Setting the scene for the Cronulla Sharks’ NRL Thursday night clash, the Cronulla Sharks Women’s Series side will battle it out with Manly District Junior Rugby League in what is bound to be a fast-paced encounter.
The Women in the Black, White and Blue have won three of four games this year and are determined to add another victory to their so far impressive record.
The Sharks must, however, dig deep tomorrow night, in the absence of key players Ruan Sims, Shontelle Stowers, Alanna Ferguson and Maddie Studdon. Manly will no doubt look to capitalise on the reshuffled outfit lacking its regular captain, Sims, and top try scorer, Stowers.
Head Coach, Jason Stanton, said that Cronulla’s reshuffled 15-woman-side is excited to step up to the challenge.
“The squad put in a great session last night at Southern Cross Group Stadium,” Stanton said
“Corban McGregor will step in as captain and Nita Maynard will drive the team from halfback,”
“Jessica Sergis will make her debut for the Sharks.” He added.
Unable to play in the clash due to injury, Ruan Sims said that she has complete faith in her side
“I know that they’ll all cope tremendously well,” affirmed Sims.
“We’ve all been working hard to ensure that everyone can play pretty much everywhere. When players are out, we don’t lose out,”
“I’m really excited to see how they go.” Sims said.
Both sides include women who played in last week’s Harvey Norman NSW City-County Shield. Cronulla’s Kate Mulally crashed over the stripe to propel the City side to a 20 – 8 win. Likewise, Manly’s Kayla Peck and Nicole Backhouse had an impact for the City side.
Stanton expressed his excitement at how the women’s game is developing and said that Sharks fans can expect an exciting contest tomorrow evening.
“Both teams have speed out wide, so we can expect a lot of ball movement and a free-flowing game.” Stanton predicted
“The Sharks Women’s program is tracking well and we hope to keep leading the way in Women’s Rugby League.”
Women’s Series Match
Sharks v Manly
Thursday, May 18
Southern Cross Group Stadium
Kick off – 6.40pm (approx.)
Cronulla Sharks Team List
1. Corban McGregor (c)
2. Jordan Baker
4. Kate Mullaly
5. Botille Vette-Welsh
8. Rima Butler
9. Nita Maynard
10. Ruby Ewe
11. Kaarla Cowan
12. Talesha Quinn
18. Rebeka Lally
20. Lauren Denniss
21. Josephine Bavatu
22. Lisa Tuauriki
23. Jessica Sergis
24. Talei Holmes
Manly DJRL Team List
1. Shenai Lendill
2. Jessie Whanepouri
3. Barbara Waddell
4. Raevyn Dixon
5. Hannah Griffiths
6. Lisa Fiaolo
7. Charmayne Nathan
8. Hamata Ahipene
9. Clane Illsley
10. Nicole Backhouse
11. Laura Eisenhaver
12. Letitia Vanderheide
13. Kayla Peck
14. Tara Cox
