The Sydney Roosters will be aiming to secure back-to-back wins when they take on the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks for the first time in NRLW history this Sunday at PointsBet Stadium.
Recent History: Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Round 4 marks the first occasion in which the Roosters will venture to the Shire to take on the Sharks, with the Cronulla-Sutherland-based side entering the NRLW competition in 2023.
Despite falling short to the Raiders in Round 2, the Roosters bounced back against the St George Illawarra Dragons to claim an impressive 30-0 win at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday evening.
The Sharks also had a dominant start to the NRLW season, defeating the Raiders in the opening round before succumbing to losses against the Tigers and Titans.
How They Line Up
John Strange has listed a similar line-up to the team that overcame the Dragons at the SCG last week, with just one change.
Mya Hill-Moana returns to the team after being ruled out with a concussion in Round 3, her inclusion sees Lexi Kiriwi revert to the extended bench.
Corban Baxter takes the no.1 jersey again this week, with Brydie Parker and Jayme Fressard on the wings and Jessica Sergis and Isabelle Kelly in the centres.
Tarryn Aiken and Jocelyn Kelleher continue their combination in the halves, while Millie Boyle, Keeley Davis and Teuila Fotu-Moala line up in the front row.
After making her debut last week against the Dragons, Amelia Pasikala retains her spot in the second row alongside Olivia Kernick. Keilee Joseph rounds out the starting side at lock.
Shawden Burton, Grace Hamilton, Otesa Pule and Hill-Moana feature on the interchange bench this week. Mia Wood, Lexi Kiriwi, Joeli Morris, Lily Rogan and Pani Hopoate have been named on the extended bench.
Match: Sharks v Roosters
Round 4 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Sharks is number 6 Emma TonegatoFullback for Roosters is number 1 Corban Baxter
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Winger for Sharks is number 2 Kiana TakairangiWinger for Roosters is number 2 Brydie Parker
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Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana PenitaniCentre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica Sergis
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Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa BiddleCentre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle Kelly
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Winger for Sharks is number 5 Andie RobinsonWinger for Roosters is number 5 Jayme Fressard
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Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 18 Maddie StuddonFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Tarryn Aiken
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Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla PrestonHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Jocelyn Kelleher
Forwards
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Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie JohnstonProp for Roosters is number 8 Millie Boyle
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Hooker for Sharks is number 13 Brooke AndersonHooker for Roosters is number 9 Keeley Davis
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Prop for Sharks is number 10 Holli WheelerProp for Roosters is number 10 Teuila Fotu-Moala
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2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Amelia Pasikala
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2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Vanessa Foliaki2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Olivia Kernick
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Lock for Sharks is number 17 Chloe SaundersLock for Roosters is number 13 Keilee Joseph
Interchange
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Interchange for Sharks is number 9 Quincy DoddInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Shawden Burton
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Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Sereana NaitokatokaInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Grace Hamilton
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Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Harata ButlerInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Otesa Pule
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Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Tegan DymockInterchange for Roosters is number 22 Pani Hopoate
Reserves
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Replacement for Sharks is number 22 Cassie StaplesReplacement for Roosters is number 18 Mia Wood
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Todd Smith
Last updated:
NRLW Sharks coach Tony Herman has named Jada Taylor and Holli Wheeler to return from their respective injuries this week. Harata Butler also comes back into the line-up after serving a one-match suspension.
Key Match Up: Jessica Sergis vs Tiana Penitani
Jessica Sergis and Tiana Penitani have shared the same jersey in recent years, representing the Australian Jillaroos and NSW Sky Blues, but this week they will go head-to-head in the centres.
Sergis has hit the ground running for the Roosters this season, piling on two tries and breaking 14 tackles in her two appearances to drive the team upfield in attack with dominant ball-carrying.
The Sharks' Skipper has also shown her leadership and strength for her team in their maiden season, scoring one try and breaking six tackles while averaging 162 run metres per match.
Final Verdict
The Roosters will be hungry to piece together back-to-back when they face the Sharks for the first time in history this week.
With the run home to finals fast approaching, expect fireworks across the field when familiar faces go toe-to-toe wearing new Club colours.
Purchase your tickets and head to PointsBet Stadium this Sunday to cheer on the Roosters! If you can’t make it to Cronulla, be sure to attend Easts Bondi Junction where you can watch the game live from Artie’s Bar.
It's not too late to Call yourself a Rooster in 2023! With NRLW Memberships now on sale, show your support for the Women’s Game.
