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Sharks v Eels: Verran returns; Pearson steps up
The NRLW season is set to launch with a bang when the Cronulla Sharks host Parramatta in a Thursday night showdown.
Cronulla enter the campaign desperate to avenge last year's grand final defeat to the Roosters and they're eager to make a winning start to their season.
Tiana Penitani Gray is set to line up in the centres with the Sharks looking to play an entertaining attacking style.
Parramatta came agonisingly close to a finals appearance last season and will be looking to make an early statement on Thursday night.
Fullback Abbi Church is set to hit the ground running after making her State of Origin debut during the Blues' series win and shapes as a key figure in the Eels attack.
Match: Sharks v Eels
Round 1 -
home Team
Sharks
7th Position
away Team
Eels
6th Position
Venue: Sharks Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Sharks: The Sharks are 1-17 with no late changes. NSW star Emma Verran lines up at fullback as she returns from a procedure to remove a melanoma in her back. Tiana Penitani Gray and young gun Annessa Biddle will start in the centres, with Georgia Hannaway partnering with former Titan Chantay Kiria-Ratu in the halves. Forward Jaydika Tafua makes her NRLW debut from the bench. Grace Lee-Weekes is 18th player.
Eels: Tess McWilliams has come into the starting side an hour before kick-off with Breanna Eales dropping out due to injury. Mahalia Murphy was named in the reserves on Tuesday as she recovers from a hamstring injury but dropped out of the squad in the 24-hour update as the Eels take a cautious approach with the skipper's return. She is targeting the Round 3 clash against the Raiders for a comeback. NSW star Kennedy Cherrington will also miss the clash with a knee injury. Rachael Pearson and Cassey Tohi-Hiku are set to link up in the halves for the season opener, with Abbi Church to line up at fullback.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Emma VerranFullback for Eels is number 1 Abbi Church
-
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie StaplesWinger for Eels is number 2 Zali Fay
-
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani GrayCentre for Eels is number 3 Rory Owen
-
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa BiddleCentre for Eels is number 4 Lindsay Tui
-
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia RavicsWinger for Eels is number 5 Martha Mataele
-
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia HannawayFive-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Cassey Tohi-Hiku
-
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-RatuHalfback for Eels is number 7 Rachael Pearson
Forwards
-
Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie JohnstonProp for Eels is number 8 Elsie Albert
-
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy DoddHooker for Eels is number 9 Rueben Cherrington
-
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Jacinta CarterProp for Eels is number 19 Tess McWilliams
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Chloe Jackson
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Rhiannon Byers2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Paige Travis
-
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke AndersonLock for Eels is number 13 Ryvrr-Lee Alo
Interchange
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Nakia Davis-WelshInterchange for Eels is number 14 Taneka Todhunter
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Jaydika TafuaInterchange for Eels is number 15 Rysh'e Fa'amausili
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Manilita TakapautoloInterchange for Eels is number 16 Ruby-Jean Kennard-Ellis
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Filomina HanisiInterchange for Eels is number 17 Fleur Ginn
Reserves
-
Replacement for Sharks is number 19 Grace-Lee WeekesReplacement for Eels is number 18 Mia Middleton
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Sharks have won both games against the Eels (2023 and 2024).
- The Eels won four of their five away games in 2024.
- Sharks prop Ellie Johnston has scored three tries in two games against the Eels.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
