NRLW Match Preview: Grand Final v Roosters

Author: Claire Stegbauer Sharks NRLW Reporter
Timestamp: Sat 5 Oct 2024, 02:54 PM

History beckons for the Sharks with just 24 hours until they tackle the Roosters in a spine-tingling NRLW Grand Final at Accor Stadium.

In only their second year in the competition, the girls in black, white and blue have battled their way into the decider, defying the odds and writing their names into the annals of the game.

Their opponents? The seasoned and battle-hardened Sydney Roosters, a team that boasts four Grand Final appearances in their seven seasons. The Sharks will face a team brimming with experience, big-game knowledge and the hunger to add another trophy to their collection.

But if there’s one thing the Sharks have shown this season, it’s resilience. After finishing the regular season with three straight losses, including a humbling 40-0 defeat at the hands of the Roosters in Round 7, the Sharks have stormed into the Grand Final with renewed confidence.

Their stunning 14-0 victory over minor premiers Brisbane on enemy soil in last week's semi-final has reinvigorated belief in their ability to take it all the way. Coach Tony Herman remains confident that their earlier loss to the Roosters will not define this Grand Final showdown.

"I wanna start off by saying it will be different," Herman said.

"We won our first six, and the Roosters taught us a lesson that day. We took that on board, and we’ll take that into the game on Sunday.”

The Sharks are on the cusp of achieving something special. While it took the men's team 49 long years to claim their maiden premiership, the women are breaking barriers and could secure their first Grand Final win in just two.

For players like Emma Tonegato, who already boasts an Olympic gold medal and a NSW Blues State of Origin victory, a premiership with this Sharks squad would be the crown jewel of her career.

"Winning a Grand Final with a team like this one has been on my bucket list for a while now," said Tonegato, her excitement palpable.

Coach Herman reflected on how far the team has come in such a short time. "I think second year in, it'd be really, really special (to go all the way).

"They're a great group of girls. We look back to last year and we were probably a little bit inconsistent. But we got into this year and we realised we had a special group. We won our first six games, and talking to the guys from the 2016 team, the buzz around the Shire – if we could win it, it’d be amazing."

Captain Tiana Penitani, who has been an inspiring leader throughout the season, shared just how much this campaign has meant to her.

"It’s probably been my favourite year of football ever in my career. I'm very fortunate to be surrounded by so many selfless and incredible women," she said.

After many games with an inconsistent spine due to injuries, Herman has managed to maintain his star-studded side heading into Sunday. The only key change is experienced prop Holli Wheeler making her return to the starting side after serving her suspension during last week's semi-final win.

Tegan Dymock moves to the bench with Chloe Saunders dropping to the extended reserves, while Nakia Davis-Welsh has been named as the replacement player in the number 19 jersey.

For the Roosters, superstar centre Jess Sergis is set to return to the starting line-up following her recovery from a knee injury, pushing Jasmin Strange to the bench. Tarryn Aiken, who was a late addition last week, has also been named at halfback, while Mia Wood remains the replacement player.

This Grand Final promises to be a battle for the ages. The Sharks are riding a wave of belief, ready to take on the challenge of a Roosters side that has been here before.

But this isn’t the same team that was overwhelmed in Round 7; Cronulla are fuelled by the heart, unity and grit that has defined their rise. Sunday could mark the dawn of a new chapter in the Sharks' history – one written in glory.

Tickets are still available for the match, so grab them fast and ride the wave to Accor to support the women to victory, followed by the NRL Grand Final.

Watch live on 9, 9Now, Foxtel and Kayo or on catch the action on the big screen and feel the passion at our Grand Final live site at the Sharks at Kareela club.

Kick-off is at 3.55pm. See the two teams below.

Grand Final - Grand Final - Sunday 6 Oct

4:55 am

Roosters

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Samantha Bremner

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Emma Tonegato
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Jayme Fressard

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica Sergis

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle Kelly

Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Brydie Parker

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Jocelyn Kelleher

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Tarryn Aiken

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla Preston

Forwards

Prop for Roosters is number 8 Millie Elliott

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Keeley Davis

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Otesa Pule

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Holli Wheeler
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Amber Hall

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
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Tiana Davison

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson

Interchange

Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Tavarna Papalii

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Filomina Hanisi
Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Jasmin Strange

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Manilita Takapautolo
Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Samantha Economos

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Vanessa Foliaki
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Pani Hopoate

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Tegan Dymock

Reserves

Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Mia Wood

Replacement for Sharks is number 19 Nakia Davis-Welsh
Reserve for Roosters is number 19 Mya Hill-Moana

Reserve for Sharks is number 20 Chloe Saunders