NRLW Match Preview: Must-win in final home game of season
The Warriors return home looking to rebound after a tight 22-18 loss to the Dragons in Round 9, while the Sharks arrive in New Zealand with redemption on their minds after being comfortably beaten 36-8 by the ladder-leading Roosters.
For the Warriors, this is a must-win clash. Sitting in the middle of a congested ladder, every competition point is crucial as the race for the top six enters its decisive stages.
Injuries continue to test Cronulla's depth, but they remain a dangerous side capable of troubling any opponent when their attack clicks and gets their groove on.
Expect the Warriors to lean heavily on their physical middle rotation and strong ball-carrying game. Their ability to dominate possession and start fast will be key against a Sharks outfit that has struggled to contain elite opposition in recent weeks.
With both teams desperate to get a much-needed win, this could be a cracker.
Match: Warriors v Sharks
Round 10 -
home Team
Warriors
7th Position
away Team
Sharks
12th Position
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Warriors: A change on Friday with Tysha Ikenasio coming out of the side due to an ankle injury and being replaced on the wing by Payton Takimoana in No.18. Mya Hill-Moana and Natalia Hickling remain in the squad as the reserves. Ivana Lauitiiti will miss the next two games with suspension, with forward Metanoia Fetalaiga coming on to the bench in her place this week.
Sharks: Winger Milla Elaro has dropped out in Friday's 24-hour update with her place taken by Marewakiterangi Samson in jersey No.19. Hooker Quincy Dodd is set to make an early return from a broken arm, while Georgia Hannaway (ankle) has been named on the bench. Ellie Johnston is back from suspension and will start in the front row with Manilita Takapautolo shifting to the second row, Annemarie Ratu at lock and Tegan Dymock on the bench. Kiwi star Annessa Biddle is listed among the reserves as she nears a return from a knee injury.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Anastasia SekeneFullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada Taylor
-
Winger for Warriors is number 2 Lavinia TauhalalikuWinger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples
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Centre for Warriors is number 3 Mele HufangaCentre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani Gray
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Centre for Warriors is number 4 Stacey WaakaCentre for Sharks is number 4 China Polata
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Winger for Warriors is number 18 Payton TakimoanaWinger for Sharks is number 19 Marewakiterangi Samson
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Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Gayle BroughtonFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Madison Ashby
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Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Patricia MaliepoHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-Ratu
Forwards
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Prop for Warriors is number 8 Annetta NuuausalaProp for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
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Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Jasmin HuriwaiHooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
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Prop for Warriors is number 10 Matekino GrayProp for Sharks is number 10 Caitlan Johnston-Green
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2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Maarire Puketapu2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Manilita Takapautolo
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2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Shakira Baker2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Talei Holmes
-
Lock for Warriors is number 13 Kaiyah AtaiLock for Sharks is number 13 Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu
Interchange
-
Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Capri PaekauInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Georgia Hannaway
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Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Harata ButlerInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Jacinta Carter
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Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Ashlee Matapo
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Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Metanoia Fetalaiga
Reserves
-
Replacement for Warriors is number 21 Mya Hill-MoanaReplacement for Sharks is number 15 Tegan Dymock
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Reserve for Warriors is number 19 Natalia HicklingReserve for Sharks is number 17 Filomina Hanisi
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Reserve for Sharks is number 21 Stephanie Faulkner
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Reserve for Sharks is number 22 Annessa Biddle
Warriors Ins
- Mya Hill-Moana
- Natalia Hickling
- Payton Takimoana
Sharks Ins
- Annessa Biddle
- Ellie Johnston
- Georgia Hannaway
- Marewakiterangi Samson
- Quincy Dodd
- Stephanie Faulkner
Warriors Outs
- Ivana Lauitiiti
- Tysha Ikenasio
Sharks Ins
- Koffi Brookfield
- Leilani Ahsam
- Milla Elaro
- Olivia Herman
- Rhiannon Byers
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Warriors have won three of their four games on home soil this season.
- In their only previous clash, the Sharks downed the Warriors 22-14 in Hamilton (in 2025).
- Warriors winger Lavinia Tauhalaliku has scored six tries in two games at Go Media Stadium.
- The Sharks have conceded 108 points in their last three games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
