NRLW 2024, Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys, round 1 preview, official team lists, injuries, updates

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Wed 24 Jul 2024, 09:01 AM

The Sharks host the Cowboys in an early Saturday morning match and will have a spring in their step coming off some strong form in their trial game.

Cronulla put on a healthy lead in their season warm up match against the Roosters before resting their big guns as their opposition came back to draw the game 20-20.

The Cowboys also had a positive trial experience, winning the inaugural Breayley-Nati - Hoepper Shield with a 28-12 victory over Gold Coast Titans in Cairns. North Queensland halves pairing Tahlulah Tillett and Kirra Dibb were on song early, steering their forward pack around the park.

New coach Ricky Henry has named the duo to again spark for their season opener, with Dibb’s time in New South Wales helping get the experienced halfback ready for competition.

Henry has also called on off-season signing Jakiya Whitfeld for her first appearance in Cowboys colours.

For the Sharks, coach Tony Herman has confirmed international centre Tiana Penitani as captain after leading the team in their inaugural 2023 season.

The reigning Sharks NRLW Player of the Year will provide plenty of spark for the side who will be working to improve on their sixth-placed finish in their maiden season last year.

Round 1 - Round 1 - Saturday 27 Jul

Full Time

Sharks

Cowboys

Venue: PointsBet Stadium, Sydney

Highlights Latest

Team News

Sharks: Cronulla have named a star-studded line-up for their season opener, with young gun Jada Taylor at fullback and Blues custodian Emma Tonegato pairing with halfback Tayla Preston at five-eighth. Norths Devils Georgia Hannaway signing has been named on the interchange bench, with the former rugby sevens talent helping guide her BMD Premiership side to the grand final this year. Fresh from her State of Origin campaign, centre Tiana Penitani will again captain the side after serving in the role in their inaugural season last year. There were no changes when the side was finalised 60 minutes before kick-off.

Cowboys: Off-season recruit Jakiya Whitfeld will start in the centres, after last year claiming NRLW Dally M Winger of the Year honours. New coach Rick Henry has named English star Francesca Goldthorp to reprise her role as fullback after injury cut short her season last year. A number of players involved in the recent State of Origin series will also feature, including Blues squad member Kirra Dibb at halfback, while Maroons Emma Manzelmann start as hooker with Makenzie Weale named at prop and youngster Lily Peacock to come off the bench. North Queensland will start 1-17 according to the team named 60 minutes before kick-off.

Round 1 - Round 1 - Saturday 27 Jul

Full Time

Sharks

Cowboys

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada Taylor

Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Francesca Goldthorp
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples

Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Krystal Blackwell
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani

Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Jakiya Whitfeld
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle

Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Jasmine Peters
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics

Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Vitalina Naikore
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Emma Tonegato

Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tahlulah Tillett
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla Preston

Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Kirra Dibb

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston

Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Tallisha Harden
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd

Hooker for Cowboys is number 14 Alisha Foord
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Holli Wheeler

Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Makenzie Weale
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes

2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 China Polata
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Rhiannon Byers

2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Tiana Raftstrand-Smith
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson

Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Bree Chester

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Georgia Hannaway

Interchange for Cowboys is number 9 Emma Manzelmann
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Chloe Saunders

Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Lily Peacock
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Vanessa Foliaki

Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Harata Butler
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Tegan Dymock

Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Essay Banu

Reserves

Replacement for Sharks is number 18 Manilita Takapautolo

Replacement for Cowboys is number 18 Shaniah Power

Match Officials

Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger

Last updated: 8/3/2024 4:21:55 AM

Stat Attack

Sharks finished sixth in their inaugural NRLW season last year while the Cowboys finished ninth (second last).
Cowboys have a new coach at the helm for 2024, with Kiwi Ferns mentor Ricky Henry taking over from Ben Jeffries.
The Sharks won two and lost two at PointsBet Stadium in 2023.
The Cowboys play at PointsBet Stadium for the first time.
The Sharks had the best attacking and defensive records among the four new NRLW clubs in 2023.

Additional stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.