Dragons happy to be underdogs for NRL Women’s Premiership
JUST two weeks out from the NRL Women’s Premiership kick off and the Dragons say they have no problems with people writing them off already.
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TWO weeks out from the NRL Women’s Premiership and the Dragons are happily claiming the coveted underdog status.
Up against Roosters and Broncos teams packed with state and international players and a Warriors side bursting with Kiwi Ferns, Dragons backrower Talesha Quinn said they have no problems with people writing them off early.
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“We’re going into the competition as underdogs I reckon. We’re calling ourselves underdogs anyway, we’re claiming that tag!” she told The Sunday Telegraph.
“It’s pretty much Queensland versus NSW vs Kiwi Ferns vs Dragons.
“There’s not a lot of pressure on us going in there, it’s just let’s play some footy and have some fun. I think the other teams have a lot of pressure to perform, which is going to be harder for them come game day.”
Given quality of each side, Quinn has no doubt the intensity of NRLW will match that of the recent State of Origin game in which her Blues prevailed over Queensland in the dying stages.
“It’s going to be tough. That Origin game was one of the toughest games I’ve ever played in and to have that four weeks in a row,” Quinn said.
“The Broncos and Roosters have quality sides. We have so many unknown girls in our team which is really exciting about the Dragons … but it’s definitely going to be Origin-level intensity.”
Quinn believes the Dragons’ unknown factor gives them an advantage but it’s also meant their pre-season has been about getting to know each other.
“I think that’s what was the hardest thing and why the coach said we need to come in together as a team. It’s important because most of the other teams have been around each other for ages, have played together and know how each other play,” she said.
“We’ve come from all over Australia, from New Zealand and now have to get to know each other and how you play, our style of game, get to know the person in general. That’s been a massive point for us, gel as a team.”
The NRLW draw will be announced next week at the conclusion of the NRL regular season in line with the men’s finals matches.
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