Dragons complete five-player raid on Broncos ahead of second women’s NRL premiership

Dragons coach Daniel Lacey has confirmed his squad for the NRL women’s premiership and he thinks it's a ripper.

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The St George Illawarra Dragons have completed a five-player swoop on the champion Brisbane Broncos ahead of the second women’s NRL premiership for a roster coach Daniel Lacey has hailed as “amazing and exciting’’.

The Dragons unveiled the final five players in their 22-strong squad on Tuesday with front-rowers Ngatokotoru Arakua and Najvada George, back-rower Sarah Togatuki and centres Alexandrea Kiriwi and Stephanie Mooka now on the books of the NRLW club.

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New Zealand star Arakua is the fifth player from the Bronco to move south to the Dragons for the 2019 season.

Ngatokotoru Arakua tackled during round two of the 2018 NRLW.

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Jillaroos hooker and Dally M Female Player of the Year Brittany Breayley and Kiwi Ferns trio Kimiora Nati, Maitua Feterika and Teuila Fotu-Moala were named in the Dragons squad last week after helping the Broncos to the inaugural women’s title last season.

“I think last season we had a team that on its day could have won but we needed everything to go in our favour,’’ Lacey said.

“Now we have added some experience and more culture, the club is so behind us and things are really looking good.

“These players are amazing, exciting, and I’m talking us up as a team that can make the grand final.’’

Kezie Apps and new teammate at the Dragons, Maddie Studdon.

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NSW Origin captain and back-rower Kezie Apps, wingers Jessica Sergis and Shakiah Tungai and 2018 Dragons Women’s Player of the Year Holli Wheeler were among the first Dragons signings.

“Across the board, I’m really excited about where we’re at with the 22 players we have signed overall,” Lacey said.

“We have a really good mix with plenty of experience, talent and youth. We have new and returning players, local juniors and most importantly we have depth.

“The competition can’t come quick enough now.”

Dragons Kezie Apps will captain the side this season.

The Broncos last season beat the Sydney Roosters in the finale of the four-team competition which also included the Dragons and Warriors.

This year’s four-week premiership will again coincide with the men’s NRL finals series in September and October.

St George Illawarra’s NRL Holden Women’s Premiership squad:

Kezie Apps, Ngatokotoru Arakua, Shaylee Bent, Brittany Breayley, Keeley Davis, Aaliyah Fasavalu-Fa’amausili, Maitua Feterika, Teuila Fotu-Moala, Najvada George, Rikeya Horne, Takilele Katoa, Alexandrea Kiriwi, Stephanie Mooka, Kimiora Nati, Tiana Penitani, Jessica Sergis. Maddie Studdon, Sarah Togatuki, Shakiah Tungai, Botille Vette-Welsh, Maddison Weatherall, Holli Wheeler