In what will be the club’s only NRLW trial before the season proper, the Cronulla Sharks held the Wests Tigers to nil as they won by twenty two points.
The Sharks and Tigers, both new teams to the NRLW competition, needed time to find their feet and their way in the contest.
But it would be the Sharks who took the lead through utility Brooke Anderson, who was playing at lock, when she burrowed over after a lovely pass from her hooker.
The conversion was slotted by Tayla Preston and the Sharks looked to add to their lead, doing so soon after.
One player that Sharks fans are watching closely is Emma Tonegato who is making the transition from fullback to five-eighth this season.
Showing her class no matter where she played, Tonegato was then able to both start and finish the play for the Sharks second try.
Scooting out of dummy half, she found Quincy Dodd on her outside before Dodd passed the ball back inside for Tonegato.
Try as they might, the Tigers attack lacked polish and execution, despite several solid chances to score.
The third Sharks try was scored by Jada Taylor who many Sharks fans believe is a star of the future and she showed why yet again.
Off a scrum play, Taylor took the pass at first receiver, split the Tigers defence and raced 50m to score a runaway try.
Up 16-0 at half-time, the Sharks were in control as the second half turned into somewhat of a defensive slog and an error-riddled contest, particularly from the Tigers.
The sole try of the second half was a second for Taylor when she pounced on a loose ball after a Maddie Studdon bomb.
The hit-out gave both teams a chance to give all their players a run, the Sharks only without veteran Hollie Wheeler who is still on the sidelines injured.
Cronulla Sharks 22 (Taylor 2, Anderson, Tonegato; Goals: Preston 2, Studdon 1) def. Wests Tigers 0.
NRL News Player of the Game
3. Jada Taylor (CRO)
2. Annessa Biddle (CRO)
1. Emma Tonegato (CRO)
