NRLW Match Preview: Preliminary Final v Broncos

Author: Claire Stegbauer Sharks NRLW Reporter
Timestamp: Sat 28 Sep 2024, 02:04 PM

Finals footy has arrived and the Cronulla Sharks have secured their spot in the top four, setting the stage for their first-ever NRLW playoff against the Broncos at Totally Workwear Stadium on Sunday.

After a dramatic season, Brisbane are the only hurdle standing between Cronulla and their place in the grand final. In just their second year in the competition, the Sharks are eager to make history

Their path to the finals was far from straightforward. After a hard-fought loss to the Wests Tigers last week, the Sharks were left anxiously waiting on other results to confirm their top-four position. Thankfully, the odds fell in their favour.

Now, they face their biggest challenge yet – travelling to Brisbane to take on the minor premiers.

It's set to be a physical and intense battle, with both teams boasting long winning streaks throughout the season. The Sharks kicked off 2024 with a six-match winning run, while the Broncos bounced back from a slow start to finish strong with seven consecutive wins, establishing themselves as the team to beat.

The sides faced off just two weeks ago in Queensland, where the Broncos edged out the Sharks with a buzzer-beating 20-16 win. Cronulla are now looking to turn the tables despite the added challenge of battling Queensland’s conditions.

One of the key matchups will take place in the middle of the field, where both teams feature dominant front-rowers – the Sharks' Ellie Johnston and Broncos' Brianna Clark – who have been playing big minutes.

"Our plan is just to go up the middle and win the middle," Johnston said.

"We want to win the middle so our backs can do their job. Just to lead from the front in the middle and hopefully break down the wall."

The Broncos will bring a sizeable bench led by powerhouse Chelsea Lenarduzzi, but the Sharks aren’t lacking in firepower either, with Filomina Hanisi and Vanessa Foliaki expected to play crucial roles in the metre-eating contest.

Coach Tony Herman remains confident in his squad, backing them to win through to the grand final. Meanwhile, fullback Emma Tonegato has emphasised the importance of finding and maintaining their flow throughout the game.

In team news, Tongan international Tegan Dymock has been named to start at prop, replacing the suspended Holli Wheeler. Dymock's elevation from the bench brings Chloe Saunders back into the 17.

Both Rhiannon Byers and Brooke Anderson have been named to start despite suffering game-ending injuries in last week’s loss to the Tigers. Byers sustained a knee issue while Anderson underwent a HIA after a hit that impacted her jaw.

Nakia Davis-Welsh is the 18th player while forward Sharni Smale also remains on the extended bench.

The Broncos have named an unchanged line-up for this knockout clash, with skipper Ali Brigginshaw cleared to play after a sternum injury scare.

Second-rower Romy Teitzel has been officially ruled out after succumbing to the hip issue she suffered in the win over the Dragons

The Sharks are determined to play the full 70 minutes in what promises to be an electric final. With a spot in the decider on the line, the stakes couldn't be higher as the Sharks look to write the next chapter in their NRLW journey.

Tune into live coverage on 9, 9Now, Kayo or Foxtel. Kick-off is at 2:05pm.

See the updated team lists below.

Finals Week 1 - Finals Week 1 - Sunday 29 Sep

Full Time

Broncos

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Hayley Maddick

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Emma Tonegato
Winger for Broncos is number 2 Julia Robinson

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples
Centre for Broncos is number 3 Mele Hufanga

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani
Centre for Broncos is number 4 Shenae Ciesiolka

Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle
Winger for Broncos is number 5 Lauren Dam

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics
Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Gayle Broughton

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway
Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Ali Brigginshaw

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla Preston

Forwards

Prop for Broncos is number 8 Brianna Clark

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Jada Ferguson

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
Prop for Broncos is number 10 Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Tegan Dymock
2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Mariah Denman

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes
2nd Row for Broncos is number 19 Tazmin Rapana

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Rhiannon Byers
Lock for Broncos is number 13 Keilee Joseph

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson

Interchange

Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Destiny Brill

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Filomina Hanisi
Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Chelsea Lenarduzzi

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Chloe Saunders
Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Lavinia Gould

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Vanessa Foliaki
Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Tafito Lafaele

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Manilita Takapautolo