The St George Illawarra Dragons have arrived at HBF Park for the inaugural NRL Perth Nines tournament. Keep up to date with our Nines blog to hear all the latest news from the ground.
* All times below are AWST
Dragons Perth Nines blog - Day 2
(9:00pm) Five Dragons named in NRL Nines Perth Team of the Tournaments
(7:20pm) Dragons fall short to Cowboys in NRL Nines grand final
North Queensland halfback Jake Clifford saved his best for last, leading the Cowboys to a 23-14 triumph in Sunday night’s Nines final.
NRL Nines match highlights: Dragons v Cowboys
After solid if not spectacular performances during the tournament, Clifford starred in the decider with a smart try in the second half and a spectacular try-saving tackle on Dragons winger Jason Saab in the first half.
With hooker Jake Granville cleverly guiding his team’s attack, the Cowboys grabbed a 6-0 lead with a converted try to Coen Hess.
The Dragons quickly regrouped and replied with an unconverted try to Jason Nightingale before getting their noses in front with Makaele Ravalawa’s unconverted try.
But the Cowboys had the final word of the half with Reece Robson’s bonus zone try.
Clifford’s converted try extended the lead to 19-8 but a try to Dragons forward Josh Kerr set up an exciting finish.
The Cowboys put the match out of reach with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s runaway try in the bonus zone.
(6:50pm) Studdon claims honours
Studdon claims player of the tournament at NRL Nines
(6:45pm) Match report | Dragons thump Broncos to claim NRL Nines title
The St George Illawarra Dragons caused a major boilover with a shock 28-4 thrashing of the previously unbeaten Brisbane Broncos in the women’s Nines final.
Brisbane were widely tipped to be too strong in the decider but the Dragons had other ideas, claiming the title with a decisive five tries-to-one romp.
Match highlights: NRLW Broncos v Dragons
The Dragons aggressively took it to their opponents from the kick-off and the strategy seemed to have the desired effect, as the Broncos struggled to get into the game.
St George grabbed a 4-0 lead with Isabelle Kelly’s try, while Aaliyah Fasavalu-Fa’amausili crossed three minutes before the break, with player of the tournament Maddie Studdon converting for an unlikely 10-0 lead over the favourites.
The Dragons weren’t done there, extending the lead to 17-0 at half-time with a bonus zone try to Kezie Apps.
The skipped away to a 21-0 lead before Jayme Fressard scored what would be Brisbane’s only try.
St George Illawarra finished the match in style, with Maddison Weatherall touching down for a bonus zone try.
(6:30pm) NRL Dragons late mail – grand final
St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has named his team for the grand final of the Perth Nines tournament against the North Queensland Cowboys.
Tyson Frizell returns for the final, in place of Korbin Sims (arm).
7. Ben Hunt
9. Cameron McInnes
18. Jayden Sullivan
11. Tyson Frizell
8. Josh Kerr
4. Tim Lafai
13. Euan Aitken
3. Mikaele Ravalawa
5. Jason Nightingale
Interchange:
2. Jason Saab
12. Jackson Ford
16. Brayden Wiliame
6. Adam Clune
15. Tristan Sailor
Rested: 17. Cody Ramsey, 14. Tyrell Fuimaono
Injured: Matt Dufty (cheekbone), Korbin Sims (arm)
(6:15pm) NRLW Dragons late mail – Grand final
St George Illawarra coach Daniel Lacey has named his NRLW Nines grand final team to face the Brisbane Broncos.
Maddison Weatherall returns to the team. Shaylee Bent returns to the interchange and Kaarla Cowan drops out.
1. Sam Bremner
2. Tiana Penitani
3. Jessica Sergis
4. Isabelle Kelly
5. Shakiah Tungai
7. Maddie Studdon
9. Brittany Breayley
11. Kezie Apps
8. Maddison Weatherall
Interchange –
6. Botille Vette-Welsh
10. Aaliyah Fasavalu-Fa'amausili
12. Shaylee Bent
14. Keeley Davis
15. Rikeya Horne
Rested: 16. Kaarla Cowan
(5:45pm) Match report | Dragons men qualify for Perth Nines Grand Final with win over Eels
Centre Tim Lafai crashed over for a try in the dying seconds to lift St George Illawarra to a heart-stopping 8-6 win over Parramatta and into the final.
