Match Report: NRLW Trial vs Sharks

Wests Tigers had a tough first hit-out in their NRLW trial at PointsBet Stadium on Saturday, falling 22-nil to Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.

Dominant defence from the Sharks and a double to fullback Jada Taylor ensured the home side led from the front, with Wests Tigers unable to respond.

Cronulla burst out of the gates to score two tries inside the opening 15 minutes. Brooke Anderson crashed over following a healthy break downfield from fullback Taylor before some quick hands down the left edge gave Emma Tonegato her first.

Taylor again used her blitzing pace from the scrum base, dashing 60-metres to score under the posts.

Strong goal-line defence from Cronulla negated several attacking sets from Wests Tigers, with the home side leading 16-nil at the break.

The Sharks scored in their first visit to Wests Tigers’ red zone in the second half when Jada Taylor pounced on a fumble from Losana Lutu to grab her second.

In her time at fullback, Tess Staines pulled off a sensational one-on-one try saver, before making a line break assist the following set.

There were some other positives to take out of the game including Botille Vette-Welsh’s long-awaited return from injury, and a very strong defensive performance in the middle by Najvada George.

It was a very first outing in Wests Tigers colours for several players including Jakiya Whitfeld, Rikeya Horne, Sarah Togatuki, Leianne Tufuga, Salma Nour and Brooke Talataina.

Taylor’s second try was the only try of the second half with the home side securing a 22-nil trial game victory.