NRLW Match Preview: Round 2 v Eels

Author: Claire Stegbauer Sharks NRLW Reporter
Timestamp: Sat 3 Aug 2024, 11:59 AM

The Sharks face off against the Eels to launch an Allianz Stadium double-header at 12pm tomorrow, with both teams riding high after impressive Round 1 victories.

This week marks Women in League Round, a celebration of the crucial roles women play in the sport, whether as footy mums, canteen ladies, loyal fans or the athletes themselves. This round is not just about the players but also acknowledges the behind-the-scenes contributions that help keep the league thriving.

A passionate crowd is expected with the Roosters taking on the Broncos immediately afterward, highlighting the excitement around women's rugby league.

The Sharks are confident after a terrific opening round where they shut out the Cowboys with a dominant 14-0 victory. Coach Tony Herman emphasised that such strong defensive performances will be key to their success this season.

"The girls worked really hard on their defence in the off-season. To do something like that, two halves keeping them to zero, it was really important for them," Herman remarked.

Cronulla head into this match having beaten the Eels by a record score of 56-6 last season. With the team's chemistry and cohesion further improving this year, the stage is set for another dominant performance.

Centre Annessa Biddle is one to watch, having racked up a game-high 192 running metres last week. The powerful 2023 NRLW Rookie of the Year has picked up where she left off, making her a key asset for the Sharks.

Cronulla's left edge is particularly potent. All three tries came down that channel last week, including a double from winger Cassie Staples.

Herman has named an unchanged team, crucial for building momentum.

"It's really important for us to have the same side two weeks in a row," he said.

"Hopefully, we don't have any hiccups leading into it ... We are excited to keep the same team and those combinations. I thought our left edge in particular was really good on the weekend. I thought our middle was also good having a few tip-ons."

The Eels will be missing two key players, Rueben Cherrington and Boss Kapua, who are out for the rest of the season following serious injuries in Round 1. Their absence will be a significant blow to Parramatta.

CLICK HERE to secure a ticket for Sunday's matches and get behind the Sharks. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the celebration of Women in League Round, promises an unforgettable experience.

If you can't make it in person, catch the action live on Nine Now, Nine Go, Kayo and Foxtel. Show your support for the women who make the NRLW great and enjoy what promises to be an exhilarating day of rugby league.

See the updated line-ups below.

Round 2 - Round 2 - Sunday 4 Aug

Full Time

Eels

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Eels is number 1 Abbi Church

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada Taylor
Winger for Eels is number 2 Zali Fay

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples
Centre for Eels is number 3 Rory Owen

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani
Centre for Eels is number 4 Rosie Kelly

Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle
Winger for Eels is number 5 Monique Donovan

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Cassey Tohi-Hiku

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 14 Georgia Hannaway
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Rachael Pearson

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla Preston

Forwards

Prop for Eels is number 8 Elsie Albert

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Taneka Todhunter

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
Prop for Eels is number 10 Madeline Jones

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Holli Wheeler
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Chloe Jackson

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Mahalia Murphy

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Rhiannon Byers
Lock for Eels is number 13 Kennedy Cherrington

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson

Interchange

Interchange for Eels is number 14 Rosemarie Beckett

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Chloe Saunders
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Tyla Amiatu

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Vanessa Foliaki
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Jade Fonua

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Tegan Dymock
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Ruby-Jean Kennard-Ellis

Interchange for Sharks is number 18 Manilita Takapautolo