In a sometimes fiery contest, the NSW Women's Premiership Sharks failed to get the better of a ruthless South Sydney outfit at Ocean Protect Stadium in going down by 18-12 in their season opener.
Grand Final winners in 2025, the Sharks knew their opponents would be targeting a round one win against the reigning champions and from the beginning, the enthusiasm of the away side was telling, the Rabbitohs coming with a point to prove from the opening whistle.
The Rabbitohs were first on the board, capitalising on a strong kicking game and poor discipline from the Sharks, South Sydney's Jeorgia Ahokava powering over to claim the first four pointer of the 2026 NSW Women’s Premiership season after 12 minutes.
The Sharks picked up their energy, and shifted the momentum, the home team grabbing two tries within five minutes.
Cronulla’s defensive efforts were rewarded with a try to Olivia Herman, the hooker scoot out of dummy half, then just minutes later three of the Sharks spine linked together to produce an impressive 35 metre try.
The movement began with a line break from Juliano Kollio, was followed by an offload to Ella Ropata, and finally landed with Herman crossing for her second try of the match.
Ropata added the extras to both tries and Cronulla held a 12-6 lead after 25 minutes.
Interchange forward Bella Sykes went down with a head injury In the 32nd minute, however, she was able to get up and continue to play, and the Sharks would go to half time holding a six point lead and full of confidence.
However, like the first-half, the Sharks were finding their way in attack and the somewhat panicked Rabbitohs were making errors, before each side cleaned up their discipline and the match settled into being a very even battle.
It would then be the visitors to find a way through the defensive line, two tries within five minutes, the first to five-eighth Luisa Yaranamua who swept up a knock on and score a deserved four pointer, before Shaye Shipton also joined the Rabbitohs try scorers list.
Yaranamua slotted both conversions and South Sydney held a 18-12 lead.
Despite having an advantage in possession late in the game, errors proved costly as the Sharks couldn’t find a way through an unforgiving opposition defensive line.
While there were positives in the performance, it was a disappointing way to begin the season for the defending premiers whowill look to improve on their first up effort when they take on the Mounties next Saturday at Aubrey Kerch Reserve.
Kick off for that round two match is scheduled for 1pm.
