Tonegato's switch lives up to hype early to send NRLW warning

Early signs show Emma Tonegato has a promising future as a playmaker with the Sharks recruit impressing at five-eighth in her club debut on Sunday.

Lured from the Dragons by coach Tony Herman’s belief in her as a five-eighth, Tonegato’s switch from fullback to five-eighth was among the major talking points over the off-season. 

And after leading Cronulla to an impressive 28-14 over fellow NRLW newcomers Canberra, Tonegato’s first hit-out in new colours made the call validated immediately when she crossed for the club’s first-ever try in the seventh minute, along with an assist, four tackle breaks and 126 run metres.

“It was very pleasing for her. She came here wanting to play six and we gave her the opportunity and we trained really hard,” Herman said following the match.

“But she put in the work so she deserves all the accolades that come with her ... she had a really great game.

“She just wants the ball in her hands all the time and she was probably sitting out the back out of shape a bit [at the Dragons].

“To be first receiver, get the ball in her hands, take the defence on, I think that really suits her and the opportunity was here.”

Tonegato's shift to the No.6 jersey accommodated for Jada Taylor's arrival and inclusion into the Sharks spine at fullback.

The 19-year-old became a household name last year after her 109-metre solo effort to score the winning try for NSW in the under-19s State of Origin, however now gets her chance to build after just two games in the NRLW. 

With Tonegato and Taylor linking on several occasions, including an impressive left side shift to set up skipper Tiana Penitani in the 22nd minute, Herman’s well-connected spine was a sign of good things to come for the Shire outfit.

“I thought she was great. Everyone knows Jada for that 100m try and stuff like that but she’s got a tough side to her too and she had a lot of tough carries out there, out the back and in the middle,” Herman said.

“For her to have that as part of her game and her weaponry, she’s a special player and we’re excited to have her at the club.”