Dragons player Holli Wheeler up for NRL women’s Sydney derby battle with Roosters

AFTER the first game of the NRL women’s premiership St George Illawarra Dragons back Holli Wheeler felt like she’s been hit by a truck.

Warriors players attempt to take Holli Wheeler down in last Saturday’s match.

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AFTER the first game of the NRL women’s premiership St George Illawarra Dragons back Holli Wheeler felt like she’s been hit by a truck.

This week she’s downgraded the pain to just “sore’’ as coach Daniel Lacey organised a “light’’ training for his charges Tuesday in the wake of their win 12-point over the Warriors on Saturday.

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But Wheeler, who played the entire 60 minutes for 91 metres and 31 tackles against the Warriors, said she was ready to back up on Saturday at Allianz when the Dragons tackle the Roosters in the first Sydney derby of the NRL women’s premiership.

Holli Wheeler is tackled Crystal Tamarua during the Dragons/Warriors match.

“I’m a bit sore and stiff but not as sore as last week,’’ said Wheeler, a former country hockey star only involved in league for two years but who made her State of Origin debut this year.

“After the first game I felt like I had been hit by a truck.

“But I’d love to play another 60 minutes. I am a person who gets really frustrated on the sidelines.

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“I think I’d bit my finger nails completely off if I was there too long.’’

Wheeler, moved into the front row for the Dragons at the last minute in their 22-10 win against the Warriors last Saturday, said she and teammates were excited to play the Sydney derby which will have major bearing on the makeup of the first final of the women’s premiership.

St George Illawarra Dragons players celebrate their win.

And adding fuel to the match-up is the fact boasting rights as the best Sydney team in the inaugural competition are on the line.

“It is going to be a battle. It will be personal,” said Wheeler, who travels from Old Bar, near

Taree, to Wollongong and Sydney multiple times each week for training and matches.

“I’m just excited to play again.’’

NRL Women’s Premiership

Saturday

Allianz Stadium

Sydney Roosters v St George-Illawarra Dragons

Kick off: 5:10pm