A new champion will be crowned on Sunday afternoon when the Sydney Roosters face historical rivals the St George Illawarra Dragons for the 2021 NRLW Premiership trophy at Redcliffe.
Recent History: Sydney Roosters vs St George Illawarra Dragons
The 2021 NRLW Grand Final will mark the fifth time the Roosters and Dragons have met in the competition's history, with both sides taking two wins apiece in their previous four outings.
It was just two weeks ago when the Tricolours faced the Red V in what was a close contest at Kogarah, going down narrowly in an error-riddled 16-10 grind, and the Roosters will take plenty of confidence from that match heading into the decider.
Both sides will be buoyed by their respective wins in the semi-finals, in particular, John Strange's Roosters, who completed one of the greatest upsets in the competition's history against the Brisbane Broncos.
The match also marks the first contest outside of New South Wales in what will be a continuation of one of the biggest rivalries in the code's history between the Roosters and Dragons - one that has existed for over a century since 1921.
How They Line Up
Captain Corban Baxter takes her place at fullback once again, joined by Leianne Tufuga, Jessica Sergis, Isabelle Kelly and Brydie Parker in the backline.
Zahara Temara has retained her spot at five-eighth, partnering Raecene McGregor in the halves. Sarah Togatuki, Olivia Higgins and Mya Hill-Moana line up in the front row.
Rounding off the starting side is Yasmin Meakes and Olivia Kernick in the back row, while Hannah Southwell locks up the scrum in the no.13 jersey.
Match: Dragons v Roosters
Grand Final -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Emma TonegatoFullback for Roosters is number 1 Corban Baxter
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Winger for Dragons is number 2 Teagan BerryWinger for Roosters is number 2 Leianne Tufuga
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Centre for Dragons is number 3 Jaime ChapmanCentre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica Sergis
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Centre for Dragons is number 4 Page McGregorCentre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle Kelly
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Winger for Dragons is number 5 Madison BartlettWinger for Roosters is number 5 Brydie Parker
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Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Taliah FuimaonoFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Zahara Temara
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Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Rachael PearsonHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Raecene McGregor
Forwards
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Prop for Dragons is number 8 Elsie AlbertProp for Roosters is number 8 Sarah Togatuki
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Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Keeley DavisHooker for Roosters is number 9 Olivia Higgins
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Prop for Dragons is number 10 Kezie AppsProp for Roosters is number 10 Mya Hill-Moana
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Talei Holmes2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Yasmin Clydsdale
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Shaylee Bent2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Olivia Kernick
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Lock for Dragons is number 13 Holli WheelerLock for Roosters is number 13 Hannah Southwell
Interchange
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Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Quincy DoddInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Jocelyn Kelleher
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Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Kody HouseInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Keilee Joseph
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Interchange for Dragons is number 18 Renee TargettInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Tayla Predebon
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Interchange for Dragons is number 19 Keele BrowneInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Simone Karpani
Reserves
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Replacement for Dragons is number 21 Aliti Namoce
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Reserve for Roosters is number 18 Joeli Morris
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
The interchange bench features Jocelyn Kelleher, Keilee Joseph, Tayla Predebon and Simone Karpani. Joeli Morris has been named as 18th player.
Pani Hopoate, Lauretta Leao-Seve, Otesa Pule, Shawden Burton, Taylor-Adeline Mapusua and Claire Reed round off the 24-player squad on the extended bench.
Former Rooster Jamie Soward has named a strong outfit including the likes of Emma Tonegato, Kezie Apps, Keeley Davis, Elsie Albert and Holli Wheeler, so the Red, White and Blue will certainly have a battle on their hands.
Key Match Up: Corban Baxter vs Kezie Apps
Physically these two are as far apart as can be, but the two captains will be just as imperative as one another in guiding their side to victory and claiming their Club's inaugural NRLW Premiership.
Both players have plenty of representative experience as teammates at both state and international level, and more importantly, and have each featured in an NRLW decider; Baxter in 2020 and Apps in the 2019 edition.
The two competition veterans have also featured in a similar number of NRLW matches, with both making four appearances in what has been a disruptive season in 2021.
There will be talent across the park on Sunday afternoon between both sides, but look to the courageous captains to inspire their team when the game comes down to the wire.
What They Said
Your Verdict
After six weeks of blood, sweat and tears, it all comes down to this Sunday afternoon.
A new NRLW champion will be crowned, and the Sydney Roosters will be primed to add another piece of silverware to the Club's brimming trophy cabinet for what would be the first Premiership in the Women's first-grade competition.
For those in and around southeast Queensland, and those looking to travel to Redcliffe, be sure to purchase your tickets here, cheer on the mighty Red, White and Blue and witness history unfold at Moreton Daily Stadium.
