Broncos v Sharks NRLW Semi Final preview

Embed from Getty Images

Brisbane Broncos (W) v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (W) Sunday 2:05pm at Totally Workwear Stadium, Coorparoo / Turrbal

The Broncos are aiming for redemption after being knocked out during week one of the Finals in 2023, whilst the Sharks are playing in their first finals series, after only joining the competition last year and finishing in sixth. 

Brisbane had a rough start to their season, losing in both Round 1 and 2, to the Eels and Roosters respectively, though they didn't let this get them down. The Broncos then went on to win seven matches in a row, fighting back in the final minutes of multiple matches to get a win, which saw them take home the 2024 Minor Premiership after Round 9. Last week, they convincingly beat the Dragons albeit being a slow, back-and-forth start to the match, where they scored four unanswered tries in the final 20 minutes of the match, ending with a final scoreline of 44-14. 

Scott Prince has named an unchanged line-up, with the same starting seventeen set to take the field, after being able to continually get the job done, with Lauren Dam remaining on the wing in place of injured Stacey Waaka. Despite leaving the field early last week with back/hip issues, Romy Teiztel has been named in the second row for the Broncos. 

For the Sharks their season started on a strong note, winning six games in a row and happily keeping top of the ladder warm and toasty, but then they met the Roosters in Round 7. They were unable to put any points on the board against the Roosters, losing 40-0. This was then followed by a loss to the Broncos in Round 8, with the Brisbane side scoring a match winning try in the final 20 seconds, and then losing to the Tigers by two points in the final game of the regular season. They finished the season in fourth place, making a small fall from grace after an impeccable start. 

With Holli Wheeler accepting a one-match ban for a high tackle in last week's game, it forces the Cronulla side to make some changes. Tegan Dymock is promoted from the bench and starts at prop for the first time this season, and her gap on the bench is filled by Chloe Saunders. Despite suffering respective knee and head knock injuries last week, both Rhiannon Byers and Brooke Anderson have been named to play. 

Brisbane have the upper hand against the Sharks, winning both their match-ups in 2023 and earlier this season in Round 8, however the Sharks will be looking for revenge and to make their first Grand Final appearance. 

Last meeting: Round 8 2024 - Broncos 20 Sharks 16

Who to watch: Joining the Broncos in their inaugural year and being an absolute try scoring machine, Julia Robinson, will be looking to get her tenth of the season this week, having scored in seven of the nine games so far this year, including two doubles. She has also made two try assists, fourteen line breaks and 57 tackle breaks. 

Joining the Sharks in their inaugural year after previously playing for the Dragons, Cassie Staples has had a solid season so far on the wing. Scoring three tries (including a double), as well as having made three try assists, six line breaks and 42 tackle breaks.  

MY TIP: Both sides have a lot to play for, with the Sharks playing in their finals series, and the Broncos looking to return to the Grand Final for the fourth time, after missing out on finals in 2022 and losing in the semi-finals in both 2021 and 2023. The past few matches for the Brisbane side have needed them to dig deep to get the win, and hopefully they bring that energy with them to this finals game, which won't be an easy win. For the Sharks, they have hit a bit of a rough patch, which could work both for and against them, though they have no easy task coming up against the in-form team of the competition right now. Broncos by 12.

1. Hayley Maddick 2. Julia Robinson 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Shenae Ciesiolka 5. Lauren Dam 6. Gayle Broughton 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Brianna Clark 9. Jada Ferguson 10. Annetta Nuuausala 11. Mariah Denman 19. Tazmin Rapana 13. Keilee Joseph 14. Destiny Brill 15. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 16. Lavinia Gould 17. Tafito Lafaele 18. Skyla Adams

1. Emma Tonegato 2. Cassie Staples 3. Tiana Penitani 4. Annessa Biddle 5. Georgia Ravics 6. Georgia Hannaway 7. Tayla Preston 8. Ellie Johnston 9. Quincy Dodd 10. Tegan Dymock 11. Talei Holmes 12. Rhiannon Byers 13. Brooke Anderson 14. Filomina Hanisi 15. Chloe Saunders 16. Vanessa Foliaki 17. Manilita Takapautolo 19. Nakia Davis-Welsh

Referees: Belinda Sharpe; Sideline Officials: Rochelle Tamarua, Tori Wilkie; Video Referees: Kasey Badger;