NRLW Dragons squad analysis and best 17

St George Illawarra have had four months to dwell on their grand final defeat and with 17 squad members set to return in the Red V, the fire will be burning to go one better in 2022.

The Dragons have retained more players from last season’s squad than any other in the competition to ensure they'll go into their second campaign under Jamie Soward relatively settled.

Soward has recruited seven relatively low-key signings for the new campaign after the club lost leading NRLW try scorer Madison Bartlett to the Titans and Jaime Chapman to the Broncos in the off-season.

Former Australian rugby sevens star Cassie Staples and veteran outside back Shontelle Stowers headline the new recruits along with NSW under 19s young guns Monalisa Soliola and Andie Robinson.

Possible best 17

1. Emma Tonegato, 2. Teagan Berry, 3. Keele Browne, 4. Page McGregor, 5. Andie Robinson, 6. Taliah Fuimaono, 7. Rachael Pearson, 8. Elsie Albert, 9. Keeley Davis, 10. Kezie Apps, 11. Shaylee Bent, 12. Talei Holmes, 13. Holli Wheeler, 14. Quincy Dodd, 15. Monalisa Soliola, 16. Aliti Namoce, 17. Renee Targett.

Biggest strength

The side’s impressive spine returns and proved to be one of the most potent in the 2021 season.

Dragons halfback Rachael Pearson will be better for the experience of playing in her maiden NRLW campaign in April before she backed it up with an Origin appearance in June.

Her partnership with Taliah Fuimaono blossomed up until the grand final with the pair looking to reignite that combination alongside Keeley Davis and Emma Tonegato.

Quincy Dodd will again provide some impact off the bench and allow for Davis to revert to a ball-playing lock role while Renee Targett and Salma Nour are also capable of playing at hooker.

Biggest question mark

If there was one struggle the Dragons had last season, particularly in the grand final, it was through their bench impact.

Kezie Apps and Elsie Albert started up front but the momentum couldn’t continue as smoothly when they were both off the field.

The likes of Aliti Namoce and Monalisa Soliola will need to provide more of a power game off the interchange to allow the Dragons to not lose their play on the front foot.

Draw snapshot

St George Illawarra will open the 2022 season with a clash against the Titans in a double-header with the NRL fixture at WIN Stadium.

The Dragons got the result when the sides met earlier this year in the season opener and will be looking to get off to a strong start again.

A clash against the Eels will follow before the grand final rematch awaits in round four.

The Dragons will wrap up their regular season with matches against the Broncos and Knights to finish.

The opening round of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership kicks off on Saturday, August 20. Real hits. Real highlights. Unreal action. Secure your seats at NRL.com/tickets.