NRLW Match Preview: Round 2 v Raiders

Author: Zoe Filetti Sharks Reporter
Timestamp: Fri 11 Jul 2025, 12:44 PM

The Sharks will travel down to GIO Stadium for a clash with the Raiders on Saturday afternoon in hopes of redeeming themselves after a tight Round 1 loss.

Both sides are looking for revenge after falling short in hard-fought matches to open the season. For Cronulla, it was a nail-biting 18-16 loss to the Parramatta Eels, while Canberra suffered a 36-14 defeat against the Dragons.

The Sharks will be without interchange forward Filomina Hanisi, who heartbreakingly suffered a season-ending ruptured ACL against the Eels. Her absence opens the door for local junior Stephanie Faulkner to make her NRLW debut as the first female to come through Cronulla's full pathways system.

In their meeting in the nation's capital last year, the Sharks snagged a 24-12 win over the Raiders with captain Tiana Penitani Gray and senior leader Ellie Johnson producing strong performances.

With both teams naming similar line-ups to their previous encounter, Cronulla are expecting a formidable effort from Canberra once again.

Faulkner is eager to mark her milestone match with a victory.

"This year I've instilled a lot more confidence in my game," the forward said.

The Sharks know it won't be easy to beat Canberra on their home patch. Hooker Quincy Dodd predicted a tough battle against the Green Machine.

"They're very strong through the middle but also have great outside backs,” Dodd said.

Coach Tony Herman echoed Dodd's thoughts.

"They're a good footy side and they'll (want to) strike back from last week like us as well. They've got a point to prove," Herman said.

Reflecting on Round 1, Herman said he was happy with his side in certain periods of the match but wants them to stick to their process for the full 70 minutes.

"We did some really good things, we just need to play our footy for longer," he said.

With the likes of playmaker Chantay Kiria-Ratu and prop Jacinta Carter new to Cronulla's brand of play, Herman praised the growth of his young team.

"They're not used to playing that style of footy, and they'll get better and better each week," Herman added.

An exciting match-up looms between opposing halfbacks in Kiria-Ratu and Canberra's Zahara Temara. The class of Temara, who has represented the Māori All Stars, the Jillaroos on the world stage and the Queensland Maroons, is juxtaposed with the agility, speed and potential of Kiria-Ratu.

Sharks lock Brooke Anderson will face off with Simaima Taufa in another intriguing individual contest. Both have a wealth of experience, with Taufa achieving almost everything in the game and Anderson representing NSW and the Kiwi Ferns.

Kick-off is at 12.45pm. Watch the match live on 9, 9 Now, Foxtel and Kayo.

See the updated teams below.

Round 2 - Saturday 12th July

Full Time

Raiders

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Cheyelle Robins-Reti

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Emma Verran
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Madison Bartlett

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Leianne Tufuga

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani Gray
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Mackenzie Wiki

Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Isabella Waterman

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Sereana Naitokatoka

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Zahara Temara

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-Ratu

Forwards

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Chloe Saunders

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
Hooker for Raiders is number 14 Emma Barnes

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Sophie Holyman

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Jacinta Carter
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Monalisa Soliola

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Hollie-Mae Dodd

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Rhiannon Byers
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Simaima Taufa

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson

Interchange

Interchange for Raiders is number 9 Chanté Temara

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Nakia Davis-Welsh
Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Grace Kemp

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Jaydika Tafua
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Jordyn Preston

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Manilita Takapautolo
Interchange for Raiders is number 20 Tatiana Finau

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Stephanie Faulkner