The Dragons Telstra Womens premiership team Grand Final dream is over after reigning champions Brisbane defeated them 18-4 in a drama-packed clash on Saturday.
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The Dragons team had to literally get back on the horse and play the Bronco's after their last weekend first round loss to the Sydney Roosters had put them under pressure to climb the ladder.
There are only three rounds to get points in this years league and history suggested in this shortened competition that one win may have got the side into the decider but two out of three is what it took.
The champion Brisbane team have now booked a date with the Sydney Roosters in this years NRL Telstra Women's Premiership grand final.
Brisbane proved too good for their 2019 grand final opponents with tries to Julia Robinson and Millie Boyle handing them a 12-0 lead after 30 minutes and a late try to Lauren Brown
A ferocious second half saw Broncos forward Amber Hall pull the hair of Dragons Isabelle Kelly in an ugly incident, before a hip-drop style tackle saw the star centre immediately scream in pain and be carried off.
The Dragons' inspirational leader Kelsie Apps also left the field in the 28th minute with a knee injury that could put her State of Origin selection hopes in doubt next month.
Early indications have cleared Apps of an ACL rupture but the Dragons back-rower will need scans for a suspected medial ligament injury.
Coach Daniel Lacey's side had got one back on the Broncos with a Nines tournament victory in February but the longer format is where they wanted to leave a mark.
The St George Illawarra team was active in the player market following a dozen departures last year and the club did well to retain star centre Isabelle Kelly following her Nines switch in February to add to a formidable backline that included Sam Bremner, Jess Sergis, Tiana Penitani and Shakiah Tungai.
With so much expectation coming into the third season, Dragons coach Daniel Lacey said a lot of the girls were in their first couple of years of their careers ,but they've had to learn the hard way.
"I don't have the answers for why it just didn't click and click early but I came in today knowing that we've prepared well -so we've done well," Lacey said.
"Either way you're learning. They'll be so much better for the run."
John Veage
Thirty five year photographer for Fairfax -former NSW Chief Photographer for FCN and now Photo Journalist for the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader in southern Sydney.Official photographer for Cycling Australia (20 years) Official photographer for Surf Life Saving Australia (30 years) Founding Life Member of Cronulla Boardriders Club and Life Member of Surfing Sutherland Shire among other things.
Thirty five year photographer for Fairfax -former NSW Chief Photographer for FCN and now Photo Journalist for the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader in southern Sydney.Official photographer for Cycling Australia (20 years) Official photographer for Surf Life Saving Australia (30 years) Founding Life Member of Cronulla Boardriders Club and Life Member of Surfing Sutherland Shire among other things.
