Showtime: Sharks premiere 2025 NRLW squad at movie-themed season launch

The Sharks rolled out the red carpet for a blockbuster NRLW season launch on Wednesday night, premiering their star-studded 2025 squad in celebrity fashion at HOYTS Cinemas, Cronulla.

Just over a week out from a Round 1 clash with the Eels at Sharks Stadium on July 3, players, coaches, corporate partners, media and VIP guests gathered in a private theatre to celebrate the start of another electrifying campaign.

Optimism is high as Cronulla prepare to mount a premiership challenge after being narrowly denied by the Roosters in a pulsating grand final last year. They kicked off their campaign with a 12-all trial draw against the same opponents on Sunday.

After mingling and enjoying canapes amongst a dynamic Sharks NRLW digital takeover in the cinema foyer, the crowd were ushered into an exclusive 'screening' where they were treated to popcorn and drinks for the official squad introduction.

Players were highlighted one by one and showcased larger than life on the full-size cinema screen, followed by the launch of a bold movie-style season trailer.

Channel Nine's Emma Lawrence emceed the unique event, which was attended by Sharks NRL coach Craig Fitzgibbon, General Manager Football Darren Mooney, valued player sponsors and major partners including Quest Apartment Hotels, Classic Sportswear, United Rentals, Minespec Parts and Tyrepower.

Former Sharks star Andrew Fifita, who was the club's Tarsha Gale Cup women's coach this year, and his daughter Lyla delivered a passionate Acknowledgment to Country address before CEO Dino Mezzatesta formally welcomed the guests.

"The team made history last year, reaching their first grand final... This is the sequel," Mezzatesta said, playing into the film theme.

Captain Tiana Penitani Gray, set to lead the club for her third consecutive year, and head coach Tony Herman were then quizzed about the season ahead.

"It's been really exciting, what we've been able to achieve in the past two seasons and what kind of talent that's attracted into our system," Penitani Gray said.

"We've got some really exciting new faces that have joined our squad and are going to add so much value. And for the girls that have been here for the last two seasons and were part of that grand final team last year, I can just see the look in their eyes, the fire in their belly, the way they turn up to training.

"The experiences from the last two seasons have given the confidence to some of our now-experienced players to become emerging leaders."

Herman is excited to see the squad continue on their upward trajectory.

"We need to go to that next level with our values and standards, our consistency around our game model, our culture and connectivity," Herman said.

"For us to get to that next level, we can't just get lost in the premiership. We have lost six or seven players from last year, so it's a different squad again. The girls are working really hard to understand our footy and what 'Sharks footy' looks like.

"We just need to stay in that space and keep working hard. We've got a lot of lessons, but it is a new team. We're just really looking forward to this year."

The room also heard from new recruits Tyla King, Jacinta Carter, Chantay Kiria-Ratu and Caitlan Johnston-Green, with senior players Emma Verran, Brooke Anderson, Quincy Dodd and Annessa Biddle rounding out the interview panels.

A season launch like no other concluded with a dynamic on-stage performance from the dazzling Minespec Parts Mermaids cheerleaders.

"This is the best launch event I have ever seen," Penitani Gray said on the night.

All eyes are now on Thursday's epic season-opening home clash with the Eels. CLICK HERE to secure a ticket and cheer on the team as they seek more history.