St George Illawarra and the Gold Coast will open the first-ever NRL Telstra Women's Premiership finals series on Sunday with a spot in the rescheduled 2021 grand final on the line at Leichhardt Oval.
The Dragons have been one of the most consistent sides in the NRLW this season but face a Titans outfit that have strung two wins together and have proven to be giant killers with victories over the Broncos and Roosters.
The Dragons and Titans opened the season in Newcastle last month with the Red V claiming a 20-12 win but there were a few things to consider in coming out of that match to give people an open mind around just who could win this one.
Gold Coast completed at less than 50 percent in the opening half to trail 8-0 before coming home with a wet sail to set up a grandstand finish.
The battle of the fullbacks and class of both side's forward packs will be a match-up not to be missed.
Match: Dragons v Titans
Semi Final -
home Team
Dragons
1st Position
away Team
Titans
3rd Position
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
The Rundown
Team news
Dragons: Renee Targett and Aliti Namoce-Sagano have been promoted to the bench on Saturday with Tegan Dymock (hand) and Janelle Williams dropping out. Kody House will start the game in the second row with Talei Holmes going to the bench.
Centre Jaime Chapman (head knock) has been cleared to play after passing her HIA protocols this week. Rachael Pearson (back) will return at halfback after missing the Roosters game as precaution. Her comeback will see Quincy Dodd start from the bench with Keeley Davis moving back to her preferred dummy half role.
Titans: Evania Pelite is a late inclusion after overcoming an ankle injury, set to play at left centre. Shaniah Power shifts to the bench. Cobie-Jane Morgan has come into the side at five-eighth with Grace Griffin out. Zara Canfield has been added to the bench with Laikha Clarke dropping out.
Tazmin Gray and Georgia Hale both return after serving suspensions.
Match: Dragons v Titans
Semi Final -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Titans
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Emma TonegatoFullback for Titans is number 1 Jetaya Faifua
-
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Teagan BerryWinger for Titans is number 2 Karina Brown
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Centre for Dragons is number 3 Jaime ChapmanCentre for Titans is number 3 Jasmine Peters
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Centre for Dragons is number 4 Page McGregorCentre for Titans is number 22 Evania Pelite
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Winger for Dragons is number 5 Madison BartlettWinger for Titans is number 5 Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell
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Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Taliah FuimaonoFive-Eighth for Titans is number 14 Georgia Hale
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Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Rachael PearsonHalfback for Titans is number 7 Kimiora Breayley-Nati
Forwards
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Prop for Dragons is number 8 Elsie AlbertProp for Titans is number 8 Brianna Clark
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Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Keeley DavisHooker for Titans is number 9 Brittany Breayley-Nati
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Prop for Dragons is number 10 Kezie AppsProp for Titans is number 10 Stephanie Hancock
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Shaylee Bent2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Tiana Raftstrand-Smith
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 15 Kody House2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Tazmin Gray
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Lock for Dragons is number 13 Holli WheelerLock for Titans is number 13 Destiny Brill
Interchange
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Interchange for Dragons is number 11 Talei HolmesInterchange for Titans is number 4 Shaniah Power
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Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Quincy DoddInterchange for Titans is number 15 Jessika Elliston
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Interchange for Dragons is number 18 Renee TargettInterchange for Titans is number 18 Cobie-Jane Morgan
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Interchange for Dragons is number 21 Aliti NamoceInterchange for Titans is number 19 April Ngatupuna
Reserves
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Replacement for Dragons is number 19 Keele BrowneReplacement for Titans is number 16 Laikha Clarke
Match Officials
- Referee: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Alan Shortall
Last updated:
Key match-up
Emma Tonegato v Evania Pelite: After winning gold together at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, former rugby sevens stars Tonegato and Pelite have lit up the NRLW this season and will be crucial to their side's chances. Tonegato was enormous in the Dragons win last week, particularly defensively, while Pelite was sorely missed in attack despite the Titans jagging a final round win over Newcastle. Her fitness will be vital to the side's chances on Sunday.
Stat attack
The Titans have more tackle breaks than any other side in the competition despite having fewer line breaks and tries than the Dragons. Their total figure of 177 easily eclipses the Dragons' 126. Destiny Brill (33) and Evania Pelite (27) lead the competition with Dragons prop Elsie Albert (20) and Emma Tonegato (20) not far behind.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic occasion, with the first ever NRLW Finals double-header at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, April 3. Tickets start from just $15 for Adults, with Juniors under 15 able to attend for FREE with a paying adult. Secure your tickets at NRL.com/tickets
