St George Illawarra Dragons return to the NRLW Telstra Women's Premiership this year for their fourth consecutive season, as they aim to win their inaugural premiership this season.
Recap
St George showed strong form throughout their 2021 premiership campaign as the runners-up in the 2021 Grand Final, falling short 16-4 against the Sydney Roosters.
How they Went
In the 2021 season, the Dragons finished the season 2nd overall, only missing out on the minor premiership by 14 points differential to the Brisbane Broncos.
Throughout the season, they put on massive performances, particularly in their Round 4 demolition of the Newcastle Knights, winning 40-4.
They only lost one game in Round 3 against the Brisbane Broncos, falling short in the 22-18 score-line.
List Changes
In's: Andie Robinson, Cassie Staples, Monalisa Soliola, Salma Nour, Shontelle Stowers, Tara McGrath-West, Zali Hopkins.
Out's: Madison Bartlett (Titans), Jaime Chapman (Broncos), Kody House (retirement).
Biggest Strength
The Dragons have retained more players from last season's squad than any other in the competition, with 17 members set to return in their 2022 campaign.
Coach Jamie Soward has recruited seven relatively low-key signings for the new campaign, but his retention of the Dragon's impressive spine is a crucial factor this season.
Taliah Fuimaono and Rachael Pearson's partnership blossomed late last season; hopefully, that partnership, alongside Keeley Davis and Emma Tonegato, will carry through to this year.
Photo credit: Nadia Achilles / NJA Photography
Biggest Weakness
With the club losing leading NRLW try scorer Madison Bartlett to the Titans in the off-season and Jaime Chapman to the Broncos, the Dragons will need to hope that their reliance on the 17 squad members retained is enough.
Last season the Dragons saw a lot of struggle in their impact off the bench, particularly in their Grand Final performance. While Kezie Apps and Elsie Albert set the tone, the momentum could not keep up when both players were off the field, leaving a large gap in the Dragon's squad.
Rising Star
Cassie Staples will be the player to watch for the Dragons this season. Coming from a six-year stint representing Australia in the rugby sevens, the winger's speed and strength will be a significant gain for the Dragon's edge and provide some extra assistance to their try-line defensive efforts:
Season Prediction
Retaining such a huge amount of their squad is a significant bonus for this squad coming into the 2022 season, and should their spine retain such a smooth combination, the Dragons will be the team to beat this year.
Ladder Prediction: 3rd
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