NRLW squad watch: Sharks chasing immediate success

They've been one of the pioneer clubs in women's rugby league and after five seasons of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership, Cronulla now get their chance to build something special. 

The Sharks missed out on a foundation NRLW licence in 2018 and since then have strategically made big moves on and off the field to ensure they wouldn't be denied this time around. 

Evident in their inaugural squad put together in 2023, Cronulla have plenty of respect in the women's circle with 16 of the 24 players in the top squad having NRLW experience from previous clubs. 

There are plenty of players returning to where it all began in the Shire while a couple of big name recruits complement a team that has the potential to immediately make an impact on the competition in their first campaign. 

Round 1 Predicted Team

1. Jada Taylor 2. Andie Robinson 3. Kiana Takairangi 4. Tiana Penitani 5. Annessa Biddle 6. Emma Tonegato 7. Tayla Preston 8. Ellie Johnston 9. Quincy Dodd 10. Rhiannon Byers 11. Vanessa Foliaki 12. Talei Holmes 13. Holli Wheeler 14. Brooke Anderson 15. Fatafehi Hanisi 16. Harata Butler 17. Tegan Dymock.

Other: Fiona Jahnke, Sereana Naitokatoka, Georgia Ravics, Chloe Saunders, Cassie Staples, Maddie Studdon, Jazmon Tupou-Witchman.

Biggest strength 

Cronulla's versatility and depth in most positions, particularly for a new club, is one of the best in the competition and gives coach Tony Herman plenty of options for the nine-week regular season prior to the finals.

Former NSW and Australian halfback Maddie Studdon makes a return to the NRLW after missing out on a contract last season but is likely to have to bide her time with Emma Tonegato and Tayla Preston preferred in the halves. 

Her former Eels halves partner Sereana Naitokatoka is also in the Sharks squad while Jada Taylor is locked in at fullback.

The Sharks forward pack and backline is also versatile with the likes of Taylor, Tiana Penitani, Kiana Takairangi and Andie Robinson all capable of shuffling around if required.

During the recent Sharks trial it was rookie Anessa Biddle who got a start on the wing over Cassie Staples while Rhiannon Byers started up front.

Injured Jillaroos forward Holli Wheeler (knee) is no guarantee to be available for Round 1 with Brooke Anderson to start at lock if Wheeler is out.

Biggest question mark

Tonegato's switch to the halves is untested and it will be interesting to see whether it works long-term alongside Preston.

The pair combined well in their trial against the Sharks but it's the first time Tonegato will have played consistently in the halves during her time in rugby league.

She has spent time as a lock in the past 12 months across various sides including the Jillaroos at the World Cup and recently spoke about the want to get her hands on the ball more.

While she has the pedigree to make it work she's unlikely to support Preston with a kicking game and will be predominantly a ball-runner and organiser.

If the move works then it will spell danger for opposing sides but if it doesn't the Sharks have some time to adjust and multiple other options to work out a plan.

Best buy

The signing of Emma Tonegato was a huge get for obvious reasons but to land Tiana Penitani at the last minute just enables the Sharks to enter the finals talk straight away.

Penitani starred for the Sky Blues in Origin II and is a notable strike weapon out wide so to get her in Sharks colours a season earlier than expected is a bonus the side will want to take advantage of. 

The Sharks junior will start in the centres but could easily move to the wing or at fullback if required. Her two seasons at the Eels included four tries, four try assists and eight line breaks in 10 matches.

Rookie to watch

She has been on the radar for a while and after a couple of false starts there is every chance Fatafehi Hanisi makes her NRLW debut this year.

The younger sister of Broncos forward Filomina Hanisi, Fatafehi was cruelled by a knee injury last year and missed out on featuring for the Dragons last year before being snapped up by the Sharks.

A hard-running forward just like her sister, Hanisi has come through the NSW junior systems and was named player of the Tarsha Gale Cup in 2021.