It's been five months since the Roosters clinched the 2021 NRL Telstra Women's Premiership and for every day since the Dragons have waited to get their chance again in the grand final rematch.
The Roosters' maiden NRLW title in April was at the Dragons' expense, with 17 squad members of Jamie Soward's side part of the defeat in Redcliffe.
Since then Roosters and Dragons have started the 2022 season strong, both coming off two wins and looking likely to be there again come finals time.
The Tricolours got the job done against the Broncos in Brisbane last week while the Dragons held out a gallant Eels outfit.
Both sides will have the honour of opening the new Allianz Stadium in style on Friday night with the teams the first to play a professional match at the venue following its redevelopment.
In the head-to-head match-up since 2018, the Roosters hold a 3-2 lead over the Dragons, including last season's 14-4 decider.
Match: Roosters v Dragons
Round 3 -
home Team
Roosters
1st Position
away Team
Dragons
3rd Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
The Rundown
Team News
Roosters: Unchanged from last week. Centre Jessica Sergis left the field with a hamstring injury in Round 2 but remained in the team when the squad was cut on Thursday. Sarah Togatuki (ribs), Jayme Fressard (leg cut) and Samantha Bremner (cork) also failed to finish the game against Brisbane due to injuries but are set to play. Joeli Morris is the 18th player.
Dragons: Chantel Tugaga has been added to the bench after Talei Holmes withdrew with a knee injury on Thursday. Rookie winger Andie Robinson impressed again in her second NRLW match but is replaced by Cassie Staples in a late change.
Match: Roosters v Dragons
Round 3 -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Dragons
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Samantha BremnerFullback for Dragons is number 1 Emma Tonegato
-
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Leianne TufugaWinger for Dragons is number 2 Teagan Berry
-
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica SergisCentre for Dragons is number 3 Keele Browne
-
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle KellyCentre for Dragons is number 4 Page McGregor
-
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Jayme FressardWinger for Dragons is number 22 Cassie Staples
-
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Zahara TemaraFive-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Taliah Fuimaono
-
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Raecene McGregorHalfback for Dragons is number 7 Rachael Pearson
Forwards
-
Prop for Roosters is number 8 Sarah TogatukiProp for Dragons is number 8 Elsie Albert
-
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Destiny BrillHooker for Dragons is number 9 Keeley Davis
-
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Mya Hill-MoanaProp for Dragons is number 16 Monalisa Soliola
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Shaniah Power2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Kezie Apps
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Olivia Kernick2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Shaylee Bent
-
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Keilee JosephLock for Dragons is number 13 Holli Wheeler
Interchange
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Jocelyn KelleherInterchange for Dragons is number 10 Tegan Dymock
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Shawden BurtonInterchange for Dragons is number 14 Quincy Dodd
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Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Pani HopoateInterchange for Dragons is number 17 Tara McGrath-West
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Otesa PuleInterchange for Dragons is number 23 Chantel Tugaga
Reserves
-
Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Joeli MorrisReplacement for Dragons is number 18 Renee Targett
Match Officials
- Referee: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Key match-up
Sam Bremner v Emma Tonegato: Forget the halves for now, the battle of the fullbacks will help determine a winner in this match with both No.1's firing to start the season. Bremner's return to the NRLW has been instrumental but standing in her way is the ever-consistent Tonegato, who had a hand in three of the Dragons' four tries last week. The pair were once World Cup teammates for the Jillaroos in 2013 and will now collide for the very first time on Friday night.
Stat attack
The Roosters have completed at an impressive 87% on average to start the season, and in return lead the competition with 54% possession per game with 18 line breaks and 11 try assists across the board. The Dragons are slightly behind them in most areas and should they hold onto the ball they can easily trouble their opponents.
Match: Roosters v Dragons
Round 3 -
home Team
Roosters
1st Position
away Team
Dragons
3rd Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
