It was a mixed opening round for the Dragons pathways sides, with tough losses for both SG Ball sides but convincing wins for both women's Steelers sides and both Illawarra SC Dragons teams.
UNE SG Ball Cup
St George recorded a 26-14 loss to Canterbury despite tries to Corey Ackers, Conor McFadden and Shadi Hammoud (with Hammoud kicking one from three).
Match: Bulldogs v Dragons
Round 1 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Dragons
Venue: Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney
The Steelers had a narrow 16-14 loss to the Panthers with each side scoring three tries. NRL train-and-triallist, centre Savelio Tamale, was one of the try-scorers along with Wesley Pring and Kyan Hjaltason with Taj Ford kicking the side's only goal.
Match: Steelers v Panthers
Round 1 -
home Team
Steelers
away Team
Panthers
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Harvey Norman Women's Premiership
The first ever St George HNWP side was no match for a star-studded Canterbury side, which was packed with NRLW talent and a host of Jillaroos including Dragons NRLW star Holli Wheeler. Erin Blackwell scored the side's only try in a 54-4 loss.
The Steelers had a convincing 30-16 win over the Rabbitohs with Zali Yeo nabbing a double and NRLW star Teagan Berry one of four other try-scorers along with Rose Tafengatoto, Jordyn Preston and Kaarla Cowan. Ryley Strong kicked two conversions and Josie Strong one.
UNE Harold Matthews Cup
St George lost 32-22 to Canterbury despite a double to Finau Latu and tries to Alex Futialo and Tyrus Siana Salanoa, with Kameron-Sean Faiai kicking three from four.
The Steelers however earned a 34-26 win over the Panthers with Hayden Buchanan (2), Harry Wililo, Tom Kirk, Charles Heidke, Lucas Borg and Kade Reed scoring tries and Reed kicking three goals.
Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup
It was a tough afternoon for St George's Tarsha Gale Cup side, with Madison-Lee Kelly scoring the side's only try in a 50-4 loss against a strong Canterbury team.
Match: Bulldogs v Dragons
Round 1 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Dragons
Venue: Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney
The Steelers however earned a shut-out over Penrith, racking up 28 points from five tries. Mia-Rose Walsh (2), Sulieti Ahio, Sienna Yeo and Ella Koster crossed with Tayleah Handcock kicking four goals.
Match: Steelers v Panthers
Round 1 -
home Team
Steelers
away Team
Panthers
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Laurie Daley Cup U18
The Illawarra SC Dragons piled on a 52-6 win against the Bulls. Palu Tausala scored a hat-trick while Eden Hodges, Jarrah Gaia Treweek, Caleb Hall, Samson McAlister-Wood, Clay Baldock and Lincoln Miners also crossed. Jackson Rieck kicked five goals and Baldock three.
Andrew Johns Cup U16
The Illawarra South Coast Dragons surged to a 34-6 win over the Riverina Bulls, with Zane Timmins – nephew of Shaun – scoring a try. Axel Antony and Archie Wheeler bagged doubles with Luke Butler also crossing and Jake Talbott kicking five goals.
