Round 2: Eels v Sharks NRLW preview
The first game of a NRLW triple header on Sunday sees two teams looking to remain undefeated as the Parramatta Eels come up against the Cronulla Sharks at Allianz Stadium.
Both teams are coming off good starts to the season, with Parramatta condemning the Brisbane Broncos to yet another round one loss while Cronulla held the Cowboys scoreless at Shark Park. Former Eels Tiana Penitani and Tayla Preston come up against their own club, both having played in the Eels 2022 grand final loss.
Last year was dire for the Eels, winning just one game all season on their way to the clubs inaugural spoon in the women's competition. It saw the dawn of a new day, with Dean Widders making way at the end of the season for Steve Georgallis. The switch seemed to have worked wonders last week, with a rejuvenated Eels side matching their 2023 win total in round one. Despite the loss of Rueben Cherrington, the Eels dominated the Broncos in every facet to come out 22-10 winners. Rachael Person seemed to find a new lease at halfback and will look to continue that against her old halves partner in Tayla Preston.
The Cronulla Sharks won 14-0 last week against a spirited Cowboys team, with the Sharks defense getting plenty of praise from coach Tony Herman in the post-game press conference. The goal-line defense in particular was a great sight to see after the struggles of last year, with the first half raid of the Cowboys right edge enough to secure the points. The one talking point from the Sharks attack was how it fell away after the third try, with the Sharks committing 14 errors - something that can not happen if they want to win against a determined Parramatta side.
The Eels have been forced to make a couple of changes, with Rueben Cherrington and Boss Kapua out for the season with a syndesmosis and knee injury respectively. Taneka Todhunter gets promoted to the starting line-up this week, with Chloe Jackson making her debut and Rosemarie Beckett moving from 18th player to the bench.
The Cronulla Sharks remain unchanged from last week's win against the Cowboys, notably one of three teams who are currently unable to name a full squad of 22 this week.
Last meeting: Round 9 2023 - Eels 6 Sharks 56
Who to watch: Last week was Rachael Pearson's welcome back party to form, and she will no doubt want to back that up against one of the premiership favourites. Her kicking game was on point last week, with a try assist and a 40/30 coming off her boot to go with 3/5 from the tee. A new combination with Cassey Tohi-Hiku looks to be in fine order, with Pearson looking in the form that secured her a NSW jersey to start this years Origin series.
It is a no brainer here, Tiani Penitani of, if not the premier centre in the NRLW. Strong as an ox, quick on her feet and with the captains armband in tow, Penitani will be a threat that every team wants to shut down in 2024. The Eels know her better than most, but that also means that Penitani will know more about the Eels defensive system alongside Tayla Preston. I expect plenty of work down the Sharks left edge as they try to replicate last week's attacking performance.
MY TIP: It is a game that, based on last week's efforts, could go either way. Parramatta want to show that their win was not a fluke and in fact, a sign of things to come out west. For Cronulla, it's a chance to fine tune their attack that seemed off kilter at points last week against a side desperate to better themselves on last year. As tempting as it is to go for the upset, a Cronulla side that limits their errors should be too good for the vastly improved Parramatta. Sharks by 6.
