High-profile recruit Sharni Smale will be unleashed in Sunday's blockbuster clash with the Knights after officially joining the Sharks this afternoon.
The 36-year-old rugby sevens legend, fresh off competing at the Paris Olympics, has been named on the interchange in a boost for ladder-leading Cronulla as they prepare to face the back-to-back premiers at PointsBet Stadium.
In other team news, star playmaker Emma Tonegato has been listed among the reserves in jersey No.21 as she nears a return from a calf injury.
After suffering a head knock against Canberra, Rhiannon Byers has been sidelined. Vanessa Foliaki is set to step into the back row in her absence.
Cassie Staples will continue at fullback after a last-minute reshuffle last week saw captain Tiana Penitani move to the centres at GIO Stadium.
This adjustment proved to be a masterstroke, with both players delivering outstanding performances that were key to the Sharks' 24-12 win.
Staples was a defensive powerhouse, pulling off several crucial try-saving tackles, while Penitani showcased her attacking prowess by opening Cronulla's scoring with a brilliant solo try and racking up an impressive 216 run metres.
The Sharks head into Round 4 full of confidence, aiming to extend their winning streak and solidify their position at the top of the table. The team has shown they are a formidable force this season, and fans can expect another exciting display of rugby league.
Catch all the action live at PointsBet Stadium this Sunday at 1.45pm – the second of three games at the venue bookended by Jersey Flegg and NRL fixtures.
See the team list below.
Match: Sharks v Knights
Round 4 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Knights
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Cassie StaplesFullback for Knights is number 1 Tamika Upton
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Winger for Sharks is number 2 Nakia Davis-WelshWinger for Knights is number 2 Tenika Willison
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Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana PenitaniCentre for Knights is number 3 Shanice Parker
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Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa BiddleCentre for Knights is number 4 Abigail Roache
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Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia RavicsWinger for Knights is number 5 Lilly-Ann White
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Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 21 Emma TonegatoFive-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Georgia Roche
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Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla PrestonHalfback for Knights is number 7 Jesse Southwell
Forwards
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Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie JohnstonProp for Knights is number 10 Kayla Romaniuk
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Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy DoddHooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia Higgins
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Prop for Sharks is number 10 Holli WheelerProp for Knights is number 16 Rima Butler
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2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Laishon Albert-Jones
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2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Vanessa Foliaki2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale
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Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke AndersonLock for Knights is number 13 Hannah Southwell
Interchange
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Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Sharni SmaleInterchange for Knights is number 8 Tayla Predebon
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Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Chloe SaundersInterchange for Knights is number 14 Nita Maynard
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Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Manilita TakapautoloInterchange for Knights is number 15 Simone Karpani
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Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Tegan DymockInterchange for Knights is number 17 Grace Kukutai
Reserves
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Replacement for Sharks is number 19 Leki LeiluaReplacement for Knights is number 18 Jacinta Carter
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
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