NRLW Match Preview: Round 7 v Cowboys

Author: Zoe Filetti Sharks Reporter
Timestamp: Sat 15 Aug 2026, 06:00 PM

The Sharks will finish off round 7 and the second week of Indigenous Round with a huge matchup against the Cowboys in Townsville on Sunday night.

Well and truly past the halfway mark of the season, Cronulla and North Queensland have only one win each to their names, and with five games remaining, will need to click into gear this weekend in what is a do-or-die match.

A highlight for the round is the news that Marewa Samson is set to make her NRLW debut, coming into the team for Filomina Hanisi.

The 21-year-old New Zealander can play at either centre or second-row and was part of the Sharks' 2025 NSWRL Women’s Premiership-winning side.

The visitors have had to overcome a lot of adversity so far this year, with injuries taking a brutal toll on their squad; the casualty ward claimed Georgia Ravics last week in their loss to the Titans.

“We lost Georgia Ravics at the end of the first half; losing a winger isn’t ideal … but I'm really proud of the girls; they tried really hard,” Coach Tony Herman said.

If anything, the injury tally has highlighted the resilience and versatility of this side, which has seen girls play out of position and swap positions midway through games on multiple occasions.

After a disappointing result last week, the Sharks, who have a proud representation of Indigenous female players and staff, want to go out and snatch the win for their people.

“Being able to represent my mob and my country and the people before me is so special; that’s another big reason why I play, is because of my family,” Indigenous All Stars captain and Sharks vice-captain Quincy Dodd shared.

“All of our team is so invested in everyone's culture at our club, that makes the team so connected as well.”

Despite sitting two spots higher on the NRLW ladder with a better for-and-against, Cronulla are not naive to the fact the Cowboys have a lot to play for as well.

In round three of 2025, the now hosts pulled off a huge 16-14 upset at Ocean Protect Stadium, scoring in the final 10 to secure the win. However, the Sharks had the last laugh when it mattered, a converted try knocking North Queensland out of the finals and securing them a spot in the prelim.

After two memorable debuts, Koffi Brookfield and Milla Elaro have both been named in Herman's 17 once again this week, giving them the opportunity to make a mark on the NRLW early in their career.

Up against her old club, China Polata will come face to face with ex-teammate Jasmine Peters as she moves to the centres in place of the injured Annessa Biddle.

The physicality and versatility of Polata and Peters are sure to ignite a tough battle.

The Sharks take on the Cowboys at Queensland Country Bank Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 6:15pm tomorrow.

See the 24-hour team lists below.

Round 7 - Round 7 - Sunday 16 Aug

8:15 am

Cowboys

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Francesca Goldthorp

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada Taylor
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Charlize Lloyd-Phillips

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Jasmine Peters

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani Gray
Centre for Cowboys is number 20 Kayla Jackson

Centre for Sharks is number 4 China Polata
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Margot Vella

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Milla Elaro
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Lydia Turua-Quedley

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Rosie Kelly

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Madison Ashby

Forwards

Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Essay Banu

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Alisha Foord

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Ashley Marsters

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Caitlan Johnston-Green
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Tallisha Harden

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Manilita Takapautolo
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Bree Chester

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Jaydika Tafua
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Makenzie Weale

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu

Interchange

Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Nadia Windleborn

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Koffi Brookfield
Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Lily Dick

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Tegan Dymock
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Tiana Raftstrand-Smith

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Jacinta Carter
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Tafao Asaua

Interchange for Sharks is number 20 Marewakiterangi Samson

Reserves

Replacement for Cowboys is number 18 Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell

Replacement for Sharks is number 18 Leilani Ahsam
Reserve for Cowboys is number 19 Emily Veivers

Reserve for Sharks is number 19 Olivia Herman