The Sharks will be looking to consolidate their spot in the top four when they take on a Knights side keen to wipe away the disappointment of last week's heavy loss.
Cronulla moved up the ladder following a gutsy 22-14 win in New Zealand over the Warriors and brought about a new style of play with a new-look spine last week, with usual half Georgia Hannaway proving effective in her new dummyhalf role.
Coach Tony Herman also welcomed back Jada Taylor from a long-term ACL injury, with the former junior star set to be better for the run as the Sharks look to build momentum before the finals.
After last week's 46-16 loss to the Broncos, which came after they led 10-0 in the early stages, Knights captain Yasmin Clydsdale assured fans that the team would take individual accountability for the overall performance and would regroup to make improvements for this week's important clash.
Match: Sharks v Knights
Round 9 -
home Team
Sharks
3rd Position
away Team
Knights
5th Position
Venue: Sharks Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Sharks: The loss of Tyla King to a head knock has opened the door for Jada Taylor to start at fullback after making a successful return from an ACL injury last weekend. Emma Verran shifts to five-eighth to replace King, while Georgia Hannaway will start at hooker after a late move to the role last Sunday. Jaydika Tafua has been listed in the reserves as she looks to return from a finger injury.
Knights: A handful of changes for Newcastle as they look to steady the ship following back-to-back losses, with Tenika Willison named to make her return from a leg injury in the centres. Lilly-Ann White is also back in the side on the wing, with Tess Staines ruled out with a fractured wrist, and Evah McEwen returns to the forwards to help cover the loss of Kayla Romaniuk (suspension). McEwen has been named in the back row, with Jules Kirkpatrick shifting to lock.
Match: Sharks v Knights
Round 9 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Knights
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada TaylorFullback for Knights is number 1 Botille Vette-Welsh
-
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie StaplesWinger for Knights is number 2 Sheridan Gallagher
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Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani GrayCentre for Knights is number 3 Shanice Parker
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Centre for Sharks is number 4 Grace-Lee WeekesCentre for Knights is number 4 Tenika Willison
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Winger for Sharks is number 5 Georgia RavicsWinger for Knights is number 5 Lilly-Ann White
-
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Emma VerranFive-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Georgia Roche
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Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay Kiria-RatuHalfback for Knights is number 7 Jesse Southwell
Forwards
-
Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie JohnstonProp for Knights is number 8 Tayla Predebon
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Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Georgia HannawayHooker for Knights is number 9 Olivia Higgins
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Prop for Sharks is number 17 Caitlan Johnston-GreenProp for Knights is number 10 Tiana Davison
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2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Evah McEwen
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2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Rhiannon Byers2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Yasmin Clydsdale
-
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke AndersonLock for Knights is number 13 Jules Kirkpatrick
Interchange
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 10 Stephanie FaulknerInterchange for Knights is number 14 Joeli Morris
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Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Nakia Davis-WelshInterchange for Knights is number 15 Viena Tinao
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Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Anne-Marie Kiria-RatuInterchange for Knights is number 16 Sienna Yeo
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Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Manilita TakapautoloInterchange for Knights is number 17 Grace Giampino
Reserves
-
Replacement for Sharks is number 18 Jacinta CarterReplacement for Knights is number 18 Fane Finau
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Sharks are aiming for their fourth consecutive victory.
- Knights winger Sheridan Gallagher has scored five tries in her last five games.
- Sharks five-eighth Emma Verran has scored eight tries in her last six games.
- The Knights have conceded 76 points in their last two games.
- Sharks winger Cassie Staples has scored seven tries in her last nine games at Sharks Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the
