Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu and Tyla King will make their Sharks debuts in tomorrow's NRLW clash with Wests Tigers at home, but second-rower Rhiannon Byers has joined a bulging casualty ward.
In a testament to the club's remarkable depth and their hefty injury toll, the Sharks will have played at least one debutante in all four games this season.
Byers (pectoral) has joined fellow forwards Filomina Hanisi (ACL) and Jacinta Carter (head knock) on the unavailable list. Fullback Jada Taylor (ACL rehab) and prop Caitlan Johnston-Green (returning from pregnancy) are also sidelined.
Jaydika Tafua, who is only three games into her NRLW career, will start in Byers' place, while Manilita Takapautolo has been named in Carter's stead at prop.
Outside back Grace-Lee Weekes, who debuted last week, is now the 18th player.
Kiria-Ratu, the sister of talented Sharks halfback Chantay, will play her first NRLW match from the interchange, capping off a stunning rise after the utility arrived at Cronulla without a development deal or any guarantees only a few months ago.
"It's really special. I haven't played with my sister in two-and-a-bit years apart from the trial game," Kiria-Ratu said when asked about lining up alongside Chantay.
"This will be my first hit-out with her. It's really special to me and my family.
"It was a long journey. I was out for almost two-and-a-half years (with injury). Starting out in the Harvey Norman, working my way up with the NRLW girls, and then finally I secured a development contract for the rest of the year.
"Getting this opportunity to debut for the Sharkies, I won't take it for granted. I've definitely worked hard. I'll take it with both hands and run as hard as I can."
While it's not her NRLW debut, star recruit Tyla King will also pull on the black, white and blue for the first time, with the dual-code New Zealand playmaker included on an agile bench after recovering from a frustrating setback.
"It's so special because I had a bit of a rocky start to my season, tearing my calf pretty early on in the pre-season," the rugby sevens Olympic gold medallist said.
"Having to go through that rehab process was a tough time and challenging because I hadn't been there in a little while. Now I'm back, a week to two weeks earlier than I expected. I'm just super excited."
Kick-off tomorrow is at 6.15pm AEST. CLICK HERE to buy tickets.
See the 24-hour squads below.
Match: Sharks v Wests Tigers
Round 4 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Wests Tigers
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Emma VerranFullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jetaya Faifua
-
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie StaplesWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Claudia Nielsen
-
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani GrayCentre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Terina Te Tamaki
-
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa BiddleCentre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Emily Bass
-
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia RavicsWinger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Caitlin Turnbull
-
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia HannawayFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Faythe Manera
-
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-RatuHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Losana Lutu
Forwards
-
Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie JohnstonProp for Wests Tigers is number 8 Sarah Togatuki
-
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy DoddHooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Pihuka Berryman-Duff
-
Prop for Sharks is number 17 Stephanie FaulknerProp for Wests Tigers is number 10 Christian Pio
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Kezie Apps
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 15 Jaydika Tafua2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Montana Clifford
-
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke AndersonLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Amelia Huakau
Interchange
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 10 Manilita TakapautoloInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Jessikah Reeves
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Nakia Davis-WelshInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Tara Reinke
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 20 Tyla KingInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Jade Fonua
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 22 Anne-Marie Kiria-RatuInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Salma Nour
Reserves
-
Replacement for Sharks is number 14 Grace-Lee WeekesReplacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Iemaima Etuale
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy
Last updated:
