The Sharks will look to get their season back on track when they head to North Queensland to meet with fellow newcomers the Cowboys, who are one win ahead heading into Round 5.
Having fallen from fourth to ninth on the ladder after going down to the Wests Tigers and Roosters in recent weeks, the Sharks will be desperate to rediscover the form they opened the season with in their first up victory over the Raiders.
With injuries and suspensions forcing several changes over the past fortnight the new franchise have struggled to produce a 70-minute performance in their recent clashes but sooner or later an early lead must result in a win for the Sharks.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys will be desperate to claim their first victory on home turf after going down to the Broncos 40-12 in front of their faithful in Round 2.
With Indigenous All Stars duo Kirra Dibb and Tahlulah Tillett putting the competition on notice in their first outing as a halves pairing last week, Ben Jeffries' side will be riding high on the back of a last-ditch win over the Wests Tigers.
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Team News
Cowboys: Several late changes on game day with Sera Koroi named to start at hooker and Emma Manzelmann shifting to the bench. Vitalina Naikore dropped out on Saturday with forward Jessikah Reeves replacing her on the interchange bench. Tiana Raftstrand-Smith (head knock) returns at No. 17 while Bree Chester moves into the back row. Tallisha Harden will return at prop after failing to finish last week due to a knee concern.
harks: The Sharks are 1-17 with no late changes. Fullback Jada Taylor returns from an ankle injury with Emma Tonegato shifting back into the halves and Maddie Studdon to the reserves. Kiana Takairangi has been dropped with Georgia Ravics coming onto the wing for an NRLW debut. Chloe Saunders starts at lock with Brooke Anderson to come off the bench while Harata Butler took a $400 fine over a one-match ban for a hip-drop tackle and has been included in the 17.
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Stat Attack
- This is the first time the Sharks and Cowboys will meet in the NRLW.
- The Cowboys have conceded the most penalties this season (29), only one more than the Sharks who have conceded 28.
- Cronulla playmaker Tayla Preston leads the competition in kick metres with 1,362.