The Dragons’ 2026 NRLW campaign ended in forlorn fashion at Allianz Stadium on Saturday evening with the side falling to rivals Cronulla 16-8.
The clash marked Shenae Ciesiolka’s 50th NRLW appearance – a special milestone for the 29-year-old – as well as the final matches for departing Dragons Teagan Berry, Zali Hopkins, Tori Shipton, Amelia Huakau and Ahlivia Ingram.
Match: Sharks v Dragons
Round 11 -
home Team
Sharks
9th Position
away Team
Dragons
12th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Boosted by a 4-1 penalty advantage, the Sharks enjoyed the bulk of the early territory but the Dragons showed a great deal of resolve to hold them out.
It took 20 minutes but the Dragons were able to strike first through a determined Ruby-Jean Kennard Ellis effort to make it 4-0.
The Dragons won the ball back off the following kick-off and threatened to edge further ahead with Ella Koster skying to take in a Zali Hopkins kick only for the ball to come loose above the stripe.
Cronulla's half-time chat did the job with the hosts coming out and notching the opening points of the second half through China Polata to earn their first lead before Georgia Hannaway went over out of dummy-half to make it 10-4.
Ellie Johnston crashed over for the Sharks with 23 minutes to play to put them ahead by double figures.
NRLW Match Highlights: Round 11 vs. Sharks
Tyra Ekepati was sent to the sin-bin for the Dragons with 17 minutes to play for a high shot on Talei Holmes.
Cieisolka found a late try for a Dragons off a slick shift out left to cut the deficit back to eight.
