Both narrow losers in Round 4, the Wests Tigers and Dragons meet in a crucial showdown on Saturday at CommBank Stadium.
After making a roaring start to their maiden NRLW campaign that saw them go undefeated through the opening fortnight, the Wests Tigers have fallen to consecutive defeats which has seen them drop to 5th on the ladder.
While they took a two-point lead into the final 15 minutes, Brett Kimmorley's side were run down late against the Cowboys, with their 36 missed tackles a leading contributor across the 70 minutes.
The Dragons head into the clash having suffered golden point heartbreak against the Raiders, after earlier fighting their way back from an 18-6 half-time deficit.
With just one win to their name so far, the Red V will know it's time to get moving if they are to be a contender in 2023.
In four games at this week's venue the Dragons have won just once, while the Wests Tigers opened their season there and enjoyed a 36-8 win over the Eels.
It will be a particularly interesting occasion for former Dragons captain Kezie Apps, who lines up against her former club for the first time after joining Wests Tigers on a three-year deal.
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Team News
Wests Tigers: No changes on game day. Fullback Botille Vette-Welsh (head knock) will play in a boost for Brett Kimmorley's side after missing last week's loss to the Cowboys. Losana Lutu (knee) remains another week away. Pauline Piliae-Rasabale back to the halves while Salma Nour makes her NRLW debut off the bench.
Dragons: A game day switch with Sarah Riordan promoted to the starting side and Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa going to the bench. That comes after Ella Koster came in for Sara Sautia on Friday and Macie Carlile joined the bench. Sophie Clancy is good to go after missing last week with a head knock.
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Stat Attack
- Leianne Tufuga averages two line breaks per game this season, the most in the NRLW.
- The Dragons complete sets at a higher rate (81 percent) than any other team heading into Round 5.
- As a team the Wests Tigers are by far the competition's top offloaders, with their 43 so far being 14 more than the nearest team. Back-rower Christian Pio is their individual leader with 13 offloads.