NRLW Match Preview: Round 9 v Wests Tigers

Author: Claire Stegbauer Sharks NRLW Reporter
Timestamp: Wed 18 Sep 2024, 07:44 PM

The Cronulla Sharks will host the Wests Tigers at PointsBet Stadium tomorrow night in their last game before the 2024 NRLW finals series kicks off.

With a 7.45pm start, this crucial match will determine the Sharks' fate as they battle for a top-two spot on the ladder and aim to regain momentum after two losses.

While extremely unlikely, Cronulla could fall out of the top four and miss the finals if they lose and the Eels topple the ladder-leading Roosters by a large enough margin. Coach Tony Herman and his troops are determined to leave nothing to chance.

After a season filled with highlights amid an unbeaten stretch of six matches, the Sharks have faced recent challenges, falling to both the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos. Despite these setbacks, Herman remains confident that his side can bounce back and show their undeniable quality.

Cronulla sit in third place but are level on points with the Roosters and Broncos, keeping the minor premiership within reach if results fall in their favour.

The Sharks are coming off a heartbreaking buzzer-beater loss to Brisbane, a hard-fought contest that will fuel their determination to finish the regular season strongly. Adding to the intensity, the clash with the Tigers marks the shortest turnaround they've faced this season, making recovery and mental toughness key.

After making a late switch from five-eighth to fullback last week, Emma Tonegato will once again bring her leadership and experience to the No.1 role, helping to guide the team as they look to stamp their authority.

Sharks winger Georgia Ravics also continues to impress, having scored five tries in her past four games, and will be a key figure in their attacking game plan.

In team news, Manilita Takapautolo will come onto the bench in the place of fellow forward Chloe Saunders, this being the only change to the Cronulla line-up.

The last time the teams met was in Round 2 of 2023, where the Sharks fell to the Tigers at Belmore Sports Ground. Cronulla will be eager to avenge that result as they return to PointsBet Stadium, where they've won three of their past four games.

The Brett Kimmorley-coached Tigers are seeking back-to-back wins for the first time since the opening rounds of last year. Having broken their drought with a 16-14 victory against the Dragons in Round 8, the Tigers are fired up to end their season with a statement of intent.

With the playoffs just around the corner, it's set to be a thrilling clash under the lights at PointsBet Stadium. Don't miss the action as the Sharks prepare to prove themselves as title heavyweights – CLICK HERE to secure a ticket.

Full-season Sharks Members will receive access by scanning their membership card at the gates.

Alternatively, catch all the action live on Nine, Nine Now, Foxtel or Kayo.

See the updated team lists below.

Round 9 - Round 9 - Thursday 19 Sep

Full Time

Sharks

Wests Tigers

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Emma Tonegato

Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Botille Vette-Welsh
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples

Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Rebecca Pollard
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani

Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Leianne Tufuga
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle

Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Rikeya Horne
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics

Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Claudia Nielsen
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway

Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Evie McGrath
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla Preston

Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Losana Lutu

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Sarah Togatuki
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd

Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Ebony Prior
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Holli Wheeler

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 Christian Pio
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes

2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Brooke Talataina
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Rhiannon Byers

2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Montana Clifford
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson

Lock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Najvada George

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Filomina Hanisi

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Chelsea Savill
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Manilita Takapautolo

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Natasha Penitani
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Vanessa Foliaki

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Tara Reinke
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Tegan Dymock

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Pauline Piliae-Rasabale