NRLW 2026, Roosters v Sharks, Round 9, match preview, team lists, injuries, updates

Roosters v Sharks: Butler back; Hannaway returns

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Wed 26 Aug 2026, 08:01 AM

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.

Round 9 - Round 9 - Saturday 29 Aug

5:15 am

Roosters

Sharks

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney

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Team News

Roosters: A few changes in the forwards for John Strange after last week's record win. 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 again be named to start at prop like she was last week, moving Aliyah Nasio back to the bench despite a late switch last week.

Sharks: Mixed news for the Sharks who welcome back Origin representive Georgia Hannaway in the halves, where she will partner with halfback Chantay Kiria-Ratu, who returned last week. Madison Ashby shifts back to the centres to make way for her return, moving Cassie Staples back to the wing with Marewa Samson going to the reserves. However, they will be missing Ellie Johnston due to suspension. Caitlan Johnston-Green comes from the bench to start at prop, where she will be paired with Manilita Takapautolo. Ann-Marie Ratu goes to lock where she was originally named last week. Other changes see Talei Holmes start in the second row after making a successful return last week, set to play her second game after having a baby. Jacinta Carter goes back to the bench where she is joined by the returning China Polata.

Round 9 - Round 9 - Saturday 29 Aug

5:15 am

Roosters

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Corban Baxter

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada Taylor
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Brydie Parker

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica Sergis

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani Gray
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle Kelly

Centre for Sharks is number 4 Madison Ashby
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Jayme Fressard

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Milla Elaro
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Jocelyn Kelleher

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Tarryn Aiken

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-Ratu

Forwards

Prop for Roosters is number 8 Millie Elliott

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Caitlan Johnston-Green
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Keeley Nizza

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Otesa Pule

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Manilita Takapautolo
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Sariah Paki

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Rhiannon Byers
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Jasmin Strange

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Talei Holmes
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Olivia Kernick

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu

Interchange

Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Taina Naividi

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Koffi Brookfield
Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Aliyah Nasio

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Tegan Dymock
Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Rima Butler

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Jacinta Carter
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Amber Hall

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 China Polata

Reserves

Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Taneisha Gray

Replacement for Sharks is number 18 Leilani Ahsam
Reserve for Roosters is number 19 Mia Wood

Reserve for Sharks is number 19 Olivia Herman
Reserve for Roosters is number 20 Shawden Burton

Reserve for Sharks is number 21 Marewakiterangi Samson
Reserve for Roosters is number 21 Nikiah Campbell

Reserve for Sharks is number 22 Filomina Hanisi
Reserve for Roosters is number 22 Tatum Bird