NRLW Match Preview: Round 4 v Knights

Author: Claire Stegbauer Sharks NRLW Reporter
Timestamp: Sat 17 Aug 2024, 01:44 PM

Olympians will collide and big names are set to return as the Sharks face the Knights in a must-watch NRLW clash at PointsBet Stadium on Sunday.

With the Tony Herman-coached Cronulla sitting atop the table, unbeaten in their first three games, the match against the reigning back-to-back premiers promises to be a defining moment in their season.

The fixture is the middle game of a much-anticipated triple-header, with the under-21 Jersey Flegg men's team kicking off the day at 11.30am, followed by the NRLW blockbuster at 1.45pm and finally the NRL side taking the field at 4pm.

Both senior Sharks outfits will square off against Newcastle, adding extra excitement to the day.

Cronulla and the Knights have shown strong starts to the women's season. The Sharks have battled their way to three well-deserved wins, solidifying their position as the early frontrunners.

However, despite a stumble last week, Newcastle remain formidable opponents, sitting in fourth place with two wins from three matches. A loss to the Dragons will add fuel to their fire as they look to bounce back against the competition's top team.

The last meeting between the sides took place in 2023 at McDonald Jones Stadium, where the Knights, buoyed by a crowd of 19,000, emerged victorious. The Sharks will be eager to turn the tables this time around on their home turf.

Playmaker Emma Tonegato has been named in the squad and remains a chance of returning from a calf injury, which would be a significant boost for the hosts.

Three-time Olympian Sharni Smale is set to make her elite rugby league debut at 36 years old after officially joining the Cronulla club this week.

She will come off the bench after an illustrious 13-year career in the Australian rugby sevens program, fresh off her involvement in the Paris Olympics.

Newcastle also boast an injection of Olympic talent in the form of new recruit Tenika Willison, who will make her NRLW debut on the wing after recent duties with the New Zealand rugby sevens side. The presence of these international athletes underscores the class and intensity of the contest.

After suffering a head knock against Canberra, Cronulla's Rhiannon Byers has been sidelined. The accomplished Vanessa Foliaki will step into the back row in her absence, showcasing the depth and strength of the high-flying squad.

With both teams featuring dynamic halves, the middle of the field is set to be a battleground. Players like Tamika Upton, the 2023 Dally M Medal winner, and Jesse Southwell for the Knights are poised to go head-to-head with Tiana Penitani and Tonegato for the Sharks. The ability to control possession and win the forward fight will be crucial in determining the outcome of this match.

Fans can catch all the action live on 9Now, 9Go, Kayo and Foxtel. Tickets are still available for what is sure to be an electric triple-header at PointsBet Stadium.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of history as the Sharks continue their march towards NRLW glory.

See the updated team lists below.

Round 4 - Round 4 - Sunday 18 Aug

Full Time

Sharks

Knights

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Cassie Staples

Fullback for Knights is number 1 Tamika Upton
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Nakia Davis-Welsh

Winger for Knights is number 2 Tenika Willison
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani

Centre for Knights is number 3 Shanice Parker
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle

Centre for Knights is number 4 Abigail Roache
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics

Winger for Knights is number 5 Lilly-Ann White
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 21 Emma Tonegato

Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Georgia Roche
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla Preston

Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jesse Southwell

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston

Prop for Knights is number 10 Kayla Romaniuk
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd

Hooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia Higgins
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Holli Wheeler

Prop for Knights is number 16 Rima Butler
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes

2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Laishon Albert-Jones
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Vanessa Foliaki

2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson

Lock for Knights is number 13 Hannah Southwell

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Sharni Smale

Interchange for Knights is number 8 Tayla Predebon
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Chloe Saunders

Interchange for Knights is number 14 Nita Maynard
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Manilita Takapautolo

Interchange for Knights is number 15 Simone Karpani
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Tegan Dymock

Interchange for Knights is number 17 Grace Kukutai