Keeley Davis is confident she can form a potent attacking partnership with NSW teammate Quincy Dodd after the pair were unveiled as Dragons marquee signings.
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The players were two of five to be announced by St George Illawarra on Monday, alongside captain Kezie Apps, Shaylee Bent and Holli Wheeler.
The NRL's talent-equalisation system for this year's women's season has raised some eyebrows, with many identifying flaws in the league's effort's to ensure an even competition.
St George Illawarra were generally pleased with the players they received, however the allocation of Dodd was curious given Davis is a representative hooker.
Bent was picked up as a marquee player following the NRL's allocation process.
Rather than competing for the starting hooker role, Davis is looking forward to working with Dodd throughout the upcoming season.
"There are lots of options for us depending on how the team goes," Davis said.
"If you look at some of the best men's teams, they have two great hookers in their squads and they have different roles when they each come on and off.
"We'll have to see how the team works and how we both fit best in the team.
"We're both open minded to how we can be the best for our team.
"As long as we're playing our best footy, we can work with each other."
The Dragons have lost star outside backs Jess Sergis, Isabelle Kelly and Tiana Penitani, with officials in the process of finalising the roster for 2021.
With five players locked in, new coach Mat Head is eager to build around the NSW representatives.
"All five of our marquee signings want to be at our club, love the Red V and are looking forward to pulling that jersey on this season," Head said.
"From a club perspective, it's exactly what we want to see from everyone in our squad.
"They are the players you look forward to coaching.
"The culture we are trying to build here starts with these five players.
"Kezie is already a big part of this club as is Keeley Davis who will eventually take over Kezie within the club environment given her leadership qualities."
St George Illawarra have long boasted a well-resourced female development system, however they have struggled to convert that into NRLW victories.
After falling in the 2019 grand final, the Dragons failed to win a match last year.
Head has stepped in with a desire to build a side capable of ending Brisbane's three-year reign and enjoying long-term success.
"A big thing for us is we'll be based in Wollongong and train in the same facilities as the NRL team," Head said.
"That might mean a bit of travel for some but we pleased that many are willing to, which is exactly what we want to see at the Dragons.
"We are a development club too and when you look at the Tarsha Gale competition, this year St George won the grand final and Illawarra were minor premiers having won the previous season's competition.
"When you consider the recent introduction of our women's Dragons Academy, we are going to produce plenty of quality footballers including a number of up-and-coming stars that will be in our 2021 squad."
"We will have a squad that will help us build toward success over the next few years.
"We're not just here to win the competition this season, yes that's what we'll be aiming to do, but I want to see sustained success at St George Illawarra for years to come."
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