NRLW Match Preview: Round 2 v Broncos

Author: Zoe Filetti Sharks Reporter
Timestamp: Wed 8 Jul 2026, 07:45 PM

Coming off the back of a tough loss to the Newcastle Knights, Cronulla are searching for their first win of the 2026 season, but it doesn’t get any easier up against the reigning premiers Brisbane tomorrow night in the opening game of round 2.

The Sharks will be motivated by prop Ellie Johnston set to play her 50th NRLW game, and her 35th for the club since joining in 2023. Since then, the 25-year-old has taken her game to a new level, having played at the highest levels for both NSW and the Jillaroos.

“She’s been so good for us. To play 50 games in the women's space is an amazing achievement, she’s been great for the club,” Coach Tony Herman praised his powerhouse prop.

As Johnston becomes just the ninth player in NRLW history to hit the 50-match milestone, the national star reflected on her time at the club and what her favourite moments have been in the black, white and blue jersey.

“It was our first game for the Sharks and we were versing the Canberra Raiders, and we had all the fans and the community getting around us and I just thought it was so cool to be a part of and it’s a game I'll never forget,” Johston added.

You can read more about Ellie's rugby league journey on our new NRLW website here.

Despite the Sharks not getting the job done last Thursday night, coach Herman has taken some positives from the game.

“Our tryline defence was really good in the first half, 4-0, they only scored when we had 12 girls on the field. I thought the girls kept repelling them over and over,” Herman told Sharks Media.

Although, for the Sharks to knock the premiers off their perch tomorrow night, they know they’ll have to be consistent for the full 70 minutes, as the Broncos will undoubtedly be full of confidence following their astonishing 50-4 win over the Cowboys.

A huge inclusion for the home side on Thursday will be the return of captain Tiana Penitani Gray. The champion centre has been battling a knee injury suffered in the first game of the State of Origin series earlier this year, but Penitani Gray is now fit and raring to go.

“We’re really looking forward to having her back. A great player, a great leader, brings a lot to the table,” Herman said.

In the history of the NRLW, the Sharks have won just one of four games against Brisbane, and in their one meeting last season, the Broncos came out on top 28-14 in the inaugural women’s magic round.

Both sides have electric fullbacks in Jada Taylor and Tamika Upton marshalling their troops around from the back. Another epic matchup is State of Origin halves Chantay Kiria-Ratu and Jesse Southwell, who will no doubt have big roles to play for their respective sides.

The Sharks middle forwards spurred on by Ellie Johnston’s milestone match, are also up against the grand final winning Broncos pack, setting up a blockbuster clash.

Cronulla also out to make amends for last week’s season opener loss at home, and they couldn’t be more appreciative of the support they received last Thursday, hoping to see the same again.

“It was so good to see the energy around the crowd, for a Thursday night too, it was spectacular to see, so I'm hoping the community can come and get around us, it's going to be a big game,” Johnston added.

Gates open from 5:25pm, with the NSW Women’s Premiership Sharks in action against the CC Roosters from 5:30pm and kick off for the NRLW game at 7:45pm at Ocean Protect Stadium tomorrow night.

You can purchase tickets here and check out the 24-hour team list below.

Round 2 - Round 2 - Thursday 9 Jul

9:45 am

Sharks

Broncos

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada Taylor

Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Tamika Upton
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples

Winger for Broncos is number 2 Kerri Johnson
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani Gray

Centre for Broncos is number 3 Georgia Bartlett
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle

Centre for Broncos is number 4 Julia Robinson
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics

Winger for Broncos is number 5 Caitlin Urwin
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway

Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ali Brigginshaw
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-Ratu

Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Jesse Southwell

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston

Prop for Broncos is number 8 Lillian Yarrow
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd

Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Jada Ferguson
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Caitlan Johnston-Green

Prop for Broncos is number 10 Brianna Clark
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Manilita Takapautolo

2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Lauren Dam
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 China Polata

2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Romy Teitzel
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Tegan Dymock

Lock for Broncos is number 13 Bree Spreadborough

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Madison Higgins-Ashby

Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Rhemy Hinckesman
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Rhiannon Byers

Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Chelsea Lenarduzzi
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Najvada George

Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Shannon Mato
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Jaydika Tafua

Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Harlem Walker

Reserves

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

Replacement for Broncos is number 18 Deleni Paitai
Reserve for Sharks is number 19 Jacinta Carter

Reserve for Broncos is number 19 Reegan Hicks