Sharks v Wests Tigers: Milestone for Dodd; Lutu to start
Cronulla arrive at Magic Round riding a wave of confidence after a gritty 22-10 win over Canberra in Round 4. The Sharks were forced to work hard for their points against a determined Raiders side but showed defensive resilience and composure.
Wests Tigers face a very different challenge after suffering a heavy 48-10 loss to the Sydney Roosters. While the scoreline was not ideal, the Tigers have shown they are capable of competing with the best.
For Cronulla, the focus will be on maintaining the defensive intensity they had against Canberra. The Sharks controlled key moments and never allowed the Raiders to build sustained momentum.
The Tigers, meanwhile, must respond after conceding 48 points. Their attack has been promising in the early rounds of the season, but reducing errors and improving possession will be critical if they’re to challenge a disciplined Cronulla outfit.
Match: Sharks v Wests Tigers
Round 5 -
home Team
Sharks
9th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
6th Position
Venue: Geohex Park, Wagga Wagga
Team News
Sharks: No further game day changes after Tiana Penitani Gray came into the team on Friday in her return from a quad injury. Penitani Gray replaces Annessa Biddle in the centres, who succumbs to a leg injury suffered last week. Rhiannon Byers also came on to the bench in Friday's update in place of Jacinta Carter. Hooker Quincy Dodd and Penitani Gray will each play their 50th NRLW match on Saturday.
Wests Tigers: Five-eighth Losana Lutu moves from the reserves to five-eighth, with Faythe Manera shifting to the interchange. Lutu plays her first game since Round 1 after being cleared of a shoulder injury. Shenai Lendill has also dropped back to the bench on Friday, with Harmony Crichton to start at centre. The other change will see Christian Pio come into the starting side at prop and Shaniece Monschau revert to the interchange.
Match: Sharks v Wests Tigers
Round 5 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Wests Tigers
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada TaylorFullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Caitlin Turnbull
-
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie StaplesWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Emily Bass
-
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Madison AshbyCentre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Namoe Gesa
-
Centre for Sharks is number 22 Tiana Penitani GrayCentre for Wests Tigers is number 16 Harmony Crichton
-
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia RavicsWinger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Lily Rogan
-
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia HannawayFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 21 Losana Lutu
-
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-RatuHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Raecene McGregor
Forwards
-
Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie JohnstonProp for Wests Tigers is number 8 Sarah Togatuki
-
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy DoddHooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Salma Nour
-
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Caitlan Johnston-GreenProp for Wests Tigers is number 14 Christian Pio
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Manilita Takapautolo2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Kezie Apps
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 China Polata2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Shaylee Bent
-
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Najvada GeorgeLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Holli Wheeler
Interchange
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Anne-Marie Kiria-RatuInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 4 Shenai Lendill
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Tegan DymockInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 6 Faythe Manera
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Jaydika TafuaInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 10 Shaniece Monschau
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 18 Rhiannon ByersInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 22 Tyla Amiatu
Reserves
-
Replacement for Sharks is number 21 Filomina HanisiReplacement for Wests Tigers is number 17 Brooke Talataina
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Sharks are chasing back-to-back wins for the first time in 2026
- Wests Tigers have won two of their three games against the Sharks
- Sharks duo Quincy Dodd and Tiana Penitani Gray will play their 50th NRLW game.
- Halfback Raecene McGregor requires five points to break the Tigers’ season point scoring record.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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