The Dragons do battle with the Newcastle Knights for a place in the 2022 NRLW grand final at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane on Sunday September 25 (2.05pm). Here is your semi-final game day guide.
All or nothing
Everything is on the line when the Dragons meet with the Knights on Sunday. The winner advances to the 2022 NRLW grand final while the loser is left to accept their defeat and look to next season.
The Dragons have plenty of experience in big games which may come in handy but the Knights have been the surprise packets of the 2022 season and will want to keep their good fortunes going.
Big names return
Jamie Soward is renowned for keeping his cards to close to his chest but some big name returns this week will give the side plenty of strike power.
Captain Kezie Apps was rested last week after another big season from the NRLW veteran with her defence in the middle of the field and big inclusion. Strike weapon Page McGregor also returns from a week on the sidelines making the Dragons’ backline even more potent.
Exciting rookie Monalisa Soliola returns to the side while Talei Holmes (knee) and Tegan Dymock (shoulder) have been named to make their returns from injury.
Star fullback returns
In a big boost for the Newcastle side, fullback Tamika Upton (calf) is due to return after missing the last two rounds through injury.
Upton’s inclusion pushes Shanice Parker to the centres while last-round debutant Kayla Romaniuk retains her position at lock.
The Knight’s forward pack remains unchanged from last week and will no doubt be a big focus for the Dragons squad on Sunday.
Anything can happen
One of the beautiful things about rugby league is you can never count a team out until the full-time siren.
The Knights managed to dismantle the Dragons when they met last weekend but with a host of big name players rested, this week’s semi-final is a new match entirely.
Burning desire
The heartache of losing last year’s decider is still burning strong in the Dragons' minds and providing all the motivation needed to stun the Knights on Sunday.
With the Roosters also in the finals and primed to secure a spot in the big dance, the opportunity to exact revenge is up for grabs.
