THE NSW selection prospects of Dragons duo Kezie Apps and Isabelle Kelly hang in the balance, as Stingrays product Teagan Berry is poised to make a remarkable NRLW debut.
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On Tuesday, St George Illawarra confirmed Apps had suffered a medial ligament strain, while centre Kelly rehabilitates a likely ankle syndesmosis injury, after a shocking tackle during the loss to Brisbane.
Adding to the Dragons woes, Shakiah Tungai (shoulder), Jessica Sergis, Maddison Studdon (ankle) and Tiana Penitani (knee) are in doubt for their final game against the Warriors on Saturday.
But if there is a silver lining to the Dragons so-far winless campaign, it is the meteoric rise of Stingrays of Shellharbour's Teagan Berry, named to make her NRLW debut on Saturday.
Last month, both Berry and her coach Daniel Lacey labelled the 2020 season as one for 'development' for the Illawarra Steelers speedster.
However, Berry will get her chance against the New Zealand Warriors at ANZ Stadium.
"In the sheds after the loss, Lace [Daniel Lacey] came up to Maddison Weatherall and I and said 'I hope you girls are ready because you're playing next week'," Berry said.
"I was speechless, as this opportunity came a lot quicker than I thought it would. Once we were on the bus, Lace came up to me and talked to me about it all - telling me he had full confidence in my ability and that I thoroughly deserved this chance.
"It was on this trip home that the exciting news started to sink in, as everyone was really quiet after the loss.
"It gave me a moment to reflect on all the time and effort I've put in over the past few years to get this opportunity and I can't wait to get out there."
After messaging her sister Olivia on the way back to Shellharbour, Berry was swamped by her family when she got home. "As soon as I got home, mum [Nicole] was overwhelmed and gave me the biggest hug," Berry said.
"They were all so happy for me and know how much I've gone through to get this chance.
"It's been a big journey for us all and now they can't wait to watch me play on television."
The Dragons are out of the finals reckoning after losses to the Roosters and Broncos, who will play in next week's grand final. NSW meet Queensland in the women's State of Origin clash on the Sunshine Coast on November 13.