NRLW Match Preview: Round 1 v Cowboys

Author: Claire Stegbauer Sharks NRLW Reporter
Timestamp: Fri 26 Jul 2024, 10:59 AM

The Sharks are eager to start the season on a high note as they face the Cowboys in what promises to be a thrilling contest at PointsBet Stadium tomorrow morning.

Coming off a quality trial match against the Roosters, Cronulla are proving to be a formidable outfit. Despite the game ending in a 20-20 draw, the Sharks showcased their potential, leading 12-0 in the first half before resting star players such as Quincy Dodd and Emma Tonegato.

Big names are set to light up this clash, with Jada Taylor retaining her fullback position for Cronulla after a breakout year in 2023.

"We've kept a core group of girls together and we learnt a lot under Tony (Herman) last year," Taylor said, with the Sharks having finished sixth in their maiden campaign.

"We could call that the year of learning and this year, hopefully, is the year of execution."

Round 1 Media: Jada Taylor

Keep an eye on NSW Origin representative Tiana Penitani, who will captain the Sharks for her second season, and her Blues squadmate Kirra Dibb, who will start at halfback and skipper the Cowboys.

Dibb, along with her halves partner Tahlulah Tillett, displayed great promise in North Queensland's 28-12 pre-season trial victory over the Gold Coast Titans.

For the Sharks, five-eighth Tonegato and halfback Tayla Preston have formed a dangerous pairing, as evidenced against the Roosters. This combination is expected to grow stronger throughout the season, posing a significant threat to the Cowboys.

Adding to the excitement, Georgia Hannaway is set to make her NRLW debut for the Sharks from the interchange after leading the Norths Devils to a grand final appearance in Queensland's BMD Premiership.

"She's so exciting. I love playing and being around her. She killed it up in the BMD comp, so I think she's going to kill it for us off the bench," Cronulla prop Ellie Johnston said.

"She brings enthusiasm, speed, and is a really good playmaker. I'm really excited to see her play."

The Sharks go into this match having convincingly beaten the Cowboys on their home turf in Townsville last year to the tune of 40-12. Their outstanding attacking ability and completion rate will be key to their game plan.

"Yes, we had a big win (last season), but we can't go into the game thinking that," Johnston cautioned.

"I think they are going to be a lot stronger than last year, as it was their first year last year as well. They have a lot of X-factors in their team, and we have to focus on shutting them down."

The tight-knit Sharks girls are fired up to begin this season with a bang. They hope to have another great turnout from the locals, building on last year's inaugural season where the Shire showed tremendous support for the team.

"We're pretty lucky to get our first game at home, so we can't wait to have the home fans here to cheer us on and get us over the line for our first win," Taylor said.

Don’t miss an electrifying start to the season at PointsBet Stadium, with kick-off at 11.05am. CLICK HERE to secure a ticket or watch live on Nine, Nine Now, Kayo or Foxtel.

See the two team lists below.

Round 1 - Round 1 - Saturday 27 Jul

Full Time

Sharks

Cowboys

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada Taylor

Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Francesca Goldthorp
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples

Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Krystal Blackwell
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani

Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Jakiya Whitfeld
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle

Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Jasmine Peters
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics

Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Vitalina Naikore
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Emma Tonegato

Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tahlulah Tillett
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla Preston

Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Kirra Dibb

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston

Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Tallisha Harden
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd

Hooker for Cowboys is number 14 Alisha Foord
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Holli Wheeler

Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Makenzie Weale
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes

2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 China Polata
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Rhiannon Byers

2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Tiana Raftstrand-Smith
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson

Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Bree Chester

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Georgia Hannaway

Interchange for Cowboys is number 9 Emma Manzelmann
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Chloe Saunders

Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Lily Peacock
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Vanessa Foliaki

Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Harata Butler
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Tegan Dymock

Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Essay Banu