The Dragons and Roosters will battle out a historic match on Sunday, when they strive for a place in the 2019 NRLW grand final in the first standalone women's game in Sydney. Here are five things to know about the big day.
History making clash
Is there anything better than two traditional clubs battling it out for a grand final berth at an historic rugby league ground like Leichhardt Oval?
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On top of that, Sunday’s match will create history with the first ever standalone NRLW match held in Australia, taking place in rugby league heartland.
With NRL preliminary finals wrapped up by Saturday, this epic clash is the perfect Sunday footy fix while watching two quality teams fight to keep their season alive. Don’t miss your chance to witness history and get your tickets here.
Grand final beckons
All eyes will be on the result of Sunday's clash with a place in the 2019 NRLW grand final on the line.
After two rounds of the competition, all teams are still a chance of qualifying for the final to be held prior to the NRL grand final next week.
A Broncos victory against the Warriors on Saturday will leave the Dragons and Roosters to fight it out for the remaining spot. While a Warriors victory will mean only the Dragons can advance on for-and-against with a victory over the Tricolours. Either way, only a loss and for-and-against can prevent the Dragons from reaching the grand final.
New South Wales on show
As many as 15 players from the recent NSW Blues women’s squad will take the field at Leichhardt Oval in the all star clash.
The Dragons will feature eight players from the successful New South Wales side while the Roosters will contribute seven. Only two players from the team (retired hooker Kylie Hilder and Broncos forward Millie Boyle) won't play on Sunday – although Hilder is the Roosters' assistant coach.
Dragons back-rower Shaylee Bent also served the Blues as 18th woman in the Origin arena.
Playmaking allegiances
Rewind one year and Maddie Studdon and Melanie Howard were playing in the NRLW's maiden year, but under the banner of a different club.
Studdon joined the Dragons from the Roosters this season, while the Roosters signed Howard from the Dragons to fill the void. The swap has paid off the Dragons with Studdon starring in their last start victory against the Warriors.
Studdon produced two try assists, two tackle breaks and three conversions in the Dragons' 26-point victory. While Howard missed last week's game for the Roosters, she re-joins the side to take on her former club. Keep an eye on who claims the bragging rights against their former clubs.
Curtain raiser
Before you witness history, make sure you get there early to watch the best up and coming women's talent in the country as the first-ever combined St George Illawarra Under-18s team take on the Sydney Roosters' Under-18s.
The match kicks off at 11.15am and will feature plenty of talent across the park with the Dragons team featuring all four of the NRLW development players. The clash adds to the spectacle of a full day of high quality and entertaining women's rugby league at Leichardt.
