Harvey Norman Women’s Wrap: Round 8

The Dragons fell to Wentworthville 19-18 in a heartbreaker at Ringrose Park on Saturday.

The clash saw Dragons Head Coach Renee Targett – a Philippines international who appeared in 15 total games over three seasons for the club's NRLW side before retiring at the end of 2023 – temporarily come out of retirement to assist her injury-ravaged squad.

Malaki Poa opened the scoring for the Magpies 17 minutes before they went back-to-back through Blessing Donvenekham to make it 12-0.

Undeterred, St George crafted a response through halfback Indiana Killick before halves partner Shaye Shipton nabbed a need four-pointer on the stroke of half-time to cut the deficit back to two.

Violet Hiku crossed for Wentworthville on the other side of the break to push their advantage back out to a half-dozen.

The Red V were able to lock things up moments later with Bianca Cutrupi charging over before a 59th-minute Sky Antoniolli penalty goal gave the visitors their first lead of the match.

Sarah Colman answered with a penalty goal for Wentworthville with three minutes to play before the Magpies No.7 nailed a one-pointer the following set to seal it for the home side in heartbreaking fashion.

ILLAWARRA STEELERS

Illawarra went down 28-10 in their top-of-the-table clash with the Knights in Newcastle on Saturday.

Newcastle leapt out to an early double-digit advantage courtesy of tries to Leah Ollerton and Fane Finau.

Jessica Patea got the Steelers on the board 22 minutes in before Maria Paseka nabbed their second prior to the break to tie things at 10-apiece.

The second stanza belonged to the hosts however with Tyla Brown and Carissa Reid going over to extend their lead back out to double figures before Ollerton snagged a second late to seal it.