NRLW Late Mail: Round 1 v Eels
Cronulla coach Tony Herman has locked in his team for tonight's NRLW season-opener against the Eels at Sharks Stadium.
There are no late changes to the playing 17 announced on Tuesday. Grace-Lee Weekes is the 18th woman, with Leki Leilua dropping off the extended bench.
Forward Jaydika Tafua will make her NRLW debut from the interchange, while halfback Chantay Kiria-Ratu and front-rower Jacinta Carter are named to start in their first official appearances in black, white and blue.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm. There's still time to secure tickets – CLICK HERE!
The match will be broadcast live on 9, 9Now, Foxtel and Kayo.
See the final line-ups 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
Last updated:
Initially published Tuesday, July 1:
Two club debutantes will start for Cronulla in a blockbuster season-opener against Parramatta at Sharks Stadium on Thursday night.
After impressing in an encouraging 12-all trial draw with the Roosters, talented halfback Chantay Kiria-Ratu and powerful front-rower Jacinta Carter will be unleashed for their first official matches in black, white and blue.
Promising forward Jaydika Tafua will make her NRLW debut off the interchange after being promoted from a development deal to the top 24 squad this season.
The Sharks will field a team containing 13 of the 17 players that appeared in last year's grand final. Fullback Jada Taylor (knee), star recruit Tyla King (calf) and new mother Caitlan Johnston-Green are currently unavailable for selection.
CLICK HERE to secure tickets and get behind the girls!
The match will be broadcast live on 9, 9Now, Foxtel and Kayo.
See the team list below.
1. Emma Verran - proudly sponsored by Basement Health & Fitness
2. Cassie Staples
3. Tiana Penitani Gray (c) - proudly sponsored by Guardian Venue Management International
4. Annessa Biddle - proudly sponsored by Alltech Payroll
5. Georgia Ravics
6. Georgia Hannaway - proudly sponsored by Life Outdoors
7. Chantay Kiria-Ratu
8. Ellie Johnston
9. Quincy Dodd
10. Jacinta Carter
11. Talei Holmes
12. Rhiannon Byers - proudly sponsored by Elite Sales Coaching
13. Brooke Anderson
Interchange
14. Nakia Davis-Welsh
15. Jaydika Tafua
16. Manilita Takapautolo
17. Filomina Hanisi
18. Leki Leilua
19. Grace-Lee Weekes
20. Dominique du Toit
21. Tommaya Kelly-Sines
Coach
Tony Herman
To enquire about player sponsorship, please email corporate@sharks.com.au.
