Round 3 Match Preview: Reviving the Rivalry

Author: Sydney Roosters
Timestamp: Wed 2 Aug 2023, 04:27 PM

The Sydney Roosters will host their first fixture of the 2023 NRLW season at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday evening, taking on the St George Illawarra Dragons in what's set to be a fiery contest.

Recent History: Sydney Roosters vs St George Illawarra Dragons

Thursday night marks the seventh encounter between the Roosters and Dragons since the NRLW competition was established in 2018.

Of their past six matches, the Tricolours have claimed four victories, including the 2021 Grand Final where they defeated St George Illawarra 16-4 at Moreton Daily Stadium.

NRLW 2021 Grand Final Highlights: Roosters vs Dragons

The last time the two sides went head-to-head was a clash to remember - the first match to be played at the new Allianz Stadium. Easts took home a thrilling 34-6 win that day, with a double to Jocelyn Kelleher one of the many highlights.

How They Line Up

John Strange has made a few changes to the line-up for Thursday night’s clash, calling on Amelia Pasikala to make her NRLW debut in the second row and Teuila Fotu-Moala to replace Mya Hill-Moana – who sustained a concussion last week - in the front row.

Corban Baxter takes the reins at fullback again this week, with Brydie Parker and Jayme Fressard on the wings. Isabelle Kelly and Jessica Sergis make up the centres, with Club medical staff giving Sergis every chance to prove her fitness before Thursday’s match.

Tarryn Aiken and Jocelyn Kelleher continue their combination in the halves, while Millie Boyle, Keeley Davis and Fotu-Moala line up in the front row.

The second row includes Pasikala and Olivia Kernick, with Keilee Joseph rounding out the starting side at lock.

Shawden Burton, Grace Hamilton, Lexi Kiriwi and Otesa Pule feature on the interchange bench, Joeli Morris as the 18th player. Mia Wood, Tyler Bentley, Lily Rogan and Kalosipani Hopoate have been named on the extended bench.

Round 3 - Round 3 - Thursday 3 Aug

Full Time

Roosters

Dragons

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Corban Baxter

Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Teagan Berry
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Brydie Parker

Winger for Dragons is number 2 Margot Vella
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica Sergis

Centre for Dragons is number 3 Keele Browne
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle Kelly

Centre for Dragons is number 4 Bobbi Law
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Jayme Fressard

Winger for Dragons is number 5 Cortez Te Pou
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Tarryn Aiken

Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Tyla Nathan-Wong
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Jocelyn Kelleher

Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Raecene McGregor

Forwards

Prop for Roosters is number 8 Millie Boyle

Prop for Dragons is number 8 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Keeley Davis

Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Kaarla Cowan
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Teuila Fotu-Moala

Prop for Dragons is number 10 Roxy Murdoch
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Amelia Pasikala

2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Sara Sautia
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Olivia Kernick

2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Shenai Lendill
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Keilee Joseph

Lock for Dragons is number 13 Alexis Tauaneai

Interchange

Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Shawden Burton

Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Sophie Clancy
Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Grace Hamilton

Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Ella Koster
Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Lexi Kiriwi

Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Tara McGrath-West
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Otesa Pule

Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Maddison Weatherall

Reserves

Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Joeli Morris

Replacement for Dragons is number 18 Zali Hopkins

Match Officials

Referee: Wyatt Raymond
Senior Review Official: Dave Munro

Last updated: 9/13/2023 7:26:07 AM

Dragons NRLW Head Coach Jamie Soward has named Kaarla Cowan to start at hooker with Renee Targett reverting to the extended bench. Sophie Clancy comes onto the interchange bench in the empty spot. Margot Vella and Cortez Te Pou remain the first-choice wingers after scoring doubles last week.

Key Match Up: Corban Baxter vs Teagan Berry

Two stellar fullbacks go head-to-head on Thursday evening when Corban Baxter meets Teagan Berry.

Baxter was brilliant in her first game back against the Broncos, claiming two tries, breaking two tackles and running 113 metres. Despite last week's loss to the Raiders, the Vice Captain was still a strong ball-runner, notching 129 metres.

Her counterpart, Berry, has been a hero for the Dragons so far this season. The 21-year-old has bagged four tries in two games, breaking 13 tackles and averages 237 run metres.

With the season nearing the mid-way point, expect Baxter and Berry to ignite their respective teams in attack on Thursday evening!

What They Said

"I'm so excited, it's good to be back and have the fans come and watch us and be in line with the boys as well, I think that's something we've wanted for a fair few weeks now, we've waited for this home game for quite some time." - Isabelle Kelly

Kelly: 'We Can't Wait To Be Home'

"I'm really looking forward to running out on the SCG, it's our first double-header and a home game for us so we will definitely be playing to the opportunity and to the spectacle of what it will be so we really want to put our best foot forward." - Millie Boyle

Final Verdict

Following a tough loss in Canberra last week, the Roosters will be hungry to bounce back with a win when they face the Dragons in a 2021 Grand Final rematch at the SCG on Thursday.

You can purchase your tickets for our Round 3 double-header here. If you can’t make it to the SCG, be sure to attend Easts Bondi Junction where you can watch the game live from Artie’s Bar. Easts are also running happy hour for two hours pre-NRL match.

It's not too late to Call yourself a Rooster in 2023! With NRLW Memberships now on sale, show your support for the Women’s Game.