Just because the NRL is taking the week off, it doesn’t mean rugby league has gone to sleep. This weekend is packed with Dragons stars lacing up for different representative sides. Below are five matches to keep an eye out for across the weekend.
Women's State of Origin
A grand total of nine Dragons Women's Premiership players will represent New South Wales in the Women's State of Origin.
The Women's State of Origin clash was thrown into the spotlight last year following a highly entertaining match featuring plenty of big hits and thrilling plays that saw NSW claim a 16-10 win.
The Blues side will feature Dragons Kezie Apps, Shaylee Bent, Takilele Katoa, Tiana Penitani, Jess Sergis, Maddie Studdon, Shakiah Tungai, Botille Vette-Welsh and Holli Wheeler.
The match kicks off 7:45pm on Friday, June 21 at North Sydney Oval. You can watch live on Channel Nine or online at 9now.com.au.
State of Origin II
The equation is simple for NSW – win or lose the series. After Queensland drew first blood in the Origin opener, Dragons forwards Paul Vaughan, Tyson Frizell and Tariq Sims will all wear sky blue at the first ever State of Origin match at Perth's Optus Stadium.
Both Dragons halves have also had their names recorded on the Queensland team list. Ben Hunt stunned punters with a solid 80-minute Origin I performance at hooker despite limited time in the role.
Corey Norman looms in the reserves ready to jump into the team, if the opportunity presents itself.
The Dragons' State of Origin players take to the field at 7:50pm on Sunday, June 23. Watch live on Channel Nine or online at 9now.com.
Fiji v Lebanon
The first of a male international double-header at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday presents an exciting match up in Fiji and Lebanon.
The Fiji side is bolstered by three Dragons players in Korbin Sims, Mikaele Ravalawa and Joe Lovodua.
The Lebanon team will feature Dragons' Jersey Flegg up-and-comer Jalal Bazzaz. Bazzaz, already an Australian Schoolboy, will add his first international cap to his list of achievements at just 18 years old.
You can catch the game on 9gem or Foxtel at 5:40pm on, Saturday, June 22, which will be followed by Samoa v Papua New Guinea.
Cook Islands v South Africa
While other countries play for pride and bragging rights in the Pacific Tests, the Cook Islands and South Africa will face off in a high stakes match to keep their 2021 Rugby League World Cup hopes alive.
The winner of the match will progress to the final stage of qualifiers and play the United States of America for the final spot in the World Cup.
The Cook Islands campaign will rely on the performance of Dragons centre Steven Marsters, who will line up in the backs.
The World Cup qualifier kicks off at 7pm on Friday, June 21. The match won't be on TV but you can see the game live at Wentworthville's Ringrose Park.
Under 18s Women's State of Origin
Recent Dragons NRL Holden Women's Premiership signing Maddison Weatherall will captain NSW's Under-18s side in their first encounter against their Queensland counterparts.
The Under 18s Women's match will be played as a curtain-raiser to the main Women's Origin later that night, and is sure to be filled with the same rivalry.
The match won't be shown on TV but if you are travelling to North Sydney Oval be sure to turn up early (5:45pm) to watch Weatherall and eight other St George Illawarra junior representative players run out for the Blues.
