With both sides desperate to start the season off well having missed the finals in 2023, it would be the Cronulla Sharks who wrapped up a win, taking it out 14-0 over the North Queensland Cowboys.
The Sharks side which boasts plenty of talent had some of their stars step up in many ways but it was somewhat of an unsung hero that stole the spotlight with her two-try effort.
The Cowboys made their defensive intentions known very early as Tiana Raftstrand-Smith put on a mammoth front-on shot to rock Sharks’ veteran Holli Wheeler.
As the Sharks worked their way into the contest, two of their stars combined for the opening try as Emma Tonegato found a bit of space for Tiana Penitani and the experienced centre was able to just coast her way to the line.
The Sharks did have a chance to extend their lead soon after but this was denied by the bunker, deeming that a Sharks player interfered in the ruck, thus not allowing defenders the chance to tackle Quincy Dodd.
But it would not matter too much, as a few minutes later, Tonegato and Penitani were again involved, this time for winger Cassie Staples to score her first try of the season.
And the Sharks left side would again prove its potency, this time with Jada Taylor sweeping and providing the last pass for Staples’ second try.
The Cowboys would come awfully close to nabbing a four-pointer but Krystal Blackwell had her foot over the sideline when grounding the ball.
Try as they might, the Cowboys execution ultimately let them down but they can take pride in their efforts overall.
Sharks coach Tony Herman was pleased with his side’s first showing and their defence.
“I thought the girls defended awesome; that was our plan throughout the week and throughout the pre-season, we’ve worked really hard on our defence,” said Herman.
Cowboys coach Ricky Henry knows the side has it in them but admits that the opportunities they had lacked polish.
“Up and down,” said Henry, when asked how he thought his side went.
“We had enough opportunities, we just didn’t ice them.”
Ricky’s Player of the Match
3. Tiana Penitani (CRO)
2. Emma Tonegato (CRO)
1. Cassie Staples (CRO)
