NRLW Grand Final preview - Roosters v Sharks

Embed from Getty Images

Sydney Roosters (W) v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (W) Sunday 3:55pm at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park / Wanngal

The Sharks are looking for their first Grand Final win, whilst the Roosters are looking to win their second premiership in their fourth Grand Final appearance since 2018. 

Cronulla had a flying start to their season, winning six in a row, and the only team by Round 6 to have not had a loss yet, comfortably sitting in first place on the ladder. Round 6 saw the Sharks be defeated by the Roosters, 40-0, their worst efforts both in defence and attack. They never won a game in the rest of the regular season, losing to both the Broncos and Tigers, but they made finals sitting on fourth position. Semi-finals saw them face the Broncos, and they got their revenge, beating the Brisbane side as well as keeping them to nil, with a final score of 14-0.  Tony Herman has named an almost unchanged line-up to the side that tasted victory against the Broncos last week, with the only change being the return of Holli Wheeler after serving her one-match suspension. Her return sees Tegan Dymock to revert to the bench, and Chloe Saunders drop out of the side. 

The Roosters started their season with a loss, unable to beat the reigning premiers, the Newcastle Knights, but after that they got on a role winning three in a row. Round 5 saw them be defeated by the Titans, before winning the remaining four matches of the regular season. They were close to winning Minor Premiership; however, their points differential was not enough to beat out the Broncos. They then met the Knights in the semi-finals, and retribution was made, with the Roosters coming out on top 25-16.  Returning to the team via the bench last week after suffering a knee injury in Round 3, Jess Sergis has been named in the starting line up at centre, which sees Jasmin Strange revert to the bench. Jocelyn Kelleher and Tarryn Aiken remain the starting halves line up, with Aiken returning last week after injuring her AC joint in Round 7. 

Already convincingly beaten the Sharks earlier this year, the Roosters have the upper hand also beating the Sharks in their inaugural year.  

Last meeting: Round 7 2024 - Sharks 0 Roosters 40

Who to watch: Joining the Roosters in 2023 after spending four years at the Broncos, Tarryn Aiken is a versatile five-eighth and halfback. In her eight appearances this year she has scored three tries, made six try assists, eleven line break assists and seven offloads. 

Opposite Aiken for the Sharks at halfback, Tayla Preston has been an important player for the Cronulla side. In ten games she has made three try assists and one break assist, but she is yet to score her first try of the season. 

MY TIP: The Sharks have had an unbelievable second year in the NRLW competition, and deserve their place in the Grand Final, however I do not think they will be able to beat the experienced Roosters side. The Roosters can score more points in a game compared to the Sharks, with the Roosters scoring 20+ seven times and the Sharks only three times, and I think it will be a close one right down to the wire. Roosters by 6.

1. Sam Bremner 2. Jayme Fressard 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Brydie Parker 6. Jocelyn Kelleher 7. Tarryn Aiken 8. Millie Elliott 9. Keeley Davis 10. Otesa Pule 11. Amber Hall 12. Olivia Kernick 13. Tiana Davison 14. Tavarna Papalii 15. Jasmine Strange 16. Samantha Economos 17. Pani Hopoate 18. Mia Wood

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 17. Tegan Dymock 11. Talei Holmes 12. Rhiannon Byers 13. Brooke Anderson 10. Holli Wheeler 14. Filomina Hanisi 15. Manilita Takapautolo 17. Vanessa Foliaki 19. Nakia Davis-Welsh

Referees: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Sideline Officials: Rochelle Tamarua, Karra-Lee Nolan; Video Referees: Kasey Badger;