NRLW Match Preview: Preliminary Final v Roosters

The Sharks are hoping to get one over the undefeated Roosters at Polytec Stadium on Saturday night and cement themselves in the NRLW Grand Final for a second consecutive year.

The rivals will go head to head after meeting just two weeks ago, where the Roosters proved too dominant in a convincing win over their opponents. 

Cronulla coach Tony Herman is confident that if his team turns up in top form they have every chance to secure a spot in the big dance.

"We just know that if we play our best footy we'll go close; the girls are looking forward to it and have been working really hard," Herman noted.

Claiming the minor premiership thanks to their undefeated streak, the Roosters were treated to the luxury of a week to rest while Cronulla travelled to Townsville where they secured a thrilling elimination final win over the Cowboys.

Cronulla's performance last weekend was arguably their strongest of the season. Taking on fourth-placed North Queensland was no easy feat in enemy territory, but the side showed resilience and fought extremely hard until the final siren. 

Sharks second-rower Talei Holmes expressed her pride in the effort, highlighting that everyone showed up when it truly mattered. 

"I think finally we've been able to put all our footy together and show two good halves of footy, so it's really exciting," she said.

While Cronulla's squad has evolved since last year's heart-breaking Grand Final defeat to the Roosters, the chance at redemption continues to drive the players who experienced that game. They know they must beat the best to be the best, with this weekend's match no doubt one of their toughest contests in 2025.

"We've played them a few times and had a few big losses and I think that just puts the fire in our belly to win even more this week," Holmes added.

"Last year's Grand Final is a big one, we haven't forgotten about that, so we're definitely using that to fuel us for this week."

Herman spoke about where the Sharks will need to outpoint the Roosters if they are to pull off an upset victory.

"They've got a big, strong middle, got great centres that get them off their end well, got a good kicking game," Herman said.

"They've got a really good all-round game, but I think we need to win the middle of the park if we're going to win the game."

An exciting contest is brewing between Cronulla's Georgia Hannaway and Roosters star Keeley Davis. Both hookers demonstrate a similar style of footy with their sleight of hand and agility out of dummy half.

Hannaway has only played a handful of games in the No.9 jersey, however the Queensland representative has slotted into the role perfectly.

For the Roosters, Davis has racked up a wealth of experience that has helped her side remain top contenders for so long.

Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45pm, with the match to be broadcast live on 9, 9 Now, Kayo and Foxtel.