The Cronulla Sharks head into Round 3 with significant changes to their backline as they prepare to face the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium on Saturday.
While star playmaker Emma Tonegato is a chance to return from the calf injury that kept her out of Sunday's hard-fought 18-16 victory over the Eels, gun fullback Jada Taylor is unfortunately gone for the season after suffering an ACL injury.
As she did with Taylor off the field in the second half last week, captain Tiana Penitani is set to step into the fullback role. She brings confidence under high balls from her recent stint as a winger for the Sky Blues in the State of Origin series.
Penitani's positional shift will see Rhiannon Byers line up in the centres, with Vanessa Foliaki moving from the bench to the second row. Nakia Davis-Welsh will make her Sharks NRLW debut after being included as an interchange utility.
Taylor's absence is a blow after she showed her class on the weekend with an important try saver, backed up by a crucial four-pointer of her own.
Tayla Preston is ready to again link in the halves with third-gamer Georgia Hannaway, who displayed great promise in her starting debut last week.
Usual five-eighth Tonegato has been listed among the reserves in jersey No.20.
With these changes, the Sharks are poised to showcase their adaptability and determination against the Raiders in hopes of going three from three to start the year. Kick-off is at 12.45pm, with coverage on Nine, Nine Go, Kayo and Foxtel.
See the two team lists below.
Match: Raiders v Sharks
Round 3 -
home Team
Raiders
away Team
Sharks
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Apii NichollsFullback for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples
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Winger for Raiders is number 2 Madison BartlettWinger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics
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Centre for Raiders is number 3 Cheyelle Robins-RetiCentre for Sharks is number 1 Tiana Penitani
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Centre for Raiders is number 4 Mackenzie WikiCentre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle
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Winger for Raiders is number 5 Shakiah TungaiWinger for Sharks is number 14 Nakia Davis-Welsh
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Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Zahara TemaraFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway
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Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Ashleigh QuinlanHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla Preston
Forwards
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Prop for Raiders is number 8 Tommaya Kelly-SinesProp for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
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Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Chanté TemaraHooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
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Prop for Raiders is number 10 Sophie HolymanProp for Sharks is number 10 Holli Wheeler
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Monalisa Soliola2nd Row for Sharks is number 3 Rhiannon Byers
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Hollie-Mae Dodd2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes
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Lock for Raiders is number 13 Simaima TaufaLock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson
Interchange
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Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Emma BarnesInterchange for Sharks is number 12 Vanessa Foliaki
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Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Grace KempInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Chloe Saunders
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Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Kerehitina MatuaInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Manilita Takapautolo
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Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Sereana NaitokatokaInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Tegan Dymock
Reserves
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Replacement for Raiders is number 18 Relna Wuruki-HoseaReplacement for Sharks is number 18 Leki Leilua
Match Officials
- Referee: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Peter Gough
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