A clash of two of the NRLW's newcomers will close out the opening round of the season at PointsBet Stadium on Sunday.
Despite lacking experience compared to some of their rivals who have longer histories in the competition, both the Sharks and Raiders have some genuine stars on their roster.
The Sharks – who enter the NRLW this year after missing out on a foundation NRLW licence in 2018 – will take some confidence from a pre-season run which saw them beat the Wests Tigers 22-0.
All but eight of their 24-person squad have played in the NRLW previously at other clubs.
Scattered among their group which includes several emerging players, the Raiders have attracted some big-name representative players to the Nation's Capital.
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Team News
Sharks: A switch on Saturday saw Harata Butler come into the front row in place of Tegan Dymock, with Chloe Saunders added to the bench. There were no further changes an hour out from kick-off. Emma Tonegato will officially make her switch from fullback to five-eighth and will partner Tayla Preston in the halves. Holli Wheeler (knee) remains sidelined.
Raiders: No changes for the Green Machine, with seven debutants confirmed for their season opener led by England star Hollie-Mae Dodd and rugby sevens convert Cheyelle Robins-Reti. Robins-Reti will start in the centres alongside Mackenzie Wiki - the daughter of Raiders legend Ruben Wiki. The Raiders have plenty of experience in their spine with Kiwi Ferns fullback Apii Nicholls in the No.1 jersey and Zahara Temara in the halves.
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Stat Attack
- The average age of Cronulla's squad is 24.6 compared to Canberra's 23.8 while they edge the Raiders 159 to 107 in total NRLW appearances.
- Raiders co-captain Zahara Temara is the NRLW's leading points-scorer with 95.
- Raiders co-captain Simaima Taufa led the NRLW last year with most tackles (246) and decoy runs (44).
- Sharks halfback Tayla Preston averaged 317 kick metres per game in the NRLW last year - the best effort of any player in 2022.