Sharks v Broncos: Penitani Gray returns; Premiers unchanged
The Broncos got their title defence off to a cracking start by demolishing the Cowboys 50-4 in front of a record crowd at Suncorp Stadium.
The reigning premiers ran riot, showing off their depth, speed and attacking polish.
Cronulla, meanwhile, battled hard but could not match Newcastle's class in an 18-4 defeat. The Sharks defended strongly for long periods but struggled to generate sustained attacking pressure, managing just a single try against Ben Jeffries’ disciplined Knights outfit.
In this clash, the key will be whether Cronulla's middle can slow Brisbane's explosive forward pack. If the Broncos generate quick play-the-balls off the back of work done in the middle, Tamika Upton and Ali Brigginshaw will create opportunities all over the field.
For the Sharks to cause an upset, their edge defenders must shut down Brisbane’s strike. Field position and completion rates will be critical.
Brisbane enter this game as favourites, but if the Sharks put in a solid 70-minute performance, anything is possible.
Match: Sharks v Broncos
Round 2 -
home Team
Sharks
10th Position
away Team
Broncos
1st Position
Venue: Ocean Protect Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Sharks: Back-rower China Polata has dropped out on game day and been replaced by Rhiannon Byers. The new player on the bench is Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu while Jacinta Carter is 18th player. Captain Tiana Penitani Gray has overcome a knee injury and lines up for career game No.49 in the centres. A milestone for prop Ellie Johnston as she reaches 50 NRLW games, six years after debuting at the Dragons as a teenager.
Broncos: The premiers are 1-17 with no late changes. Winger Kerri Johnson has scored six tries her last four NRLW games and will look to continue that run as part of an unchanged line-up that heads to Cronulla on the back of a 50-4 thumping of the Cowboys.
Match: Sharks v Broncos
Round 2 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada TaylorFullback for Broncos is number 1 Tamika Upton
-
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie StaplesWinger for Broncos is number 2 Kerri Johnson
-
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani GrayCentre for Broncos is number 3 Georgia Bartlett
-
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa BiddleCentre for Broncos is number 4 Julia Robinson
-
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia RavicsWinger for Broncos is number 5 Caitlin Urwin
-
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia HannawayFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ali Brigginshaw
-
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-RatuHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Jesse Southwell
Forwards
-
Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie JohnstonProp for Broncos is number 8 Lillian Yarrow
-
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy DoddHooker for Broncos is number 9 Jada Ferguson
-
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Caitlan Johnston-GreenProp for Broncos is number 10 Brianna Clark
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Manilita Takapautolo2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Lauren Dam
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 15 Rhiannon Byers2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Romy Teitzel
-
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Tegan DymockLock for Broncos is number 13 Bree Spreadborough
Interchange
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Madison Higgins-AshbyInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Rhemy Hinckesman
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Najvada GeorgeInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Chelsea Lenarduzzi
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Jaydika TafuaInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Shannon Mato
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 18 Anne-Marie Kiria-RatuInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Harlem Walker
Reserves
-
Replacement for Sharks is number 19 Jacinta CarterReplacement for Broncos is number 18 Deleni Paitai
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Todd Smith
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Sharks have won three of their last four games at Ocean Protect Stadium.
- The Broncos have won three of their four games against the Sharks.
- Sharks prop Ellie Johnston will make her 50th NRLW appearance.
- Broncos winger Kerri Johnson has scored six tries her last four NRLW games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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