Bulldogs v Sharks: Wilson set to start; Penitani Gray injured
Saturday's clash between the Bulldogs and Sharks presents a golden opportunity for one team to open their account for 2026, with both teams entering the clash without a win.
The Bulldogs have shown flashes of promise. They battled hard against the Titans but struggled to contain Gold Coast's strike power, and they'll be eager to produce a more complete 70-minute performance.
The Sharks pushed premiers Brisbane all the way in Round 2 and threatened a late comeback before falling just short, so their confidence will be high going into this encounter.
The battle between the forward packs could decide everything. Both teams have demonstrated toughness through the middle, but consistency and execution in attacking zones have lacked.
Whichever side converts pressure into points may gain the decisive edge.
Match: Bulldogs v Sharks
Round 3 -
home Team
Bulldogs
9th Position
away Team
Sharks
10th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Bulldogs: No late changes for the Bulldogs, who will line up 1-17. The loss of Pauline Suli-Ruka to a shoulder injury will see Leilani Wilson start in the second row as the Bulldogs chase their first win of the year. Daynah Nankivell is set to start at centre in place of Moana Courtenay, who shifts to 18th player. Latisha Smythe and Maatuleio Fotu-Moala are also back on the interchange for Saturday's match.
Sharks: No further changes on gameday after captain Tiana Penitani Gray was ruled out in the 24-hour update with a quad strain. The representative star was set to play her 50th NRLW game as the Sharks hunt their first victory of the season. Madison Higgins-Ashby will start at centre, with Jacinta Carter coming on to the bench. China Polata is expected to make her return from an arm injury that kept her out of the squad last week, named in the back row in the place of Rhiannon Byers. The Indigenous All Stars representative was forced from the field last week with a shoulder injury.
Match: Bulldogs v Sharks
Round 3 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Sharks
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Andie RobinsonFullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada Taylor
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Simina LokotuiWinger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Daynah NankivellCentre for Sharks is number 4 Annessa Biddle
-
Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Monica TagoaiCentre for Sharks is number 14 Madison Higgins-Ashby
-
Winger for Bulldogs is number 5 Elizabeth MacGregorWinger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia Ravics
-
Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Ashleigh QuinlanFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway
-
Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Tayla PrestonHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-Ratu
Forwards
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Kalosipani HopoateProp for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
-
Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Mary-Jane TaitoHooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
-
Prop for Bulldogs is number 10 Alexis TauaneaiProp for Sharks is number 10 Caitlan Johnston-Green
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Leilani Wilson2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Manilita Takapautolo
-
2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Tamika Jones2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 China Polata
-
Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Angelina Teakaraanga-KatoaLock for Sharks is number 13 Tegan Dymock
Interchange
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Evelyn RobertsInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Latisha SmytheInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Najvada George
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Hope MillardInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Jaydika Tafua
-
Interchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Ma’atuleio Fotu-MoalaInterchange for Sharks is number 18 Jacinta Carter
Reserves
-
Replacement for Bulldogs is number 20 Bridget HoyReplacement for Sharks is number 20 Koffi Brookfield
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Todd Smith
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Bulldogs upset the Sharks 24-14 at Accor in the only previous clash between these clubs.
- The Sharks have lost five of their last six games.
- The Bulldogs have conceded an average of 34 points per game over the opening two rounds.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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