168 minutes. Seven matches. Six wins. One sensational season.
2017 has been an outstanding year for Women’s Rugby League and the Cronulla Sharks. Ruan Sims signed the first ever playing contract with the Club. Seven Sharks were named in the Harvey Norman NSW City Squad. Australian Solar Designs committed to the game, fronting our Women’s Series jersey.
And, to top it all off, the Sharks demolished the Canberra Raiders 34 – 4 in our final Women’s Series match of the season.
Head Coach of the Women's Series program, Jason Stanton said he was thrilled with the progression of the side in 2017 and believes it is exciting times for women in the game.
"The women performed exceptionally well winning 7 of 8 games and only having one ‘off’ game in an otherwise dominating season," said Stanton.
"Highlights of the year were the victories against St George-Illawarra Dragons and South Sydney Rabbitohs who both have impressive Womens programs."
Game 1 – Cronulla Sharks v Canberra Raiders
Crounlla opened their season with a strong 28 – 10 win over the Canberra Raiders back in March. With Jillaroo Ruan Sims and Allana Ferguson injured and out, Maddie Studdon slotted into the position of captain and led the Sharks to victory. Shontelle Stowers and Botille Vette-Welsh introduced themselves as offensive weapons, both bagging doubles on the day. For the full match report, click HERE.
Sharks 28
Stowers (2), Vette-Welsh (2), Baker, McGregor tries
Studdon, Maynard goals
Beat
Raiders 10
Game 2 – Cronulla Sharks v St. George Illawarra Dragons
The Sharks continued their winning ways, with skipper Ruan Sims returning from injury to inspire a 20 – 4 victory over local rivals St. George Illawarra. Many expected a closer clash, with the Dragons beating Cronulla in the 2016 Inaugural Women’s NRL Nines. This year’s local derby instead saw Nita Maynard produce sensational plays to set up Jordan Baker and Kate Mullaly with tries. For the full match report, click HERE. To watch the game, click HERE.
Sharks 20
Stowers (2), Baker, Mullaly tries
Studdon, Maynard goals
Beat
St. George Illawarra 4
Game 3 – Cronulla Sharks v Newcastle Knights
Cronulla conceded their first and only defeat to a tough Newcastle Knights outfit at Southern Cross Group Stadium. Australian Jillaroo Allana Ferguson returned from injury and top try-scorers Stowers and Vette-Welsh both crossed for four-pointers. The Sharks ultimately struggled to fight off the Knights, gifting their opposition a match-winning try seconds before the full time siren. To read the full match report, click HERE.
Sharks 12
Stowers, Vette-Welsh tries
Studdon (2) goals
Defeated by
Newcastle 16
Game 4 – Cronulla Sharks v Glenmore Park Brumbies
The Women in Black, White and Blue would redeem themselves in their fourth Women’s Series match, chalking up 16 unanswered points over the Brumbies. Maddie Studdon steered her side to victory, crashing over twice and slotting two conversions. To read the full match report, click HERE.
Sharks 16
Studdon (2), Stowers tries
Studdon (2) goals
Beat
Brumbies 0
Game 5 – Cronulla Sharks v Manly Junior District Rugby League
Two moments of Corban McGregor led the Sharks to a 18 – 4 victory over Manly in the Sharks’ fifth Women’s Series match. With key players Sims, Ferguson, Stowers and Studdon out, McGregor stepped up into the role of captain. The clash saw Jessica Sergis make her debut for the Sharks and Jordan Baker impressed with her precise kicking. To read the full match report, click HERE.
Sharks 18
McGregor (2), Vette-Welsh tries
Baker (3) goals
Beat
Manly 4
Game 6 – Cronulla Sharks v South Sydney Rabbitohs
The latest chapter in what has been dubbed an exciting new rivalry saw the Sharks take down the Bunnies 20 – 4. The sides may share a history of nail-biters but Cronulla dominated this contest thanks to tries by Sergis, McGregor and Rima Butler. To read the full match report, click HERE.
Sharks 24
Sergis (2) McGregor, Butler, tries
Baker (4), goals
Beat
Rabbitohs 4
Game 7 – Cronulla Sharks v Canberra Raiders
The Sharks finished their season with a bang, punishing the Raiders 34 – 4. Sergis proved a powerful force, making multiple line breaks and bagging her second double in three games. In a display of sensational kicking, Jordan Baker booted five of six conversions. To read the full report, click HERE.
Sharks 34
Sergis (2), Baker, Butler, Vette-Welsh, Lally
Baker (5),
Beat
Raiders 4
#SharksForever
