NRLW Match Preview: Round 7 v Titans

Author: Zoe Filetti Sharks Reporter
Timestamp: Fri 15 Aug 2025, 12:44 PM

Chasing back-to-back wins for the first time this season, Cronulla will lock horns with the Titans on Saturday afternoon to kick off the second week of Indigenous Round at Sharks Stadium.

24-hour squad: Johnston-Green cleared to return

After defeating the Dragons 20-6 last week, the Sharks are eager to strengthen their bid for a finals berth with five rounds remaining in the regular season.

Time is ticking for Cronulla and the Gold Coast to hit top gear. While the Sharks are in fifth place with a 3-3 record, they're adamant they are yet to produce their best football. For the Titans, who sit ninth on a congested ladder with two victories, this weekend is a must-win game in their push to qualify for the top six.

"We've still got a long way to go and haven't been able to reach the standard we know that we can yet," Cronulla captain Tiana Penitani Gray highlighted.

Both sides will line up without key players, with Sharks hooker Quincy Dodd and Titans speedster Jaime Chapman cruelly suffering ankle injuries last week.

"She's a huge loss for us – 70-minute hooker, defends well, knows how we play, presents shape well. It's a huge loss," Sharks coach Tony Herman said of Dodd.

Herman has a more than capable dummy-half replacement in Brooke Anderson – the incumbent New Zealand No.9 – but her shift from lock means second-rower Talei Holmes is required to move into the middle. Young gun Jaydika Tafua will return from suspension to fill the hole left by Holmes on the edge.

In a huge boost for the Sharks, world-class prop Caitlan Johnston-Green has been cleared to return on the interchange after giving birth in May. The two-time premiership winner will replaced Nakia Davis-Welsh, who is now 18th woman.

Cronulla snatched a 22-6 victory over the Gold Coast in a thrilling match last year and are hoping to repeat the dose in front of a home crowd.

However, Herman knows it will be no easy feat to overpower the Queenslanders, who went down 24-8 to the undefeated Roosters last week.

"They're a really good side… there's some really powerful forwards there," he said.

Gearing up for their first NRLW-NRL double-header at home this season, the Sharks are keen to harness the local support as they chase a top-four finish.

"They like playing at Sharks Stadium, it's really home for them," Herman said.

"Results probably haven't reflected that earlier this year, but to come home now, three and three (wins and losses), it's really good timing for us."

Holmes' matchup with Titans captain Georgia Hale shapes as a standout.

The hard-working Holmes is relentless in defence, often topping the tackle count, while Kiwi Ferns star Hale has racked up a wealth of experience. The leadership and toughness of both players will be paramount in a crucial clash.

Kick-off tomorrow is at 12.45pm. CLICK HERE to buy a value-charged ticket with two epic matches for the price of one!

See the updated squads below.

Round 7 - Round 7 - Saturday 16 Aug

Full Time

Sharks

Titans

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Emma Verran

Fullback for Titans is number 1 Lailani Montgomery
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples

Winger for Titans is number 2 Georgia Grey
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani Gray

Centre for Titans is number 3 Sarina Masaga
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle

Centre for Titans is number 4 Ivana Lolesio
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics

Winger for Titans is number 5 Phoenix-Raine Hippi
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway

Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Taliah Fuimaono
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-Ratu

Halfback for Titans is number 7 Lauren Brown

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston

Prop for Titans is number 10 Jessika Elliston
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Brooke Anderson

Hooker for Titans is number 13 Georgia Hale
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Jacinta Carter

Prop for Titans is number 15 Laikha Clarke
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Jaydika Tafua

2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Jasmine Solia
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu

2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Shaylee Bent
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Talei Holmes

Lock for Titans is number 8 Sienna Lofipo

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Tyla King

Interchange for Titans is number 9 Lily-Rose Kolc
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Manilita Takapautolo

Interchange for Titans is number 16 Natasha Penitani
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Stephanie Faulkner

Interchange for Titans is number 17 Takoda Thompson
Interchange for Sharks is number 21 Caitlan Johnston-Green

Interchange for Titans is number 19 Estanoa Faitala-Mariner