The Eels went into the tournament as title favourites and were moments away from clinching a place in the decider when Lafai stole their thunder at the death.
The win avenged a 15-7 loss to Parra earlier in the day.
NRL Nines match Highlights: Eels v Dragons
St George Illawarra scored first, with Lafai sending Mikaele Ravalawa over for a try midway through the first half.
The Eels remained scoreless before Jaeman Salmon finished off a slick sequence late in the half that went from one side of the field to the other. Mitch Moses converted for a 6-4 half-time lead.
Defence dominated attack in the second half, as both teams searched for an all-important second try.
The Dragons had their prayers answered and face the winner of the second semi-final between the Cowboys and Titans.
(5:00pm) Match report | Dragons book place in grand final
St George Illawarra booked themselves a showdown with the unbeaten Brisbane Broncos in the final, despite losing to the Sydney Roosters 14-13 in the final pool game of the women’s tournament.
The Roosters had to win by at least 18 points to qualify for the final and were fighting an even steeper uphill battle after falling behind 13-0 at half-time.
But they continued to challenge the Dragons, who appeared to drop their guard after the break.
Match highlights: NRLW Dragons v Roosters
Hannah Southwell sparked the fightback with a try, while the margin was cut to 13-8 when Corban McGregor scored the Roosters’ second try moments later.
The Roosters snatched an unlikely win when Zahara Temara touched down in the bonus zone to make it 13-12. Temara then kicked the match-winning conversion from a penalty.
Aaliyah Fasavalu-Fa’amausili scored the game’s first try, with Maddie Studdon’s conversion making it 6-0.
The Dragons extended the margin to 13-0 with Keeley Davis scoring a bonus zone try.
But the Dragons didn’t score again and will need to raise the bar if they are going to beat tournament favourites Brisbane in tonight’s decider.
(4pm) Ramsey apologies for ending Panthers' Nines hopes
Ramsey says ‘sorry’ for ending the Panthers Nines’ hopes
(3:55pm) NRLW Dragons late mail – Round 3
St George Illawarra coach Daniel Lacey has named his Round 3 NRLW Nines team to take on the Sydney Roosters.
Maddison Weatherall will be rested with Kaarla Cowan set to make her Dragons debut from the interchange.
1. Sam Bremner
2. Tiana Penitani
3. Jessica Sergis
4. Isabelle Kelly
5. Shakiah Tungai
7. Maddie Studdon
9. Brittany Breayley
11. Kezie Apps
12. Shaylee Bent
Interchange –
6. Botille Vette-Welsh
10. Aaliyah Fasavalu-Fa'amausili
16. Kaarla Cowan.
14. Keeley Davis
15. Rikeya Horne
Rested: 8. Maddison Weatherall
(3:35pm) Ramsey hat-trick seals semis berth
Unknown fullback Cody Ramsey stamped his name into Nines folklore with a hat-trick of tries to give the Dragons a controversial 17-14 defeat of the Panthers in the second quarter-final.
Ramsey scored the match-winning try in the corner in the dying seconds, as the Panthers disputed the decision to award the try.
NRL Nines match highlights: Dragons v Panthers
Hard-running back-rower Viliame Kikau appeared to have broken the Dragons’ hearts with a late try, but Ramsey completed his hat-trick, despite replays showing the 20-year-old had not grounded the ball in the field of play.
The Dragons had the upper hand at half-time, with Ramsey’s opening try providing a 7-0 lead at the break.
Penrith had a try disallowed after a Dragons player was held without the ball, while a second try was called back for a forward pass.
The Dragons launched a quick counter-attack, with Ramsey showing off his blistering pace to break the deadlock with a bonus zone try.
Panthers hooker Api Koroisau gave his side an ideal start to the second half, darting between defenders for a converted try to make it 7-6.
Ramsey was in the spotlight again when he scored his second try in the corner with five minutes remaining. Tristan Sailor converted from the sideline for a 13-6 lead.
