NRLW Match Preview: Round 3 v Cowboys

Author: Zoe Filetti Sharks Reporter
Timestamp: Fri 18 Jul 2025, 05:14 PM

Cronulla are hoping to back up an attacking masterclass when they face a tough Cowboys outfit at Sharks Stadium on Saturday night.

Both come into the match with a 1-1 record. Cronulla dominated the Raiders in a record 56-6 victory last week, while North Queensland scored a solid 20-6 win over the Titans at home in Round 1 before losing to Newcastle.

After falling short against the Eels to kick off the season, the Sharks made a statement in Canberra and set a benchmark for their 2025 campaign. For the Cowboys, it's important they rebound from a 24-6 loss to the Knights.

Back at Sharks Stadium, Cronulla are excited to harness the crowd's energy.

"We love playing at home, we love all the support that we get," winger Georgia Ravics told sharks.com.au.

It's no secret that North Queensland are out for revenge given they're yet to overcome the women in black, white and blue. Cronulla toppled North Queensland 14-0 last season, following up a 40-12 victory in their inaugural campaign.

Though the Sharks are expecting a stiff contest against their dangerous opponents, Ravics declared they're prepared for whatever is thrown at them.

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SharkCast: Get to know Georgia Ravics

"It'll be definitely a challenging game – they have some great players out the back, they've got a great half in Kirra Dibb, so we'll definitely have to be on our game," the flanker said.

It's a momentous occasion for the home side as centre Grace-Lee Weekes becomes their third NRLW debutante in three weeks, replacing the suspended Annessa Biddle.

"It's such an honour to run out for the Sharkies girls," Weekes said.

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SharkCast: Get to know Grace-Lee Weekes

The 21-year-old's teammates are beyond proud of her, especially captain Tiana Penitani Gray, who added: "To see her rewarded for all of that hard work is exciting for us as a squad."

The opposing halves combinations are sure to light up the arena.

Cronulla's new pairing of Georgia Hannaway and Chantay Kiria-Ratu are pitted against the experienced Kirra Dibb and new recruit Rosie Kelly in an eye-catching matchup. Kelly, a rugby union convert, had a breakout season playing centre for the Parramatta Eels in 2024 before moving into five-eighth at North Queensland.

Sharks coach Tony Herman is looking forward to watching his team continue to build and connect as the season progresses.

Cronulla will go into the match as heavy favourites with the oddsmakers, but there is no complacency amongst the team from the Sutherland Shire.

"It's really important for us to keep that momentum going," Herman said.

"(North Queensland have) got a good middle, good halves, they're very creative."

Kick-off is at 5.15pm AEST. CLICK HERE to secure tickets!

The game will be broadcast live on 9, 9Now, Foxtel and Kayo.

See the updated teams below.

Round 3 - Saturday 19th July

Full Time

Sharks

Cowboys

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Emma Verran

Fullback for Cowboys is number 2 Krystal Blackwell
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples

Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Francesca Goldthorp
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani Gray

Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Abigail Roache
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Grace-Lee Weekes

Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Jasmine Peters
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics

Winger for Cowboys is number 20 Ana Malupo
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway

Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Rosie Kelly
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-Ratu

Halfback for Cowboys is number 18 Tahlulah Tillett

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston

Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Lillian Yarrow
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd

Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Emma Manzelmann
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Jacinta Carter

Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Makenzie Weale
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes

2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Tallisha Harden
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Rhiannon Byers

2nd Row for Cowboys is number 17 Essay Banu
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson

Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Bree Chester

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Nakia Davis-Welsh

Interchange for Cowboys is number 12 Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Jaydika Tafua

Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Alisha Foord
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Manilita Takapautolo

Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Lily Peacock
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Stephanie Faulkner

Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Najvada George