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Match Preview

Roosters v Sharks: Kelly returns; Byers in the mix

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ljmpta.com
Timestamp

The Sharks are determined to rebound from last week’s loss to the Bulldogs when they face the Roosters in a grand final rematch.

The two sides will clash in a prime-time Thursday night showdown at Gosford’s Polytec Stadium.

The Roosters jumped out to a 24-0 lead in last year’s decider before holding off the fast-finishing Sharks to claim the premiership.

John Strange’s side has kept the momentum rolling throughout 2025 and remain undefeated after 10 games. They did, however, get a scare from the Raiders last week but ultimately closed out the contest.

Thursday’s match carries more than just redemption for Cronulla, with the visitors needing a win to secure a home semi-final.

Last week’s shock loss to Canterbury leaves the Sharks sitting precariously in fourth place, level on points with the Knights. Newcastle face the Dragons on Sunday afternoon.

Team News

Roosters: Isabelle Kelly is set for an early return from an oral fracture, with the captain named to line up in the centres. However Corban Baxter's return from an ankle injury remains at least a week away. Kelly's comeback will see Jayme Fressard return to the wing, with Mia Wood moving to the interchange. No changes in Wednesday's 24-hour update with Shawden Burton the 18th player. Corban Baxter (ankle) remains sidelined so Brydie Parker retains the fullback jersey.

Sharks: A change on Wednesday with Nakia Davis-Welsh replaced on the bench by Jacinta Carter. Emerging forward Rhiannon Byers remained in the squad when it was trimmed to 19 and looks a good chance to return from a back injury. Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu is also back on deck.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Brydie Parker
    Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada Taylor
  • Winger for Roosters is number 2 Taina Naividi
    Winger for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples
  • Centre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica Sergis
    Centre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana  Penitani Gray
  • Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle Kelly
    Centre for Sharks is number 4 Grace-Lee Weekes
  • Winger for Roosters is number 5 Jayme Fressard
    Winger for Sharks is number 19 Dominique du Toit
  • Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Jocelyn Kelleher
    Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Emma Verran
  • Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Tarryn Aiken
    Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chantay  Kiria-Ratu

Forwards

  • Prop for Roosters is number 8 Otesa Pule
    Prop for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
  • Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Keeley Davis
    Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Georgia Hannaway
  • Prop for Roosters is number 10 Rima Butler
    Prop for Sharks is number 16 Manilita Takapautolo 
  • 2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Aliyah Nasio
    2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Talei Holmes
  • 2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Jasmin Strange
    2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Jaydika Tafua
  • Lock for Roosters is number 13 Olivia Kernick
    Lock for Sharks is number 13 Brooke Anderson

Interchange

  • Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Mia Wood
    Interchange for Sharks is number 10 Stephanie Faulkner
  • Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Macie Carlile
    Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Tyla King
  • Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Amber Hall
    Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Anne-Marie  Kiria-Ratu
  • Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Eliza Lopamaua
    Interchange for Sharks is number 18 Jacinta Carter

Reserves

  • Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Shawden Burton
    Replacement for Sharks is number 22 Rhiannon Byers

Match Officials

  • Referee: Kasey Badger
  • Senior Review Official: Peter Gough

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • The Roosters have won all three games against the Sharks.
  • The Sharks outscored the Roosters 28-8 in the second half of last year’s grand final.
  • Roosters lock Olivia Kernick has scored four tries in three games against the Sharks.
  • Sharks second-rower Talei Holmes will play her 40th NRLW game.
  • Roosters five-eighth Jocelyn Kelleher requires two points for 250 NRLW points.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the 

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Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.