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Dragons earn redemption with Nines title

3 minute read

St George Illawarra have scored NRLW redemption over rivals Brisbane with a dominant 28-4 grand-final win in the NRL Nines.

St George Illawarra have exacted NRLW grand final revenge with a 28-4 win over premiers Brisbane to claim the Nines title.

Four months after losing the NRLW grand final to the Broncos 30-6 on Saturday night, the Dragons have scored the ultimate redemption at HBF Stadium in Perth.

Previously, the Broncos had lost just one game from their past 11 in all formats, also beating the Dragons in the first game of the Nines on Friday.

The Dragons were boosted by the return of co-captain Sam Bremner, who missed the 2019 NRLW season after having her first baby.

"From what Kez (Apps) brought in moving to the leadership role last year and then technically I get too leaders, so it adds to that," said coach Daniel Lacey.

"She just works so hard to want to play again and when she gets that opportunity, you can definitely tell. She's trained, mentally ready and physically ready. She didn't really want to come off in the Nines game which is a good sign of where she's at.

"It's a good story and definitely a good reason why we've won this Nines tournament."

While the Broncos have been the most dominant club in the women's sport, the Dragons emerged as the hottest team of the Nines tournament with the win.

Jillaroos star Apps was outstanding in the final, scoring a brilliant show and go try, while Jayme Fressard was the lone scorer for the Broncos.

"The NRL are really inclusive with us for us girls to be a part of this tournament, which is awesome for us," Apps said.

"Getting the fans involved, hopefully we've got a few more fans going for the Dragons after this tournament in Perth."

Women's team of the tournament: 1. Maddie Studdon (Dragons), 2. Hannah Southwell (Roosters), 3. Samantha Bremner (Dragons), 4. Raecene McGregor (Broncos), 5. Tamika Upton (Broncos), 6. Chelsea Lenarduzzi (Broncos), 7. Nita Maynard (Roosters), 8. Keeley Davis (Dragons), 9. Kezie Apps (Dragons).