ST GEORGE Illawarra have thrown the Brisbane monkey off their back in emphatic fashion, trouncing the reigning NRLW premiers 28-4 in the NRL Nines final on Saturday night.
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In rematch of last year's NRLW grand final, the Dragons, coached by Daniel Lacey, ran in five tries to one to hand the Broncos, heavy favourites prior to kick-off, just their second defeat in all formats of the game.
Blues skipper and South Coast product Kezie Apps was outstanding for the Dragons, scoring what proved the crucial bonus-point try for a 17-nil lead virtually on the stroke of half-time.
It followed earlier tries to Isabelle Kelly and Aaliyah Fasavalu-Fa'amausili, with Jess Sergis' try two minutes into the second stanza taking an unassailable 21-nil lead.
Jayme Fressard briefly hit back for the Broncos before Berkeley product Maddi Weatherall iced the game from close range.
Player of the tournament Maddie Studdon kicked three goals from five attempts for the Dragons, who also had Albion Park-Oak Flats' Adam Bezzina on the coaching staff.
It finished a hit and miss tournament for the Dragons, who fell to the Broncos in their opening clash before a 22-point win over the Warriors all but booked their spot in the decider.
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The also dropped their second pool match the Roosters by a single point, but had largely switched their focus to the final having virtually secured their spot in the final.
While the Dragons men's side, featuring Gerringong duo Jackson Ford and Korbin Sims, as well as Albion Park-Oak Flats' Adam Clune, went down in the decider to the Cowboys 23-14.
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Mitch Jennings
Sports writer. Sport is my passion, rugby league my first love.
Sports writer. Sport is my passion, rugby league my first love.
