In a blockbuster NRLW season opener, the Cronulla Sharks will take on the Parramatta Eels at Sharks Stadium on Thursday night.
Both teams are hoping to make a bold statement to begin their campaigns after an extremely physical Round 2 meeting last year. While Cronulla prevailed 18-16 on that occasion, another tough contest is expected to kick off the 2025 competition.
The in-form Sharks fell agonisingly short against the Roosters in last year's Grand Final, going down 32-28 despite a mighty comeback after trailing 24-0.
Hoping to set a benchmark for the season ahead, the Sharks again faced the Roosters in a recent trial match. The game settled in an encouraging 12-all draw, highlighting the hunger amongst the Cronulla outfit.
Two of the Sharks' major signings in Chantay Kiria-Ratu and Jacinta Carter will make their official club debuts in the roles of halfback and prop for the Round 1 clash. Second-rower Jaydika Tafua is also set for her NRLW debut off the bench after showing promising skill and form in the trial against the Roosters.
For the Eels, who just missed out on a spot in the 2024 finals after placing fifth, this year is all about redemption and going further in the competition. They tuned up for the premiership with a thrilling 24-18 loss to newcomers the Bulldogs.
In a huge blow, Parramatta will be without NSW Blues star Kennedy Cherrington after she suffered a knee injury in a successful State of Origin series. Over the off-season, however, the Eels announced the retention of key players including halfback Rachael Pearson, who pledged her long-term future to the club.
Stepping into a leadership role after making her NSW Origin debut, Sharks prop Ellie Johnston is expecting nothing short of a gritty match.
"They're going to want to come here and want to win; they're going to want to start good as well (and) they are tough through the middle," Johnston said.
"Playing Origin has taken my game to another level and I can't wait to come back here and help the younger middles around me," the front-rower added.
Johnston emphasised the importance of starting fast against a formidable Parramatta side in testing conditions after heavy rainfall.
Cronulla second-rower Talei Holmes is also anticipating an intense clash, with the forward packs set to play a crucial role in determining the result.
"It will be a very tough middles game. I think they've always had a good squad (the Eels), and it'll be a very tough match," Holmes said.
A key matchup is Cronulla's Emma Verran versus Parramatta's Abbi Church. The fullbacks were NSW teammates earlier this year, with Church thriving in her favoured position and Verran displaying her versatility as a bench dummy-half.
Now on opposite sides, the stars will go head-to-head with similar playing styles that involve speed and fancy footwork to confuse the defence.
Another opposing duo in the spotlight is Johnston and Eels enforcer Elsie Albert, who are coming off breakthrough seasons. Albert earned Parramatta's NRLW Player of the Year award while Johnston finally achieved representative honours.
The power and physicality when the pair face off is bound to spark fireworks.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm, with live coverage on Channel 9, 9Now, Kayo and Foxtel.
CLICK HERE to secure tickets! Remember, Sharks Members are entitled to free entry for all NRLW home matches by scanning their Membership card.
See the 24-hour squad lists below.
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Emma VerranFullback for Eels is number 1 Abbi Church
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Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie StaplesWinger for Eels is number 2 Zali Fay
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Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani GrayCentre for Eels is number 3 Rory Owen
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Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa BiddleCentre for Eels is number 4 Lindsay Tui
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Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia RavicsWinger for Eels is number 5 Martha Mataele
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Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia HannawayFive-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Cassey Tohi-Hiku
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Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-RatuHalfback for Eels is number 7 Rachael Pearson
Forwards
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Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie JohnstonProp for Eels is number 8 Elsie Albert
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Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy DoddHooker for Eels is number 9 Rueben Cherrington
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Prop for Sharks is number 10 Jacinta CarterProp for Eels is number 19 Tess McWilliams
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2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Chloe Jackson
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2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Rhiannon Byers2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Paige Travis
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Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke AndersonLock for Eels is number 13 Ryvrr-Lee Alo
Interchange
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Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Nakia Davis-WelshInterchange for Eels is number 14 Taneka Todhunter
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Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Jaydika TafuaInterchange for Eels is number 15 Rysh'e Fa'amausili
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Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Manilita TakapautoloInterchange for Eels is number 16 Ruby-Jean Kennard-Ellis
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Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Filomina HanisiInterchange for Eels is number 17 Fleur Ginn
Reserves
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Replacement for Sharks is number 19 Grace-Lee WeekesReplacement for Eels is number 18 Mia Middleton
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
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