The Magic Round has been a standout success for the NRL in recent years, and in a major step forward for the women’s game, the concept will expand to include the NRLW in 2025.
McDonald Jones Stadium will host the event, with the Eels playing at the venue for the first time since 2022.
This time they take on the Dragons. Both teams suffered heavy defeats last round, having faded in the second half despite encouraging starts.
Curiously, both Parramatta and the Dragons fell by the same lopsided score, 30-6.
The Eels have shown a clear trend in the early stages of the 2025 NRLW season, alternating between wins and losses, and if the pattern holds, they’re primed to bounce back in this clash.
Game Info
Date: Saturday, August 3, 2025
Kick-off: 3:45 PM AEST
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Referee: Josh Eaton
Broadcast: Foxtel and Nine
Live Stream: Kayo & Nine Now
Team Lists
Parramatta Eels
1. Abbi Church 2. Zali Fay 3. Rory Owen 4. Lindsay Tui 5. Martha Mataele 6. Cassey Tohi-Hiku 7. Rachael Pearson 8. Elsie Albert 9. Rueben Cherrington 10. Breanna Eales 11. Chloe Jackson 12. Mahalia Murphy 13. Ryvrr-Lee Alo 14. Taneka Todhunter 15.Paige Travis 16. Rueben Cherrington 17. Fleur Ginn 18. Tess McWilliams 19. Ruby-Jean Kennard 20. Rosemarie Beckett 21. Yasmine Baker 22. Tyla Amiatu
NSW representative Kennedy Cherrington is set to make her long-awaited return from the knee injury she sustained during the State of Origin series. The 26-year-old will come off the bench in her first NRLW appearance of the year, pushing Tess McWilliams to 18th player. Boss Kapua will remain on the sidelines for at least another week as she continues her recovery from a knee injury.
St George Illawarra Dragons
1. Tyra Ekepati 2. Margot Vella 3. Shenai Lendill 4. Keele Browne 5. Jayme Millard 6. Zali Hopkins 7. Raecene Mcgregor 8. Madison Mulhall 9. Nita Maynard 10. Trinity Tauaneai 11. Ella Koster 12. Charlotte Basham 13. Hannah Southwell 14. Jamilee Mcgregor 15.Alice Gregory 16. Bronte Wilson 17. Ahlivia Ingram 18. Tahlia O’Brien 19. Pia Tapsell 20.Grace Hamilton 21. Sara Sautia
New recruit Tyra Ekepati slots straight into the Dragons’ starting lineup following her midweek move from the Roosters, replacing the suspended Teagan Berry. Indie Bostock is still out with a finger injury, and Zali Hopkins shifts into the five-eighth role in place of Kasey Reh (head knock). Jamilee McGregor and Alice Gregory have been added to the bench.
The Game
With halfback Racheal Pearson guiding the team confidently around the park and electric edge threats like speedster Rory Owen ready to expose a Dragons defence that crumbled in the second half last week, Parramatta has the firepower to strike.
In the middle, former Dragon Elsie Albert faces her old side in what promises to be a fiery encounter in the middle. The troubles for the Dragons will also extend to the edge with captain Mahalia Murphywarming into the season.
The Eels receive a timely boost with Kennedy Cherrington named on the bench for her first appearance of the 2025 season. Her return brings much-needed energy and impact through the middle.
Cherrington’s ability to lift those around her could provide the spark Parramatta needs to bounce back from last week’s disappointing performance.
Kennedy Cherrington
If Parramatta can return to their best for the full 70 minutes through the middle, the points could flow out wide. However, the attack will need to find greater cohesion than what was on display last week, with the Eels outside backs starved of quality ball.
For the Dragons, Hannah Southwell’s return to Newcastle coincides with a significant career milestone as she notches her 40th NRLW appearance, a testament to her longevity and impact in the women’s game.
Having debuted with the Dragons as a 19 year old during the league’s inaugural 2018 season. Southwell has since built a formidable career across three clubs. Now 26, she brings with her a wealth of experience that includes three Grand Final appearances and premierships with both the Roosters in 2022 and the Knights in 2023, highlighting her consistent presence in title-contending sides.
Southwell
The Dragons may have undergone a backline reshuffle heading into this clash, but there’s still a blueprint for how they can topple the Eels in Newcastle.
With Teagan Berry sidelined through suspension and rising playmaker Kasey Reh still in the concussion protocol, the Dragons will turn to co-captain Raecene McGregor and Zali Hopkins to steer the ship in the halves.
Mid-season recruit Tyra Ekepati gets the nod at fullback, and her fresh energy could provide a spark in attack.
Tyra Ekepati’s rapid rise continues after a standout Tarsha Gale Cup campaign earned her a spot in the victorious NSW U19s side earlier this year. Now, she has the opportunity to make her mark at NRLW level as she looks to play a key role in guiding the Dragons to their third win of the season.
While questions remain around how this restructured spine will gel, the Dragons have the forward power to lay a strong platform on what’s expected to be a fast Hunter surface.
Look for a big game from Ella Koster who continues to be one of the Dragon’s most consistent performers.
Prediction: Eels by 4
Player of the Game: Elsie Albert
Kye
Fantastic effort from the girls to overcome multiple injuries. Take a bow Elsie Albert, inspiring performance.
Ditto, the Dragons did the basics necessary to win RL games, run hard, tackle hard, so a really well earned win by the Eels.
Gutsy win from the ladies side. A few injuries though which isn’t good..we need to get back to back wins and play a decent Cowboys side next weekend.