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.
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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.
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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