Koroisau’s second try set the stage for a thrilling finish with his second try, but the Dragons had the last laugh.
(2:15pm) NRL Dragons late mail – quarter finals
St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has named his team for the Perth Nines quarter finals against the Penrith Panthers.
Matt Dufty (suspected fractured cheekbone) won't feature for the remainder of the tournament.
7. Ben Hunt
9. Cameron McInnes
18. Jayden Sullivan
11. Tyson Frizell
8. Josh Kerr
4. Tim Lafai
13. Euan Aitken
17. Cody Ramsey
5. Jason Nightingale
Interchange:
3. Mikaele Ravalawa
16. Brayden Wiliame
14. Tyrell Fuimaono
6. Adam Clune
15. Tristan Sailor
Rested: 12. Jackson Ford, 2. Jason Saab, 10. Korbin Sims
(1:30pm) How good is scoring on your birthday!
(1:05pm) Matt Dufty and Shakiah Tungai injury updates
St George Illawarra fullback Matt Dufty suffered a suspected fractured cheekbone in the opening stages of the Dragons' Round 2 Perth Nines loss to the Parramatta Eels.
Dufty has head to hospital for scans and will take no further part in the tournament. The Dragons will provide a further update on Dufty in due course.
In positive news, Dragons NRLW winger Shakiah Tungai passed her HIA after suffering a head knock midway through the second half of their Round 2 fixture. Tungai will feature in the team's Round 3 clash against the Sydney Roosters.
(12:40pm) Match report | Dragons finish top of pool but go down to Eels
The Dragons lost star fullback Matt Dufty to a suspected fractured cheekbone in the opening seconds of the match after a head clash.
Dufty chased a short kick-off by Ben Hunt and clashed heads with Ray Stone as he tried to regather the kick.
NRL Nines match highlights: Eels v Dragons
The only points of the first half went to the Eels through a late try to Haze Dunster.
Cody Ramsey got the Dragons on the board early in the second half before the Eels took control late in the match.
Both sides have progressed to the quarter-finals.
(11:35am) NRL Nines late mail - Round 2
St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has named his team for Round 2 of the Perth Nines tournament against the Parramatta Eels.
1. Matt Dufty
7. Ben Hunt
9. Cameron McInnes
17. Cody Ramsey
3. Mikaele Ravalawa
11. Tyson Frizell
10. Korbin Sims
16. Brayden Wiliame
14. Tyrell Fuimaono
Interchange:
18. Jayden Sullivan
2. Jason Saab
12 Jackson Ford
8. Josh Kerr
15. Tristan Sailor
Rested: 13. Euan Aitken, 5. Jason Nightingale, 4. Tim Lafai, 6. Adam Clune
(11:27am) Keeley Davis talks through her Round 2 performance
Nines lover Davis shines as Dragons bounce back
(11:10am) Match report | Dragons outclass Warriors
Maddie Studdon played a leading role as the Dragons got their Nines campaign back on track with a 22-7 win over the Warriors.
The Dragons took an 11-7 into the half-time break and a bonus zone try to Sam Bremner set up by Studdon saw them stretch that out to 18-7.
NRLW Nines match highlights: Warriors v Dragons
Brittany Breayley then finished off more good lead-up work by Studdon to score before Bo Vette-Welsh got her name on the tryscoring list as the score blew out to 29-7.
(9:55am) NRLW Nines Round 2 late mail
St George Illawarra coach Daniel Lacey has named his Round 2 NRLW Nines team to take on the New Zealand Warriors.
Holli Wheeler (knee) has been ruled out of the tournament, with Aaliyah Fasavalu-Fa'amausili taking her place in the 14-woman team.
1. Sam Bremner
2. Tiana Penitani
3. Jessica Sergis
4. Isabelle Kelly
5. Shakiah Tungai
7. Maddie Studdon
9. Brittany Breayley
11. Kezie Apps
8. Maddison Weatherall
Interchange –
6. Botille Vette-Welsh
10. Aaliyah Fasavalu-Fa'amausili
12. Shaylee Bent
14. Keeley Davis
15. Rikeya Horne
Rested: 16. Kaarla Cowan.
