NRLW Match Preview: Round 3 v Raiders

Author: Claire Stegbauer Sharks NRLW Reporter
Timestamp: Fri 9 Aug 2024, 12:44 PM

A reshuffled Sharks team can solidify themselves as early NRLW frontrunners when they face the Raiders in Canberra tomorrow.

There's a strong sense of determination as Cronulla head to GIO Stadium for a 12.45pm kick-off, eager to extend their winning streak to three games.

Conversely, the Raiders, with one win and one loss, will be keen to prove themselves on home turf, making this a pivotal match for both sides.

After a nail-biting 18-16 victory over the Eels last Sunday, the Sharks are riding high on confidence, knowing they can grind out tough wins.

The Raiders have had a mixed start, winning their season-opening clash with the Tigers but faltering in their second game against the Knights after leading in the first half, looking promising.

While Canberra will undoubtedly be hungry to bounce back in front of a home crowd on a day where four Raiders teams will take the field, the Sharks are intent on keeping their momentum going.

Their ability to close out tight games, something they struggled with last season, is now becoming a hallmark of their play. Coach Tony Herman remarked of their performance against Parramatta: "I'm not convinced we would've won that game last year... we didn't win a lot of close ones. But now, you can see in the girls' mannerisms, there's a real good feeling they'll give it a good shot."

The Sharks' display last week showcased their growing maturity as a unit. Despite facing setbacks, including the absence of star playmaker Emma Tonegato due to a calf injury, the team pulled through with a solid defensive effort.

They'll need to reproduce that grit against a Raiders side boasting a strong attack.

The last time these teams met was Round 1 last season – the Sharks' inaugural NRLW game – where Cronulla claimed a convincing 28-14 win at PointsBet Stadium.

This time around, injuries have forced the Sharks to adjust. Fullback Jada Taylor's ACL injury is a significant blow, particularly after her impressive display last weekend. However, captain Tiana Penitani will step into the No.1 role, utilising her experience and composure.

Penitani's switch will see Rhiannon Byers take her place in the centres, with Vanessa Foliaki in turn replacing her in the second row and Nakia Davis-Welsh making her Sharks NRLW debut off the bench.

Listed among the reserves, Tonegato remains a chance to return, indicating coach Herman is prepared to field a flexible and adaptable line-up.

"It opens up those opportunities," Herman said of the injury toll.

"Some girls are going to have to play out of position, gonna have to mix and match here and there, but we're ready for it."

Byers is crucial to the Sharks' chances. The ex-rugby sevens player brings strength and versatility to the backline, with her ability to break tackles and create opportunities on the edge a potential game-changer.

Cronulla will look to exploit any gaps in the Raiders' defence, using their strong halves combination of Tayla Preston and Georgia Hannaway to control the tempo of the game.

With the goal of going three-from-three firmly in their sights, the Sharks must back themselves and play with the same belief that has seen them rise to the occasion so far in 2024.

For fans unable to make the trip to a chilly Canberra, the match will be broadcast live on 9Now, 9Go, Kayo and Foxtel. However, for those braving the cold, GIO Stadium is the place to be as Cronulla aim to continue their winning form.

See the updated team lists below.

Round 3 - Round 3 - Saturday 10 Aug

Full Time

Raiders

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Apii Nicholls

Fullback for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Madison Bartlett

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Cheyelle Robins-Reti

Centre for Sharks is number 1 Tiana Penitani
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Mackenzie Wiki

Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Shakiah Tungai

Winger for Sharks is number 14 Nakia Davis-Welsh
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Zahara Temara

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Ashleigh Quinlan

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla Preston

Forwards

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Tommaya Kelly-Sines

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Chanté Temara

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Sophie Holyman

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Holli Wheeler
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Monalisa Soliola

2nd Row for Sharks is number 3 Rhiannon Byers
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Hollie-Mae Dodd

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Simaima Taufa

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson

Interchange

Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Emma Barnes

Interchange for Sharks is number 12 Vanessa Foliaki
Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Grace Kemp

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Chloe Saunders
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Kerehitina Matua

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Manilita Takapautolo
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Sereana Naitokatoka

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Tegan Dymock