A reshuffled Cronulla Sharks Women’s Series side are preparing to invade the capital for a historic Round 1 clash against the Canberra Raiders.
Despite Australian Jillaroos Allana Ferguson and Ruan Sims succumbing to injury, Jason Stanton told Sharks TV that he is confident his side will step up for their season-opener on Saturday.
In the absence of Sims, Jillaroo halfback, Maddie Studdon, will captain the side. Adding strength to Cronulla’s halves, Lalovi Lealaiauloto will step into Ferguson’s five-eighth position.
Stanton told Sharks TV that his versatile side are excited to take the field after a preseason dedicated to mastering the basics. Cronulla’s outfit will feature talented athletes hailing from a range sporting backgrounds.
“Shontelle Stowers is from a rugby background and Jordan Baker is from soccer. Saturday represents their first big game of Rugby League.” Stanton said.
“They’re both exceptional talents and we’re all excited as a squad to support them as they adapt their skills across to rugby league.”
Another notable inclusion in Stanton’s 17-man side is Tayla Preston, Cronulla Sharks junior. Stanton attributed her selection to her impressive performance and composure so far in this year’s Tarsha Gale Cup.
“She definitely deserves her position in this week’s women’s side and I think she’ll grab the opportunity with both hands.” Said Stanton
Stanton admitted that he is unsure what to expect ahead of his sides Round 1 contest against the Raiders.
“They’re unknown to us. Their under 18s squad has come out of the blocks looking good for the Tarsha Gale Cup,”
“It’s essentially a representative team from the area, so there are a lot of unknowns.”
Women’s Team Lists – Round 1
Sharks v Raiders
Saturday, March 11
GIO Stadium
Kick-off 4:15pm
Cronulla Sharks
1. Corban McGregor
2. Jordan Baker
3. Shontelle Stowers
4. Lalovi Lealaiauloto
5. Botille Vette-Welsh
7. Maddison Studdon
8. Kate Mullaly
9. Nita Maynard
11. Kaarla Cowan
12. Talesha Quinn
14. Rima Butler
16. Simone Karpani
17. Oneata Schwalger
20. Tayla Preston
22. Monique Luff
25. Ruby Ewe
Canberra Raiders
1. Gabi Suckling
2. Grace Marshall
3. Hollie Massey
4. Irene MacArthur
5. Jacinta Williams
6. Jennaya Ottaway (vc)
7. Jess Howard
8. Katie Glover
9. Paremo Marsh (c)
10. Paris Robinson
11. Pearl Rakete
12. Sammie Wood
13. Sarah Carter
14. Talei Wilson
15. Yolanda Maiava
16. Bridget Horsley
17. Maddie Douven
18. Remi Wilton
19. Sepa Salesa
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