(8:30am) Holli Wheeler injury update
The St George Illawarra Dragons can confirm Holli Wheeler suffered a serious knee injury against the Brisbane Broncos on Friday night.
Wheeler's season is over after scans overnight confirmed the club's worst fears of an ACL injury.
The Dragons will provide a further update on Wheeler in due course.
(8:15am) Tristan Sailor looks back on our Day 1 win over the Sharks
Sailor leaves Sharks in his wake
(8am) Re-live the best plays of Day 1 of the NRL Perth Nines
Perth Nines plays of the day: Day 1
NRL Perth Nines Dragons blog - Day 1
(9:30pm) The best photos from Day One of the NRL Perth Nines
(8:45pm) Bremner reflects on return after having baby
Sam Bremner talks about her return to rugby league in the Nines after having a baby last year. Bremner set up a try in the Dragons’ loss to Brisbane.
Bremner reflects on return after having baby
(8:23pm) Match report | Dragons finish fast but Broncos hold on
Dynamic hooker Holli Wheeler was a dejected figure after suffering a serious knee injury in the Dragons’ 13-6 loss to the Broncos on the opening day of the Nines in Perth.
NRLW Nines match highlights: Broncos v Dragons
Wheeler was assisted from the field with a suspected ACL injury barely a minute into the game, with the Broncos grabbing a converted try moments later through prop Amber Hall for a 6-0 lead.
St George Illawarra had to make another replacement when star recruit Isabelle Kelly was forced from the field with a rib injury and also had concerns over Jess Sergis after she limped to the sideline late in the half.
Kelly and Sergis both returned to the fray, with Sergis scoring her team’s only try when she cross midway through the second half.
The Dragons had one last chance to tie the game in the dying stages but the Broncos kept their line intact.
(7:05pm) NRLW Nines – Dragons Round 1 late mail
St George Illawarra coach Daniel Lacey has named his Round 1 NRLW Nines team to take on the Brisbane Broncos.
1. Sam Bremner
2. Tiana Penitani
3. Jessica Sergis
4. Isabelle Kelly
5. Shakiah Tungai
7. Maddie Studdon
9. Brittany Breayley
11. Kezie Apps
13. Holli Wheeler
Interchange –
6. Botille Vette-Welsh
8. Maddison Weatherall
12. Shaylee Bent
14. Keeley Davis
15. Rikeya Horne
Rested: 10. Aaliyah Fasavalu-Fa'amausili, 16. Kaarla Cowan.
(6:30pm) Tyson Frizell breaks down our huge Round 1 NRL win
Frizell dissects Day 1 of NRL Nines
(6:15pm) Hear from Josh Kerr straight after the victory
Josh Kerr on his two-try rampage against the Sharks
(6:10pm) Match report | Defiant Dragons demolish Sharks
A defiant Dragons upstaged a more fancied Cronulla side to claim a well-deserved 27-5 triumph in game five of the opening day’s action.
The Sharks drew first blood with Sione Katoa’s try but St George Illawarra answered with tries to Josh Kerr and Tyrell Fuimaono for an 8-5 half-time lead.
NRL Nines match highlights: Dragons v Sharks
Hopes of a revival were deflated when Ben Hunt scored a bonus zone try and it was all over bar the shouting when Tristan Sailor sprinted away for a bonus zone try, pushing the score out to 22-5.
The Dragons weren’t done, with Kerr crossing for his second to seal the big win.
(5:15pm) Jessica Sergis formally receives her Golden Boot award
(5pm) NRL Nines - Dragons' Round 1 late mail
St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has named his team for Round 1 of the Perth Nines tournament against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
1. Matt Dufty
3. Mikaele Ravalawa
5. Jason Nightingale
4. Tim Lafai
16. Brayden Wiliame
7. Ben Hunt
9. Cameron McInnes
11. Tyson Frizell
14. Tyrell Fuimaono
Interchange:
17. Cody Ramsey
15. Tristan Sailor
6. Adam Clune
8. Josh Kerr
13. Euan Aitken
Rested: 2. Jason Saab, 10. Korbin Sims, 12 Jackson Ford, 18. Jayden Sullivan