Perennial powerhouse the Roosters will go up against the Sharks in a grand final nobody was predicting before the season kicked off.
While the Roosters always have high hopes of playing for premiership and will this year will feature in their fourth decider in seven seasons, Cronulla have been the surprise packet of the year, making the grand final in just their second season in the competition.
The Sharks surged into contention after they posted six straight wins, but leading into last week's semi final against the Broncos, they had lost their last three games.
However, they stunned the minor premiers to hold them scoreless for the first time in their history, winning their way to another face off against the Roosters who showed their class in their victory over the Knights.
The last time the Roosters and Sharks clashed in Round 7, it was a one-sided affair with the Chooks proving far to strong, but Cronulla will be determined to put in a much bigger fight and produce a performance fitting of the big stage.
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Team News
Roosters: One change to the starting side, with superstar centre Jess Sergis starting after her injury return via the interchange last week. Jasmin Strange will move to the bench. Tarryn Aiken, who was a late starter wearing the 20 jersey in the win over the Knights has been named at halfback. Mia Wood, who moved to 18th player following the team reshuffle last week, is again the replacement player.
Sharks: Experienced prop Holli Wheeler slots straight back into the starting side after missing last week's semi-final win over the Broncos with suspension. Tegan Dymock moves to the bench, with Chloe Saunders dropping to the extended reserves. Nakia Davis-Welsh is the replacement player in the number 19 jersey.
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Stat Attack
- The Roosters have outscored the Sharks 76-12 in their two head-to-head clashes.
- The Sharks have 10 players with grand final experience but none who have tasted victory.
- The Roosters will make their fourth appearance in a grand final.
- Sharks captain Tiana Penitani has scored five tries in her past six games.
- The Roosters have lost four from four at Accor Stadium.
- The Sharks will play at Accor Stadium for the first time.
- Roosters fullback Sam Bremner has scored five tries in her past four games.
- Sharks winger Georgia Ravics has scored 10 tries in 15 NRLW appearances.
- The Roosters have 12 players who have won an NRLW grand final.
- Holli Wheeler, Tayla Preston and Tegan Dymock will play their final games for the Sharks.
- Sydney Roosters prop Millie Elliott has the chance in Sunday’s NRLW grand final against Cronulla to become the first player to win NRLW premierships with three different clubs. Elliott previously won two deciders with the Broncos (2019 and 2020) and was a member of the Knights team that won that club’s first title in 2022. She can also equal Tamika Upton’s record of four grand final victories with a win this Sunday.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.