NRLW Match Preview: Round 9 v Knights

Author: Zoe Filetti Sharks Reporter
Timestamp: Sat 30 Aug 2025, 11:48 AM

Cronulla will look to snatch a fourth straight victory against a strong Newcastle side in their final home game of the season at Sharks Stadium on Sunday.

The fourth-placed Sharks are hoping to stretch the gap to the chasing pack with a Members Round win over the Knights, who sit one place below on the same points.

It's an exciting week for the home team as they welcome fullback Jada Taylor to the starting line-up for the first time since suffering an ACL injury last season.

"I was super excited to see Jada out on the field again (off the bench against the Warriors last week), I think she brought that speed around the ruck," Sharks halfback Chantay Kiria-Ratu said.

"We really needed that and I'm excited to see her play a couple more games."

Cronulla claimed a thrilling 14-12 win over the Knights in a blockbuster clash last year, and if that is any indication to how Sunday's match will play out, the action is sure to have the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Newcastle have proven to be a consistently strong side year after year, always finding themselves in the mix of top teams. It means the Sharks must be prepared for anything to be thrown at them.

"It'll be tough, they are a tough side," said the returning Taylor.

Kiria-Ratu also took the chance to reflect upon how special it's been to play alongside her sister Anne-Marie for the majority of the season, which neither would have expected coming into the year.

"It's an unreal experience, especially with her coming off a two-year injury and myself coming off a one-year injury. Getting to play on the big stage together, I love it,” Kiria-Ratu continued.

She will also see herself alongside a new halves partner with Emma Verran stepping into the five-eighth role as Taylor slips on the No.1 jumper.

“She (Verran) brings all that speed and agility so taking the field with her again will be epic," Kiria-Ratu said.

An electric fullback showdown is expected between Taylor and Botille Vette-Welsh. Taylor will hope to utilise her speed and agility in front of a home crowd as she locks horns with Vette-Welsh, who has achieved the game's greatest honours and played for her state and country. There's no doubt her experience will be a driving factor in the Knights rebounding after a tough loss last week.

A double-header with the men, Members Round at Sharks Stadium and the final home game of the season – you don't want to miss this!

"We constantly say it, we are nothing without the members, fans and community, so it's nice to go out there and represent them, represent our families, and most importantly represent the club," Taylor said.

See the updated 24-hour squads below.

Round 9 - Round 9 - Sunday 31 Aug

Full Time

Sharks

Knights

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada Taylor

Fullback for Knights is number 1 Botille Vette-Welsh
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples

Winger for Knights is number 2 Sheridan Gallagher
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani Gray

Centre for Knights is number 3 Shanice Parker
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Grace-Lee Weekes

Centre for Knights is number 4 Tenika Willison
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics

Winger for Knights is number 5 Lilly-Ann White
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Emma Verran

Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Georgia Roche
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-Ratu

Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jesse Southwell

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston

Prop for Knights is number 8 Tayla Predebon
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Georgia Hannaway

Hooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia Higgins
Prop for Sharks is number 17 Caitlan Johnston-Green

Prop for Knights is number 10 Tiana Davison
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes

2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Evah McEwen
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Rhiannon Byers

2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson

Lock for Knights is number 13 Jules Kirkpatrick

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 10 Stephanie Faulkner

Interchange for Knights is number 14 Joeli Morris
Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Nakia Davis-Welsh

Interchange for Knights is number 15 Viena Tinao
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu

Interchange for Knights is number 16 Sienna Yeo
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Manilita Takapautolo

Interchange for Knights is number 17 Grace Giampino