The NRLW Dragons are ready to go one better as their season kicks off as part of a special double-header against the Gold Coast Titans.
Here is your NRL Round 23 and NRLW Round 1 game day guide.
i98FM Illawarra Convoy Round
St George Illawarra will open their 2022 NRLW campaign as part of the Dragons' annual i98FM Illawarra Convoy Round.
Sunday's double-header with the NRL Dragons will assist in raising much-needed funds for families in need, with the Dragons, NRL and Venues NSW agreeing to donate $1 each for every person in attendance to the i98FM Illawarra Convoy fundraising efforts.
Can't make it to the game but want to show your support for the i98fm Illawarra Convoy Round? Grab a ticket in the 50-50 charity raffle. To help this great cause and have a chance at winning 50 per cent of the prize pool, purchase your tickets here.
The i98FM Illawarra Convoy is the largest truck and motorbike convoy in the Southern Hemisphere. The event is one of the largest regional one day fundraisers in the country with funds raised providing direct support to individuals and families affected by potentially life threatening medical conditions, charities that work with these people, and local hospitals.
St George Illawarra Dragons v Gold Coast Titans double-header
WIN Stadium, Wollongong
General public gates – 11:45am
NRLW kick-off: Dragons v Titans – 12pm
NRL kick-off: Dragons Titans – 2pm
NRLW Dragons strive for one better
The Dragons shocked pundits across the game by qualifying for the rescheduled 2021 NRLW grand final last year.
Well, everyone but themselves.
While they didn't get the chocolates on the day, captain Kezie Apps and co remain hellbent on going one better in 2022.
17 players have recommitted with the Red V for the upcoming campaign, with 13 of those who featured in the Dragons' grand final loss to the Sydney Roosters named in coach Jamie Soward's Round 1 team.
Recently signed trio Andie Robinson, Monalisa Soliola and Tara McGrath-West will make their NRLW debuts, while front-rower Tegan Dymock will start for the first time.
2022 NRLW memberships on sale
Woodsy racks up huge milestone
Veteran front-rower Aaron Woods will notch up his 250th NRL game when he runs out for the Dragons on Sunday.
Woods began his first grade career in 2011 at the Wests Tigers and has since had stints at the Bulldogs and Sharks prior to joining the Red V.
The 2015 and 2017 Dally M Prop of the Year has also had a distinguished representative career having represented New South Wales 14 times and the Kangaroos in 17 Tests.
The Dragons' 17 remains unchanged otherwise. Francis Molo (ribs) has been named in the wider squad however is a chance of forcing his way into the team to face the Gold Coast.
Aaron Woods talks game 250
Titans snare Dragons history maker
Gold Coast Titans winger Madison Bartlett won't have to wait long to face off against her former Dragons team.
Bartlett made a name for herself on the wing for the Red V throughout their grand final qualifying campaign earlier this year.
The New Zealand Test representative is not only the Dragons' most prolific try-scorer ever as a result but has also scored the most four-pointers in NRLW competition's history.
Apii Nicholls and Rona Peters join Bartlett as the new faces for the Gold Coast, with fellow former Dragon Annette Brander named in the wider squad.
Titans NRL skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has also been named for the Gold Coast after missing Round 22 due to his partner giving birth to their second child.
Dance Spectacular returns
In yet another reason to spend your Sunday afternoon at the footy, the Dragons will once again host over 600 dancers at half-time of the NRL fixture for the club's annual Dance Spectacular.
The Dragons wish to thank the following dance academies and schools (pictured) for their keen involvement in the initiative: JLD.Entertainment; Windsor Jump Dance Studio; Industry Dance Co. - Tahmoor and Goulburn; Dance ED Performing Arts; Elite Dance Project; Gerringong Ballet and Dance; Jump Dance Studio; KRS Dance; ADA Dance; Adrenaline Academy of the Arts; Ava Dance Centre; Supreme Studios; DDC Dance Studio; iDance Performing Arts Studio; Inspire Performing Arts; Joanne Grace School of Dance; Pulse Performing Arts Studio; Evolve Performance Studio; Tree Top Arts; Dance 4 Fun; Your Talent Team; Janette Briggs Dance Academy; Platinum Dance Academy of Performing Arts.
…and if that wasn't enough
Pray for good weather on Sunday because punters will be allowed out on to WIN Stadium approximately 15 minutes after the Dragons' NRL fixture.
Listen out for a second siren and look for the designated entry points to ensure your afternoon is capped off in the best way possible.
