Dragons go down in NRLW derby at WIN

The Dragons got off to a horror start with an early drop paving the way for Tiana Penitani to open the visitors’ account in the first minute.

Shenai Lendill went close to answering for the Red V off a towering Zali Hopkins bomb only for the officials to rule a double knock-on in the lead-up.

Nakia Davis-Welsh found the Sharks’ second soon after off some more sharp work courtesy of Penitani as their buffer grew to 8-0.

Rhiannon Byers was placed on report 10 minutes shy of the break with Ella Koster powering her way over the line with a spirited burst off it notch the Dragons’ first points of the evening.

Paseka went close to finding another four-pointer for the Red V the following set after hounding a Raecene McGregor kick which was allowed to bounce only for her opposite Davis-Welsh to clean the ball up after a fumble.

The visitors managed to extend their lead just shy of the half through Georgia Ravics who scurried over in the northeast corner off a Cassie Staples cut-out.

Preston replaced fellow debutant Paseka early in the second stanza for her first taste of NRLW action.

Emma Tonegato looked to add to the Sharks’ lead soon after only for video officials to pick up an obstruction in the lead-up.

Penitani scored her second however moments later down the left-hand corridor after the Sharks enjoyed a raft of attacking ball.

The scoring continued for the visitors the following set with Tonegato slicing through to send Byers over for the side’s fifth.

Ravics found a second for the Sharks to make it 28-4 entering the final stages before Quincy Dodd was placed on report in the final stages for a high shot on Teagan Berry.