Round 2

[GCRV]

Pearson star grows as St George Illawarra Dragons edge Eels in rain​

Dragons halfback Rachael Pearson has done her State of Origin hopes no harm after she helped guide St George Illawarra to a tough 10-0 win over the Eels in torrential conditions at WIN Stadium. Talking rep footy in March is usually a sin, but it’s quite topical right now with Pearson’s teammates calling for her to make her NSW debut later in the year after a strong start to her NRLW career.

To get the No.7 jersey she must first unseat incumbent halfback Maddie Studdon, and she took the first step with another strong showing to help beat her rival on Sunday. Pearson scored the only try of the first half and then converted from a tricky position as she even cracked a smile with the two black eyes she picked up from her NRLW debut last week.

Studdon had her own moment from the kick-off when she used the wind to find touch, but she didn’t take advantage of the gale at her back in the second half. This was not a game suited to playmakers as the players had to contend with some of the most violent weather ever seen on a footy field with plenty of kicks stopping dead in pools of water. With points at a premium, Pearson waded through the puddles to knock over two late penalties to put the result beyond doubt with 10 minutes to go.

HOUSE IN TROUBLE​

St George Illawarra Dragons forward Kody House is facing a nervous wait for the charge sheet to drop after she was placed on report for a late shot that also doubled as a shoulder charge.

A suspension is the last thing the Dragons need after they headed into Sunday’s game without three injured stars, including skipper Kezie Apps who was ruled out with a hand injury. “It’s a bit of a brain snap,” Sam Bremner said in the half-time show.

---

I didn't see the game but glad they got the win.

Looking forward to the NRL and a good, first up win this weekend but this game was really entertaining. Now we only have to wait for some dudes who couldn't make it in the NRL to declare themselves female and completely ruin the women's side of the sport.