was named Dally M Female Player of the Year as the NRLW competition continues to grow from strength to strength each year.

Lower Grades Recap
NSWRL Canterbury Cup
The Dragons NSW Cup side gave fans something to cheer about in September. They won the minor premiership with a side packed with NRL experience and some youthful talent on the edges headlined by Tristian Sailor. Dragons pipped the Rabbitohs on the last day for first place, then proceeded to take a direct line into the preliminary final with an extra-time success against the 4th-placed Bulldogs.

In the precursor to the big dance, Dragons fell victim to the rugby league version of the Mighty Ducks that were Newtown Jets, who went on to win the Canterbury Cup-State Championship double.

NSWRL U20 Jersey Flegg Cup
St George Illawarra's U20 side had a fairly average season, sneaking into 8th place and playing in an Elimination Final. They lost that final to eventual premiers South Sydney.

2020 Chances
Knives are already sharpened for Dragons coach Paul McGregor so he needs to get his side off to a fast start in 2020. The roster still contains plenty of experience and talent for the Dragons which might move them to fringe top eight side but some major signings are needed to get them playing football that can compete in the NRL but ultimately, it will fall on their halves once again to keep their head above water or quickly they will be burnt again.


https://leagueunlimited.com/news/34275-2019-review-st-george-illawarra-dragons/

P.S thanks Dragonslayer

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons, Sharks to feature in NRL pre-season Nines tournament in Perth

• Local Sport
  
  
  
  Back again: Sharks co-captain Wade Graham fails to stop the Titans from scoring at the 2017 Auckland Nines. Picture: NRL Photos
  Cronulla and St George Illawarra can start making plans around their pre-season schedules after the NRL announced the return of a club nines tournament ahead of next season.
  
  The NRL Nines will be played at the 32,000 capacity HBF Park in Perth on February 14 and 15 and will feature all 16 NRL and four NRLW teams.
  
  The men's competition will feature four pools while the women's tournament will be played in a round robin.
  
  The NRL Nines had been played in Auckland from 2014 to 2017 but had been left off the calendar for the last two seasons.
  
  A World Cup Nines was played at Parramatta last weekend, with a revamped club version now scheduled to make a comeback.
  
  NRL head of elite football Graham Annesley launched the event at Scarborough Beach on Tuesday alongside West Australian tourism minister Paul Papalia and sports minister Mick Murray.
  
  
  
  
  Jai Field races away for the Dragons against Parramatta at the 2017 Auckland Nines. Picture: NRL Photos
  
  Annesley said Perth was the perfect location to host the event on the back of the success of last season's second State of Origin match, which was also played on the west coast at the 65,000-seat Optus Stadium.
  
  "The sell-out crowd in Perth for State of Origin highlighted how much interest West Australians have in rugby league and we are committed to growing the game here,'' he said.
  
  "There are few better destinations than summer in Perth and we want this event to be a summer vibes festival. We're looking forward to seeing a stadium of colour to kick-off our 2020 season."
  
  "Nines is the fastest form of our game. It shows the speed, agility and attacking prowess of our most exciting players. There's a lot on the line this year. Any club who can win both the Nines and the NRL Telstra Premiership grand final will collect $1 million in prizemoney for the season.
  
  "Our partnership with the WA Government is growing stronger every year. Their commitment to hosting rugby league events in Perth will inject more visitors into the city and more money into the local economy."
  
  
  https://www.theleader.com.au/story/...feature-in-perth-pre-season-nines-tournament/

 

[getsmarty]

REPRESENTATIVE


Bennett labels Graham one of the finest leaders he's seen
Author
Corey Rosser NRL.com reporter
Timestamp
Fri 25 Oct 2019, 02:24 PM

On the eve of James Graham playing his 50th Test, Great Britain coach Wayne Bennett declared the Dragons prop one of the best captains he's worked with.

In a coaching career that's spanned more than three decades, Bennett has mentored some of the game's greatest leaders at club, state and international level.

"He's right up the top with the best of them," Bennett said of Graham heading into Saturday night's Test match at Tonga at Waikato Stadium.

"He's very passionate, very good and it's a pleasure to have him.

"Sam [Burgess] is not here, Sean O'Loughlin's not here, but the team won't miss a beat with James."

But despite the significance of the achievement – with Graham becoming just the eighth player in history to reach 50 Test appearances, and only the fourth Brit to do it – Bennett said there won't be any fanfare.

James Graham training with Great Britain. photosport.nz
"That just distracts you, all that stuff," Bennett said.

"He knows how important it is tomorrow night, he knows what it means to him.

