The competition-leading Roosters return to Allianz Stadium looking to continue their march towards the minor premiership.
Sydney enters Round 9 fresh from a record 66-8 victory over the Warriors, while Cronulla are attempting to bounce back from a disappointing 42-16 defeat to Parramatta.
The Roosters have been the benchmark team this season, in attack and defence. Their Round 8 performance was another reminder of their speed, support play and ability to convert pressure into points, overwhelming the Warriors from start to finish.
For the Sharks, consistency remains the major challenge. The return of experienced players helped strengthen the side against Parramatta, but defensive lapses again proved costly. Maintaining intensity for 70 minutes is key.
A particular area of concern for Cronulla will be containing the Roosters through the middle. Sydney's forward pack is great at generating momentum, allowing their playmakers and outside backs to attack retreating defensive lines. If the Roosters dominate possession, the Sharks may spend large portions of the game defending their own half.
Expect Cronulla to compete hard against a classy Sydney outfit.
Match: Roosters v Sharks
Round 9 -
home Team
Roosters
1st Position
away Team
Sharks
12th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Roosters: Jayme Fressard has been ruled out, replaced by Taina Naividi, while Mia Wood has joined the interchange in the only game day changes for the Roosters. Rima Butler returns via the bench after sitting out last week with the NRL's concussion protocols, shifting Taneisha Gray to 18th player. Millie Elliott has been named to start at prop like she was last week, moving Aliyah Nasio back to the bench, despite a late switch last week.
Sharks: No further game day changes for the Sharks. There was more injury drama for the Sharks on Friday with hooker Quincy Dodd ruled out after suffering a broken arm against the Eels while Origin rep Georgia Hannaway is a late out after initially being named to return from an ankle injury. China Polata joins the starting side at centre and Madison Ashby slides to five-eighth while Koffi Brookfield is the new hooker. Tegan Dymock will start at lock and Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu will come from the bench. With Ellie Johnston suspended, Caitlan Johnston-Green will start at prop and Filomina Hanisi comes onto the bench. Olivia Herman will make her NRLW debut off the bench.
Match: Roosters v Sharks
Round 9 -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Sharks
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Corban BaxterFullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada Taylor
-
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Brydie ParkerWinger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples
-
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica SergisCentre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani Gray
-
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle KellyCentre for Sharks is number 17 China Polata
-
Winger for Roosters is number 14 Taina NaividiWinger for Sharks is number 5 Milla Elaro
-
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Jocelyn KelleherFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 4 Madison Ashby
-
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Tarryn AikenHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-Ratu
Forwards
-
Prop for Roosters is number 8 Millie ElliottProp for Sharks is number 8 Caitlan Johnston-Green
-
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Keeley NizzaHooker for Sharks is number 14 Koffi Brookfield
-
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Otesa PuleProp for Sharks is number 10 Manilita Takapautolo
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Sariah Paki2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Rhiannon Byers
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Jasmin Strange2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Talei Holmes
-
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Olivia KernickLock for Sharks is number 15 Tegan Dymock
Interchange
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Aliyah NasioInterchange for Sharks is number 13 Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Rima ButlerInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Jacinta Carter
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Amber HallInterchange for Sharks is number 19 Olivia Herman
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 19 Mia WoodInterchange for Sharks is number 22 Filomina Hanisi
Reserves
-
Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Taneisha GrayReplacement for Sharks is number 18 Leilani Ahsam
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Roosters have won all five games against the Sharks
- The Sharks have conceded 128 points in their last four games
- Roosters winger Brydie Parker will play her 50th NRLW game
- Sharks winger Milla Elaro has scored four tries in three NRLW appearances
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
