NRLW Match Preview: Round 4 v Wests Tigers

Author: Zoe Filetti Sharks Reporter
Timestamp: Sat 26 Jul 2025, 06:14 PM

Cronulla are hoping to overcome Wests Tigers and find consistency in what's sure to be a strong contest at Sharks Stadium on Sunday night.

The Sharks are yet to beat the Tigers in the NRLW competition, with last year's meeting in the final round of the regular season resulting in a 12-10 loss.

Both sides are desperately seeking two competition points. The 11th-placed Tigers are yet to open their account, while the Sharks sit ninth with a 1-2 record.

Cronulla coach Tony Herman knows his team need to get a move on, however he's not overly fazed by their losses so far.

“We led with less than 10 (minutes) to go in both games," Herman said, referencing their narrow defeats to the Eels and the Cowboys. In between, the Sharks thrashed the Raiders 56-6, showcasing their ability.

More injuries have struck Cronulla, with Rhiannon Byers (pectoral) and front-rower Jacinta Carter (head knock) joining the casualty ward. In their place, Jaydika Tafua will start in the second row and Manilita Takapautolo at prop.

The setbacks have also paved the way for Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu to cap off a stunning rise through the grades with an NRLW debut.

Dual-code New Zealand international Tyla King will also play for the Sharks for the first time off the interchange after recovering from a calf tear.

For Kiria-Ratu, it'll be an unforgettable moment as she runs out alongside her sister – halfback Chantay – with their family and friends packing the stands.

Kiria-Ratu arrived at the club with Chantay this year, starting in the Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership squad before earning an NRLW development deal.

While Kiria-Ratu was shocked when she received the news of her sudden call-up, Herman highlighted her hard work and determination.

"She came along to train with us (in the NRLW squad) for one week, then for two, then for three," Herman said, highlighting her drive and passion.

In King's case, an ill-timed injury in the pre-season delayed her much-anticipated Sharks debut, but the playmaker's experience will now shine through.

There's been no shortage of adversity for the Sharks to navigate to begin the season, with a fresh squad finding their feet amid the heavy injury toll. Herman is encouraged by the progress his youngsters are making each week.

“You look at our halves, Chantay (Kiria-Ratu) and Georgia (Hannaway), they're getting better and better every week,” he said.

"Really proud of their effort (as a team). We're just a little bit low on troops at the minute. We've got some injuries."

Sharks hooker Quincy Dodd is eager to make a statement in front of a home crowd against the Tigers after an error-riddled team performance last week.

"I think we're going to take it really personal this weekend because we're so much better than that and we know that we can get those two points," Dodd said.

The head-to-head contest between Cronulla's Ellie Johnston and the Tigers' Sarah Togatuki is bound to a spectacle. Both props have represented NSW in State of Origin, while Togatuki has won a premiership and represented the Jillaroos.

Johnston is continuously building her game and taking on more of a leadership position, though Togatuki's experience is just as crucial to the Tigers' hopes.

Kick-off on Sunday is at 6.15pm AEST. CLICK HERE to secure a ticket.

See the 24-hour teams below.

Round 4 - Sunday 27th July

Full Time

Sharks

Wests Tigers

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Emma Verran

Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jetaya Faifua
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples

Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Claudia Nielsen
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani Gray

Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Terina Te Tamaki
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle

Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Emily Bass
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics

Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Caitlin Turnbull
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway

Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Faythe Manera
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-Ratu

Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Losana Lutu

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Sarah Togatuki
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd

Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Pihuka Berryman-Duff
Prop for Sharks is number 17 Stephanie Faulkner

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 Christian Pio
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes

2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Kezie Apps
2nd Row for Sharks is number 15 Jaydika Tafua

2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Montana Clifford
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson

Lock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Amelia Huakau

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 10 Manilita Takapautolo

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Jessikah Reeves
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Nakia Davis-Welsh

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Tara Reinke
Interchange for Sharks is number 20 Tyla King

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Jade Fonua
Interchange for Sharks is number 22 Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Salma Nour