"50 Test matches for England and Great Britain is quite a remarkable achievement, very few have done it.

"But at the same time all the noise and fuss about it, making a big deal about it, it just distracts everybody about what they have got to do.

"We don't want to do that. [James] is a great team player and that's how he thinks, and I think the same way."

It's a privilege to have that badge on your chest again

James Graham on the return of the Lions
The game at Waikato Stadium will be the first time Great Britain have taken the field in 12 years.

Graham, who played five times for Great Britain between 2006-07, said the Tonga match will be a chance for many of his teammates to realise a lifelong dream.

"The Lions is an iconic brand ... It's a privilege to have that badge on your chest again," Graham said.

"When you're young and you're sort of dreaming about where your future might take you, the pinnacle of our sport for a lot of these lads was playing for Great Britain.

"It means a lot to our fans, especially that older generation that grew up watching Great Britain."

Ten players who took the field for England in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup semi-final win over Tonga will line up for Great Britain on Saturday night.

Graham, who is among that surviving group, said for those players there are valuable lessons to lean on from that game two years ago. One of them is playing in front of boisterous Tonga fans.

"That game, the atmosphere itself is something that we will all learn from, we are not going to be surprised by that," Graham said.

"Absolutely [the best atmosphere I've experienced], bar none, easy. They didn't stop singing the whole time.

"We are going to have to play close to our best to win. We know what this team is capable of that we are coming up against."

Meanwhile, Bennett said his new-look spine – which includes Australia-born fullback Lachlan Coote and halfback Jackson Hastings – has progressed well at training this week.

"They'll only get better. It is a new-look group of players there, but they are all experienced and good players," Bennett said.

"They were pretty good [Friday], been pretty good all week, so I think there's a lot of confidence among them."


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/25/bennett-labels-graham-one-of-the-finest-leaders-hes-seen/

 

[getsmarty]

MATCH REPORT


Dragons trio star in Kangaroos' Wollongong win
Author
NRL.com
Timestamp
Fri 25 Oct 2019, 10:33 PM

Damien Cook celebrated his homecoming by spearheading a new-look Kangaroos side to an impressive 26-4 win over New Zealand in front of 18,104 fans at WIN Stadium on Friday night.

Cook, who grew up at Helensburgh and was a member of Stanwell Park Surf Lifesaving Club, broke the Kiwis' hearts with a 70-metre intercept try midway through the second half and later used his speed from dummy half to put James Tedesco over to seal the win.

"It is pretty special just to wear this jersey whenever you can and to get man-of-the-match it's a team achievement, I'm just the lucky one who gets to go up there and get the medal," Cook said. "It was very exciting to play this week, I was looking forward to it."

It was a clinical performance by the Kangaroos to avenge last year’s Test loss to New Zealand in Auckland and put them in the box seat to secure the inaugural Oceania Cup Trophy if they can beat Tonga next Saturday at Eden Park.

In some ways the Kiwis could feel they were unlucky as two of Australia’s first three tries were scored from intercepts but they didn’t create enough opportunities to seriously trouble Australia.


Match: Australia v New Zealand

Round 2 - Friday 25th October

Full Time

Home Team

Australia

Scored 26 points

Away Team

New Zealand

Scored 4 points
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Match broadcasters:

• Nine Network
• Foxtel
• GEM

With the Kiwis missing props Jesse Bromwich, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and James Fisher-Harris, it was no surprise that Australia fancied their chances in the middle and Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga chose two front-rowers on the bench.

Canberra prop Josh Papalii, the only survivor from Meninga’s first Test team in 2016, was a powerhouse, despite carrying a rib cartilage injury into the game.

Papalii ran 80 metres from seven carries with the ball in his first 23-minute stint before being replaced by Payne Haas.

One of five debutants in the Australian team, Haas is the youngest forward to wear the green-and-gold jersey since Brad Fittler in 1990 and he made a stunning first-up impression as he carried the ball for 102 metres from just seven runs before half-time.



When hot potato football goes wrong

By the end of his 37-minute stint, 19-year-old Haas had ran the ball for 174 metres from 13 carries – the most by any forward on either side.

David Klemmer ran the ball for 154 metres, while Papalii finished the game with 145 metres and interchange prop Paul Vaughan, another debutant, ran for 120 metres.

The Kangaroos posted first points when centre Latrell Mitchell landed an eighth minute penalty goal and they looked set to go further ahead after Papalii put Jake Trbojevic over in the 15th minute but the Manly lock knocked on.

However, there was no doubt when Mitchell intercepted a floating pass from Shaun Johnson 20 metres out from the Australian line and sent winger Josh Addo-Carr racing away for his first Test try in the 20th minute.



Mitchell intercepts Johnson to send Addo-Carr sprinting away

Kangaroos second-rower Tyson Frizell then put the home side further ahead in the 27th minute when he stepped Marshall after receiving the ball on the New Zealand tryline and dived over to score.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad got the Kiwis on the scoreboard when he powered over out wide after Roger Tuivasa-Sheck chimed into the backline from a 35th minute scrum win but it was the only points New Zealand managed all night.

Their best scoring chance in the second half came in the 54th minute as the Kiwis threw the ball around near the Australian line but Cook struck a huge blow when he intercepted an Adam Blair pass and ran 70 metres to score.

Cook was at his electrifying best again five minutes later when he burst out of dummy half and exposed some tired marker defence before finding James Tedesco to score under the posts.

Trbojevic had another try disallowed late in the match and a 76th minute Daly Cherry-Evans penalty goal completed the scoring.


https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/25/dragons-trio-star-in-kangaroos-wollongong-win/

 

[getsmarty]

Kangaroos v Kiwis highlights
The Kangaroos and Kiwis face off at WIN Stadium in Wollongong

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/25/kangaroos-v-kiwis-highlights/

 

[getsmarty]

DRAGONS


Dragons 2020 NRL draw announced
Author
Dragons.com.au dragons.com.au
Timestamp
Tue 29 Oct 2019, 10:00 AM

St George Illawarra and the NRL have today announced the Dragons' fixtures for the upcoming 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership season.

The Dragons will commence the 2020 season with consecutive games at the club's home venues in Wollongong and Kogarah. Round 1 will see the Wests Tigers head to WIN Stadium for the first time since 2008, while the Red V will tackle the Penrith Panthers the following round at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.

The 2020 draw has delivered one Thursday night, two Fridays, three Saturday and five Sunday games in addition to the traditional Anzac Day fixture against the Sydney Roosters, which falls on a Saturday next year.

The Dragons will be hitting the road again in 2020, and are looking forward to seeing all the Red V members and fans in Brisbane (twice), Gold Coast, Newcastle and Canberra.

St George Illawarra management worked with all relevant stakeholders to determine our 2020 home game fixtures after obtaining the club's round allocations last week, as determined by the NRL and host broadcasters.

"We are always faced with the the rare and complex process of negotiating our home games between multiple venues. While we have limited say on venue availability and our opponents, in 2020, we are pleased for the most part that our home games alternate between venues for our Red V members and fans to all enjoy," Dragons CEO Brian Johnston said.

"The quality of home games across our traditional venues in Kogarah and Wollongong as well as the annual Anzac Day fixture against the Sydney Roosters is something we should all be excited about ahead of the 2020 season.

"We look to forward to seeing one of the game's premier local derbies return to Kogarah in 2020 when we face the Sharks in June, while the chance to host the 2019 grand finalists Canberra Raiders in Wollongong should prove a sensational opportunity for our team."

• Download the draw to your e-Calendar

Securing a Red V membership is the ultimate commitment to St George Illawarra; with your investment proving an integral part of the club.

Packages and benefits have been redesigned for 2020 with simplicity and quality in mind, with an option available for every valued supporter.

Non-ticketed memberships are available for $50, while the Dragons' traditional Anzac Day clash will be included in selected membership packages.

Be in that number in 2020. Become a Red V member today.

The Dragons 2020 home draw is as follows:
Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah –
Round 2 v Penrith Panthers: Friday, March 20 @ 6pm
Round 11 v Gold Coast Titans: Friday, May 22 @ 6pm
Round 14 v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks: Sunday, June 14 @ 4pm
Round 18 v North Queensland: Saturday, July 18 @ 3pm
Round 23 v Parramatta Eels: Saturday, August 22 @ 3pm

WIN Stadium, Wollongong –
Round 1 v Wests Tigers: Sunday, March 15 @ 6:15pm
Round 5 v New Zealand Warriors: Sunday, April 12 @ 6:15pm
Round 12 v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles: Sunday, May 31 @ 4pm
Round 19 v Canberra Raiders: Sunday, July 26 @ 2pm
Round 22 v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: Saturday, August 15 @ 7:35pm
Round 25 v South Sydney Rabbitohs: Thursday, September 3 @ 7:50pm

Sydney Cricket Ground –
Round 7 v Sydney Roosters: Saturday, April 25 @ 4pm

Download the Dragons' full 2020 draw here or see below.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2019/10/29/dragons-2020-nrl-draw-announced/