Almanac Rugby League: NRLW 2021 underway at last!

 

 

 

The delayed 2021 NRLW season kicks off on Sunday with a triple header in Newcastle. We can only hope that all of the rain this week doesn’t leave McDonald Jones Stadium in a mess. You’d think that by the time the third match is played, the field could be cut top quite a bit. Let’s hope the drainage system is first class!

 

To see full team lists for Round 1 of the 2021 NRLW competition click here.

 

With two new teams added to the competition and considerable player movement to accommodate the new setup, it’s a bit of a nightmare trying to pick the winners. On paper, the defending premiers, the Brisbane Broncos, and the Sydney Roosters appear to have the strongest squads. This sets up a great Round 1 clash on Sunday at 1.50pm local time! Brisbane have lost a number of their players to the Titans but retain a strong spine in Lauren Brown, Nakita Sao, Ali Brigginshaw, Tarry Aitken and Tamika Upton. The Roosters boast the likes of Corban Baxter, Jess Sergis, Isabelle Kelly and Zahara Temara in an intimidating backline but are, perhaps, a little suspect up forward even though the dependable Hannah Southwell locks their scrum. This should be a great game and I’ll go with the Broncos based on stability and talent. A heavy ground will suit them better and possibly nullify that electric Roosters backline. Referee is Belinda Sharpe.

 

The opening match at 12.00pm local time features the established Dragons against newcomers the Titans. Any side which boasts Kezie Apps is already a strong contender. She’ll receive great support from the likes of Shaylee Bent and Holli Wheeler up front before speedsters such as Emma Tonegato, Jaime Chapman and Taliah Fuimaono chime in when the ball goes wide. The Titans are not without a few big names of their own with Karina Brown, Jasmine Peters and Kimiora Breayley-Nati leading the backs while Shannon Mato, Tamzin Gray, Destiny Brill and Brittany Breayley-Nati form the basis of a solid forward pack. Again, I’ll go with the established Dragons.

 

The final match at 3.40pm local time features two new teams, the Knights and the Eels. Romy Teitzel is the standout player for the Knights while it’s strange to see the experienced Kirra Dibb  and Charlotte Scanlan on the interchange bench. The formidable Annetta Nu’uausala leads their forward pack. The Eels have experience across the paddock with Bo Vette-Welsh, Tiana Penitani and Maddie Studdon leading the backs while Kennedy Cherrington, Nita Maynard and Simaima Taufa headline a strong pack. I’ll go with the Eels as I think they just might be the team to keep an eye on as the season progresses. Referee is Kasey Badger.

 

So my winners are the Broncos, Dragons and Eels. All three matches will be shown live on Channel 9.

 

To get better understanding of how the NRLW season will play out click here.

 

Tickets for minor round matches are $12 for adults and free for those under 15 accompanying a paying adult.

 

It has also been announced that the competition’s Grand Final will be played on April 10 at Moreton Daily Stadium (Redcliffe Stadium). Keep an eye out on nrl.com/tickets to get your tickets for the match. I expect they’ll be in high demand.

 

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Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

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