NRLW Match Preview: Round 1 v Knights

Author: Zoe Filetti Sharks Reporter
Timestamp: Wed 1 Jul 2026, 07:45 PM

After falling just short of a back-to-back grand final appearance in 2025, the Sharks are hoping to make a bold statement to the rest of the competition, as they host the opening match of the 2026 NRLW campaign against the Newcastle Knights.

Despite making it to a preliminary final last season, Cronulla feel as though they may finally be able to crack the heavyweights of the competition and ultimately become the best of the best.

“We’ve had a really good pre-season, the girls have bonded well, they’ve shown some really good football in the pre-season and some real traits of Sharks footy,” said NRLW coach Tony Herman.

The home side's 17 looks a little different to this time last year, with new recruits pulling on the jersey and some familiar faces ready to return to battle for the black, white and blue.

Regular Captain Tiana Penitani Gray will miss the first game with a knee injury, so hooker Quincy Dodd takes the reins, hoping to ignite a strong performance from her team.

Queensland representative and Tongan international China Polata will make her club debut for Cronulla. While Rugby 7s convert Madison Ashby will make her NRLW debut, reuniting with her 2018 Tarsha Gale Sharks teammates Talei Holmes and Quincy Dodd.

“They’re really strong, impactful players, and I can’t wait to play with them. They are so athletic on that field so I can’t wait to see them rip in tomorrow night,” Dodd added.

Another new recruit, New Zealand international Najvada George will similarly be a strong influence off the bench in the clash, with her x-factor and tough carries serving her large recognition within the game.

“She’s got an offload, and some really good footwork, so she is going to be important in those conditions tomorrow night,” the coach said.

The Knights have been a constant threat to the NRLW competition for years now, though in their one meeting of 2025, it was Cronulla who snatched the two points thanks to a Chantay Kiria-Ratu field goal that sealed the deal in a golden-point thriller.

“They’ve won a couple of premierships, they’ve got a good middle, good kicking game, some really good outside backs, and some speed, so it’s a really good matchup for us in round one,” Herman voiced.

A highly anticipated match-up is Kiria-Ratu and her opposing number 7, Kirra Dibb. With both able to use their boot as a lethal weapon, this game could be decided by the precision and execution of both halves.

“It’s always a close game between Newcastle and us, but I'm really confident in this group, and I can’t wait to show the rest of NRLW that we have great Sharks footy ahead of us in the season,” Dodd highlighted.

Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45pm tomorrow night at Ocean Protect Stadium.

Tickets can be found here

See the following game details, along with the two 24-hour squad lists

Round 1 - Round 1 - Thursday 2 Jul

9:45 am

Sharks

Knights

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada Taylor

Fullback for Knights is number 1 Lilly-Ann White
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples

Winger for Knights is number 2 Shanice Parker
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Rhiannon Byers

Centre for Knights is number 3 Sidney Taylor
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle

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

Winger for Knights is number 5 Mercedez Taulelei-Siala
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway

Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Kirra Dibb
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-Ratu

Halfback for Knights is number 7 Georgia Roche

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston

Prop for Knights is number 8 Tayla Predebon
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd

Hooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia Higgins
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Caitlan Johnston-Green

Prop for Knights is number 10 Tiana Davison
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Manilita Takapautolo

2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Fane Finau
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 China Polata

2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Meakes
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Tegan Dymock

Lock for Knights is number 13 Kayla Romaniuk

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Madison Higgins-Ashby

Interchange for Knights is number 14 Jules Kirkpatrick
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Stephanie Faulkner

Interchange for Knights is number 15 Sienna Yeo
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Najvada George

Interchange for Knights is number 16 Amelia Pasikala
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Jaydika Tafua

Interchange for Knights is number 17 Simone Karpani

Reserves

Replacement for Sharks is number 18 Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu

Replacement for Knights is number 18 Cheyelle Robins-Reti
Reserve for Sharks is number 19 Jacinta Carter

Reserve for Knights is number 19 Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa