NRLW Match Preview: Round 5 v Broncos

Author: Zoe Filetti Sharks Reporter
Timestamp: Fri 1 Aug 2025, 04:14 PM

The Sharks are looking to make history on Saturday evening when they reignite their rivalry with the Broncos in the inaugural NRLW Magic Round at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle.

The occasion is even more momentous for the club with young prop Leki Leilua set to become Cronulla's fifth NRLW debutante in as many weeks, a testament to the squad's resilience and depth amid a mounting injury toll.

In another blow, Emma Verran is the latest player to join the casualty ward after succumbing to a foot injury. New Zealand international Tyla King will replace the star fullback after making her maiden Sharks appearance off the bench last week.

With Brooke Anderson (head knock) unavailable, Talei Holmes has moved to lock. In turn, Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu has been promoted to start in the second row after her encouraging NRLW debut from the interchange last week.

Stephanie Faulkner is also out due to concussion protocols, but in positive news Jacinta Carter will take her place at prop after overcoming a head knock of her own.

"In that forward pack, the girls are going into different positions, but they're all ready and they've trained really well during the week," coach Tony Herman said.

"A few changes, but we're really confident in what they'll do."

Herman is delighted for New Zealand-born Leilua, who has walked a unique path to the NRLW after catching the eye of scouts while playing in Victoria.

"Leki has come through our Tarsha Gale," Herman said.

"She moved up from Melbourne – the whole family moved up – and she took a chance to do that ... It's been a really good learning curve for her and her story is good – the fact she came up here with nothing guaranteed and got there.

"It's a really, really good story and it speaks to the pathways in the club."

Almost at the halfway point of season 2025, the Sharks are hoping to begin their ascent up the ladder. They currently sit in fifth with two wins from four games. Slightly ahead is Brisbane, who hold second place having only lost once this year.

Tomorrow's show-stopping clash is crucial for Cronulla's momentum as they aim to back up one of their greatest performances against Brisbane in last year's finals.

In their previous meeting, the Sharks pulled off a huge upset with a 14-0 shutout of the Broncos on their own turf. The famous win, led by the likes of Tiana Penitani Gray and Annessa Biddle, propelled Cronulla to their first NRLW grand final.

Not only will the Broncos want revenge, they'll be determined to continue winning and keep pace with the Roosters in the minor premiership race.

With both teams eager to enter the record books with a Magic Round victory, the battle between classy centres Biddle and Julia Robinson will be a thrilling watch due to their contrasting playing styles. Cronulla's Biddle is a tackle-busting powerhouse with the ball in hand, while Robinson is extremely tough in defence.

Kick-off on Saturday is at 4.15pm. Catch the action on 9, 9Now, Kayo and Foxtel.

See the updated teams below.

Round 5 - Round 5 - Saturday 2 Aug

Full Time

Broncos

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Tamika Upton

Fullback for Sharks is number 14 Tyla King
Winger for Broncos is number 2 Kerri Johnson

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples
Centre for Broncos is number 3 Mele Hufanga

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani Gray
Centre for Broncos is number 4 Julia Robinson

Centre for Sharks is number 15 Grace-Lee Weekes
Winger for Broncos is number 5 Hayley Maddick

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics
Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Gayle Broughton

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway
Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Ali Brigginshaw

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-Ratu

Forwards

Prop for Broncos is number 8 Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Jada Ferguson

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
Prop for Broncos is number 10 Brianna Clark

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Jacinta Carter
2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Lauren Dam

2nd Row for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle
2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Romy Teitzel

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu
Lock for Broncos is number 13 Keilee Joseph

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Talei Holmes

Interchange

Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Destiny Brill

Interchange for Sharks is number 11 Manilita Takapautolo
Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Chelsea Lenarduzzi

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Nakia Davis-Welsh
Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Bree Spreadborough

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Leki Leilua
Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Shalom Sauaso

Interchange for Sharks is number 19 Dominique du Toit