NRLW Match Preview: Round 7 v Roosters

Author: Claire Stegbauer Sharks NRLW Reporter
Timestamp: Sat 7 Sep 2024, 11:59 AM

Riding the second-longest winning streak in NRLW history, the Sharks return home to face the Sydney Roosters in a heavyweight showdown at PointsBet Stadium on Sunday.

In an exciting update to Cronulla's squad, rugby sevens star Dominique du Toit will make her NRLW debut on the wing in place of Nakia Davis-Welsh. Playmaker Georgia Hannaway is now the 18th woman after a layoff with an ankle injury, while Andie Robinson and Filomina Hanisi have dropped off the extended bench.

Undefeated through six games this year after finishing last season with back-to-back wins, the Sharks are four points clear atop the ladder and will move closer to securing the minor premiership by toppling the Roosters.

Coming off a dominant 22-6 victory over the Gold Coast Titans last week, the Sharks continue to show their ability to adjust and power through matches, even after early pressure.

Meanwhile, the Roosters, who sit fourth on the ladder, are also in fine form. After a slow start against the Raiders, they found their rhythm to run away with a 34-20 win. They will be eager to secure another victory to solidify their place in the top four.

Winger Georgia Ravics has been a standout for Cronulla, scoring doubles in consecutive games to extend her record to nine tries in 11 NRLW appearances. She now holds the mantle of the team's all-time leading try-scorer.

Reflecting on the side's success, Ravics said: "I think everyone's been really great in regards to receiving feedback, and I guess how we are given feedback.

"Everyone's really worked on their individual game and really how we work with the people next to us. I think that's really showing out on the field; we're a lot more connected as a group, and we know each other's strengths.”

Headlining this matchup is an intense battle of the centres, with Roosters and NSW Blues captain Isabelle Kelly squaring off against Sharks powerhouse Annessa Biddle, who recorded an impressive 202 run metres in Round 6. Ravics stated she is "our metre eater".

The Sharks are determined to restate their dominance and defend their home turf after a tough 36-12 loss to the Roosters at PointsBet Stadium last season. The teams met in a trial match at the venue in July, resulting in a 20-all draw.

Will the Sharks keep their winning streak alive or will the Roosters find a way to upset the ladder leaders? Don't miss the action this Sunday at PointsBet Stadium – grab your tickets now! Full-season Sharks Members receive access to all NRLW home games by scanning their membership card upon entry.

Alternatively, catch the game on Nine, Nine Now, Foxtel or Kayo.

See the updated teams below.

Round 7 - Round 7 - Sunday 8 Sep

Full Time

Sharks

Roosters

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Cassie Staples

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Samantha Bremner
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics

Winger for Roosters is number 5 Mia Wood
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani

Centre for Roosters is number 3 Jasmin Strange
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle

Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle Kelly
Winger for Sharks is number 21 Dominique du Toit

Winger for Roosters is number 20 Brydie Parker
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Emma Tonegato

Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Jocelyn Kelleher
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla Preston

Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Tarryn Aiken

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston

Prop for Roosters is number 8 Otesa Pule
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd

Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Keeley Davis
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Holli Wheeler

Prop for Roosters is number 15 Pani Hopoate
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes

2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Olivia Kernick
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Rhiannon Byers

2nd Row for Roosters is number 17 Eliza Lopamaua
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson

Lock for Roosters is number 13 Tiana Davison

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Sharni Smale

Interchange for Roosters is number 2 Taina Naividi
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Chloe Saunders

Interchange for Roosters is number 11 Amber Hall
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Vanessa Foliaki

Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Tavarna Papalii
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Tegan Dymock

Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Samantha Economos