Sharks go down in NRLW season opener

The Sharks suffered an 18-4 loss to Newcastle to start the NRLW season at Ocean Protect Stadium. 

Though the battle began as an even contest, the Knights quickly proved why they have been a consistent threat to the competition with their completion rate, kicking game, and strong attack too good for the hosts.

Cronulla's defence was a bright spot in the first half, only conceding 4 points, but the home side ran out of steam, and the Knights ran away with it in the second.

The game started with an early field position win to the Sharks, following a knock on from the Knights’ backline, but a last tackle kick went too deep and handed a seven-tackle set back to Newcastle.

Pressure was continuing to mount for the black, white and blue in the eighth minute Annessa Biddle was sin-binned and placed on report for a hip drop tackle, leaving the home side with only 12.

Using this to their advantage and striking early, fast hands from the away side set winger Shanice Parker up for the opening try of the season. Kirra Dibb was unable to add the extras.

This didn't phase Cronulla as they headed downfield following a penalty for a high tackle, though following this, a tough blow saw interchange forward Stephanie Faulkner exit the field with an ankle injury.

Poor discipline allowed for the home side to capitalise on the fatigue of their opposition, and captain Quincy Dodd showed promising signs as she made a skillful line break, though without support, possession was overturned.

In the final play of the half, Novacastrian halfback Georgia Roche was sent to the sin bin and placed on report for dangerous contact on Chantay Kiria Ratu. The Knights leading 4-0 at the break.

Entering the second 35, the Sharks came out firing in attack, and in the first minute, an error gave them an opportunity to execute a perfect scrum play which saw Georgia Hannaway put Rhiannon Byers through a gap, and the centre sprinted away for their first try of the season.

Just when it looked like the visitors were going to take the lead once more, a try-saving tackle from Georgia Ravics let them hold on for one more set, but the kick-chase urgency of Fane Finau was too good for our left edge, and she was able to get their second of the night.

The away side regained their lead and with Dibb slotting the sideline goal, the score sat at 10-4.

Throughout, Newcastle had all the momentum, and in the 61st minute, Dibb successfully slotted a penalty goal to improve their lead to 8.

Despite the Sharks fighting until the end, the hosts were unable to tackle a powering Simone Karpani, who rustled her way out of four defenders' grasp, slamming the ball over with four minutes left to play.

Newcastle was too good on the night, knocking over the Sharks on their home turf and driving home with an 18-4 win.