Two new clubs who had success in the opening round of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership clash on Sunday afternoon in a big NRLW double-header at Belmore Sports Ground.
The Wests Tigers and Sharks both got the chocolates in Round 1 to start their time in the women's competition and will now look for back-to-back wins in another first that will come for one club.
Wests Tigers' key recruits impressed in their victory over the Eels with co-captain Botille Vette-Welsh having a hand in four tries, while Sarah Togatuki and Leianne Tufuga were strong on club debut.
The Sharks' big names, led by Quincy Dodd, Emma Tonegato and Tiana Penitani all fired as expected to lead the side to an impressive win over the Raiders.
Both these clubs have some recent history with the 2022 Harvey Norman NSW Premiership grand final coming down to a field goal last year courtesy of Emily Curtain.
A large chunk of players from both sides featured in the match with plenty of rivalry expected between them despite clashing for the first time in NRLW history on Sunday.
Match: Wests Tigers v Sharks
Round 2 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
1st Position
away Team
Sharks
6th Position
Venue: Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney
Team News
Wests Tigers: There are no late changes for the home side. Brett Kimmorley has retained the same 17 who thumped the Eels in their first outing at NRLW level last week, with teenage sensation Losana Lutu to again play a role off the bench. Fullback Botille Vette-Welsh got through her return to the NRLW arena unscathed and was among the best on field for the Wests Tigers.
Sharks: There are no further late changes. Rookie flyer Jada Taylor dropped out of the squad in Saturday's 24-hour update due to an ankle injury suffered at training, so Andie Robinson moves from the wing to fullback and former Dragon Cassie Staples joins the squad on the flank. Rhiannon Byers (wrist) is out for the remainder of the season and is replaced by Tegan Dymock on the interchange.
Match: Wests Tigers v Sharks
Round 2 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
away Team
Sharks
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Botille Vette-WelshFullback for Sharks is number 5 Andie Robinson
-
Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Jakiya WhitfeldWinger for Sharks is number 2 Annessa Biddle
-
Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Rikeya HorneCentre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani
-
Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Leianne TufugaCentre for Sharks is number 4 Kiana Takairangi
-
Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Josie LenazWinger for Sharks is number 18 Cassie Staples
-
Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Pauline Piliae-RasabaleFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Emma Tonegato
-
Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Emily CurtainHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla Preston
Forwards
-
Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Sarah TogatukiProp for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
-
Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Ebony PriorHooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
-
Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 Christian PioProp for Sharks is number 10 Harata Butler
-
2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Kezie Apps2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes
-
2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Eliza Siilata2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Vanessa Foliaki
-
Lock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Najvada GeorgeLock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson
Interchange
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Sophie CurtainInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Sereana Naitokatoka
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Losana LutuInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Tegan Dymock
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Taylor OsborneInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Chloe Saunders
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Folau VakiInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Jazmon Tupou-Witchman
Reserves
-
Replacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Jessica KennedyReplacement for Sharks is number 20 Maddie Studdon
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- This is the first time the Wests Tigers and Sharks will meet in the NRLW
- Both sides will be looking for back-to-back wins for the first time in the competition
- Wests Tigers fullback Botille Vette-Welsh leads the competition with four try assists
- Nine Wests Tigers players who played in Round 1 helped beat the Sharks in the Harvey Norman NSW Premiership grand final last year
