THE LEAGUE LADY | NRLW Grand Final Preview
After a roller coaster of a season, the NRLW is drawing to a close for another year, but not without a bang.
With the two teams who were the favourites from the start, expect big hits, fast runs and skilful plays from this weekend’s NRLW grand final.
Both teams have two wins on their side leading them to this match, where the Broncos will attempt to win two premierships in the first two seasons, and the Dragons will fight for their first premiership.
More history for Women in League will also be made this weekend, with Kasey Badger named as the first female to be the lead referee for an NRLW grand final.
The Broncos suffered their first loss in two seasons last week, putting up a good fight but going down to the Warriors 10-8. While it didn’t jeopardise their grand final spot, it did prove that they are beatable and show some possibly fatal flaws. This weeks team list sees only one change, with winger Tamika Upton going into the reserves to be replaced by Meg Ward.
In their second win of the season, the Dragons beat the Roosters 24-16 in an all-out display of skill and speed. Prop Teuila Fotu-Moala remains out due to suspension and Player of last year’s grand final Kimiora Nati remains unnamed due to illness, but otherwise, the Dragons have named an unchanged side for this week.
For the Dragons to win
With the speed and strength of Jessica Sergis, Tiana Penitani, Shakiah Tungai and Rikeya Horne out wide, the Dragons are difficult to beat when the break the line or find some space. Combine that with the forward power of key players such as Brittany Breayley and Kezie Apps, and that can be dangerous for the opposition. In both their wins, the Dragons have used their speed to outrun and tire opponents, and this could be their secret to beating the Broncos.
https://nothingbutleague.com/2019/10/01/team-list-tuesday-2019-nrl-grand-final/
For the Broncos to win
Both this season and last, the Broncos have shown that consistency is key. They get all of their basics right and then mix it up with some fancy plays, which makes them very difficult to contain. Last weeks loss was caused by silly errors, and then cemented through missed conversions, so if they can rectify these then they can outfight the Dragons to go back to back.
Last time they met
The Broncos beat the Dragons 14-4 in round one.
Prediction
Everybody loves an underdog, and the Dragons are definitely an underdog going into this match. While they’re on par in wins, they haven’t asserted the dominance that the Broncos have shown through big scorelines and consistency, but I think that last weeks loss could be the cracks beginning to show. If they can repeat last weeks standard, I think the Dragons may take away the trophy by 2 points.
