Avoiding picking up the wooden spoon for the first time in their history as an NRLW club is the motivation for the Eels this week, while the Sharks look to earn a fourth win in their maiden campaign.
It's been a sobering fall from grace for Parramatta in 2023 after playing in the Grand Final 12 months ago, with things failing to click for their new-look roster which has experienced some untimely injuries.
In addition to needing to beat the Sharks, the Eels will require the Cowboys to lose and then still need to make up a large gap in differential points in order to avoid a last-placed finish.
Meanwhile, despite other results meaning a 16-8 win over the Dragons last week wasn't enough for the Sharks to keep their finals hopes alive, there has been plenty to like from them in their first season.
The Eels were narrow 28-22 losers in their only prior game at GIO Stadium earlier this year, while Cronulla have lost three of their four games away from PointsBet Stadium in 2023.
Match: Eels v Sharks
Round 9 -
home Team
Eels
10th Position
away Team
Sharks
6th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Team News
Eels: Changes on Saturday saw Monique Donovan come into the centres for Lindsay Tui, who reverts to be 18th woman, and Ruby-Jean Kennard-Ellis take over at prop from Tyla Amiatu. The new face on the bench is Madeline Jones in jersey No.20. There were no further changes an hour from kick-off.
Sharks: No late changes, with Tony Herman to field an unchanged squad for the side's final clash of the season after a victory against the Dragons last week. Holli Wheeler is free to play after accepting a warning for Dangerous Contact in Round 8. Five-eighth Emma Tonegato has been at her running best in the last fortnight, with three line breaks and 170-plus running metre efforts in both games.
Match: Eels v Sharks
Round 9 -
home Team
Eels
away Team
Sharks
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Eels is number 1 Abbi ChurchFullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada Taylor
-
Winger for Eels is number 2 Zali FayWinger for Sharks is number 2 Georgia Ravics
-
Centre for Eels is number 4 Cassey Tohi-HikuCentre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani
-
Centre for Eels is number 19 Monique DonovanCentre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle
-
Winger for Eels is number 5 Kimberley HuntWinger for Sharks is number 5 Cassie Staples
-
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Pihuka Berryman-DuffFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Emma Tonegato
-
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Rachael PearsonHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla Preston
Forwards
-
Prop for Eels is number 8 Talesha O'NeillProp for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
-
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Rueben CherringtonHooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
-
Prop for Eels is number 16 Ruby-Jean Kennard-EllisProp for Sharks is number 10 Tegan Dymock
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Amelia Mafi2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Mahalia Murphy2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Vanessa Foliaki
-
Lock for Eels is number 13 Kennedy CherringtonLock for Sharks is number 13 Holli Wheeler
Interchange
-
Interchange for Eels is number 14 Taneka TodhunterInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Sereana Naitokatoka
-
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Noaria KapuaInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Harata Butler
-
Interchange for Eels is number 17 Jade FonuaInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Brooke Anderson
-
Interchange for Eels is number 20 Madeline JonesInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Chloe Saunders
Reserves
-
Replacement for Eels is number 18 Lindsay TuiReplacement for Sharks is number 18 Maddie Studdon
Match Officials
- Referee: Darian Furner
- Senior Review Official: Belinda Sharpe
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- Emma Tonegato's 87 line engagements this year are 13 more than the next best in the competition.
- With 142 dummy-half runs through eight games, the Eels run from the ruck more than any other side this year.
- The Sharks average a competition-high 519.9 post-contact metres per game.
