NRLW Match Preview: Round 4 v Raiders

Author: Zoe Filetti Sharks Reporter
Timestamp: Fri 24 Jul 2026, 12:40 PM

The Sharks did not envision a 0-3 start to their NRLW campaign, but there's still belief they can turn things around.

Putting aside the losses to fellow 2025 preliminary finalists Newcastle, then the reigning premiers Brisbane, and more recently the Bulldogs, Cronulla’s fullback Jada Taylor is confident that her side can kick-start their season, knowing it is a must-win game against the Raiders tomorrow.

“The start is not what we wanted, but we’ve come back, had a hard look at ourselves and some tough conversations so hopefully we’re good to go this weekend,” Taylor said.

NRLW Captain Tiana Penitani Gray is still sidelined due to a quad strain suffered before Cronulla's round three clash. Though ex-rugby sevens prodigy Madison Ashby filled in for Penitani Gray and proved why she belongs in the team.

“Tiana’s a big loss for us, but she (Ashby) stood up and played a role and asked a lot of questions, which is what we wanted her to do. So we’re really happy with Madi,” NRLW Coach Tony Herman said.

Down in the nation's capital, despite how strong the 2026 Raiders have proved themselves to be, the visitors' focus is on themselves, and how they can bring back 'Sharks’ footy.'

“I know what we’ll bring to the table this week is a bit more intensity and some toughness. I know I'll do my job and put my team before myself, and we’re just asking the same out of all the other girls as well," Taylor added.

The high-flying Raiders will no doubt be a strong test but could be the perfect team for Cronulla to face at the round 4 mark. Canberra only lost 22-18 to the 2nd-placed Roosters in their clash last week, so a strong fight would be the confidence boost the visitors need to turn their season around.

Not making any excuses for his side, Herman has seen positive signs of resilience from his group as they face injury troubles and have got a much younger squad compared to their 2025 season.

“Last week out of our squad of 30 we only had 20 available players, we were hit pretty hard by injury and that means we’ve got to dig deep and I think the girls are doing that," Herman said.

“We lost a lot of our 2025 leaders to other clubs and pregnancy, so that’s put a lot of load on Tiana, but we need her in the footy side; in saying that she isn't the answer; the answer’s got to be found within.”

The battle is no doubt going to be fiery from the black, white, and blue and also from the green machine after Cronulla crushed the Raiders 56 points to 6 in last season's battle between the two teams.

Kick-off is at 12:40pm tomorrow at GIO Stadium.

Check out the 24-hour team list below.

Round 4 - Round 4 - Saturday 25 Jul

2:40 am

Raiders

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Sheridan Gallagher

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada Taylor
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Elise Simpson

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Leianne Tufuga

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Madison Higgins-Ashby
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Bobbi Law

Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Mackenzie Wiki

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Krystal Blackwell

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Zahara Temara

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-Ratu

Forwards

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Chloe Saunders

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Chanté Temara

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Sophie Holyman

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Caitlan Johnston-Green
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Jordyn Preston

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Manilita Takapautolo
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Charlotte Basham

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 China Polata
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Simaima Taufa

Lock for Sharks is number 15 Najvada George

Interchange

Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Emma Barnes

Interchange for Sharks is number 13 Tegan Dymock
Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Grace Kemp

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Grace Kukutai

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Jaydika Tafua
Interchange for Raiders is number 19 Hollie-Mae Dodd

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Jacinta Carter

Reserves

Replacement for Raiders is number 16 Ellie Brander

Replacement for Sharks is number 18 Rhiannon Byers
Reserve for Raiders is number 20 Relna Wuruki-Hosea

Reserve for Sharks is number 19 Leilani Ahsam