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Wests Tigers v Sharks: Winning group unchanged; Taylor out

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Two new clubs who had success in the opening round of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership clash on Sunday afternoon in a big NRLW double-header at Belmore Sports Ground.

The Wests Tigers and Sharks both got the chocolates in Round 1 to start their time in the women's competition and will now look for back-to-back wins in another first that will come for one club. 

Wests Tigers' key recruits impressed in their victory over the Eels with co-captain Botille Vette-Welsh having a hand in four tries, while Sarah Togatuki and Leianne Tufuga were strong on club debut. 

The Sharks' big names, led by Quincy Dodd, Emma Tonegato and Tiana Penitani all fired as expected to lead the side to an impressive win over the Raiders. 

Both these clubs have some recent history with the 2022 Harvey Norman NSW Premiership grand final coming down to a field goal last year courtesy of Emily Curtain. 

A large chunk of players from both sides featured in the match with plenty of rivalry expected between them despite clashing for the first time in NRLW history on Sunday. 

Team News

Wests Tigers: There are no late changes for the home side. Brett Kimmorley has retained the same 17 who thumped the Eels in their first outing at NRLW level last week, with teenage sensation Losana Lutu to again play a role off the bench. Fullback Botille Vette-Welsh got through her return to the NRLW arena unscathed and was among the best on field for the Wests Tigers. 

Sharks: There are no further late changes. Rookie flyer Jada Taylor dropped out of the squad in Saturday's 24-hour update due to an ankle injury suffered at training, so Andie Robinson moves from the wing to fullback and former Dragon Cassie Staples joins the squad on the flank. Rhiannon Byers (wrist) is out for the remainder of the season and is replaced by Tegan Dymock on the interchange. 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Botille Vette-Welsh
    Fullback for Sharks is number 5 Andie Robinson
  • Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Jakiya Whitfeld
    Winger for Sharks is number 2 Annessa Biddle
  • Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Rikeya Horne
    Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani
  • Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Leianne Tufuga
    Centre for Sharks is number 4 Kiana Takairangi 
  • Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Josie Lenaz
    Winger for Sharks is number 18 Cassie Staples
  • Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Pauline Piliae-Rasabale
    Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Emma Tonegato
  • Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Emily Curtain
    Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Tayla Preston

Forwards

  • Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Sarah Togatuki
    Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
  • Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Ebony Prior
    Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
  • Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 Christian Pio
    Prop for Sharks is number 10 Harata Butler
  • 2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Kezie Apps
    2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes
  • 2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Eliza Siilata
    2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Vanessa Foliaki
  • Lock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Najvada George
    Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson

Interchange

  • Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Sophie Curtain
    Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Sereana Naitokatoka 
  • Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Losana Lutu
    Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Tegan Dymock
  • Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Taylor Osborne
    Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Chloe Saunders
  • Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Folau Vaki
    Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Jazmon  Tupou-Witchman

Reserves

  • Replacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Jessica Kennedy
    Replacement for Sharks is number 20 Maddie Studdon

Match Officials

  • Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • This is the first time the Wests Tigers and Sharks will meet in the NRLW 
  • Both sides will be looking for back-to-back wins for the first time in the competition
  • Wests Tigers fullback Botille Vette-Welsh leads the competition with four try assists 
  • Nine Wests Tigers players who played in Round 1 helped beat the Sharks in the Harvey Norman NSW Premiership grand final last year

Related

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.