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Sharks v Knights: Byers steps in; Dibb's Newcastle return
Cronulla Sharks host Newcastle Knights to kick off the much-anticipated 2026 NRLW season on Thursday night at Ocean Protect Stadium.
With plenty of player movement since last season – most notably Knights halfback Jesse Southwell joining the Broncos – Round 1 will be the first proper look at where teams have landed.
The Sharks are looking strong with reigning Dally M Prop of the Year Ellie Johnston and Caitlan Johnston-Green forming a fearsome combination in the front row alongside fellow Jillaroo Quincy Dodd at hooker.
For the Sharks, this is a chance to begin the campaign with authority at home, particularly after promising signs from halfback Chantay Kiria-Ratu in a trial against the Roosters.
No Southwell, no problems as Knights edge past Sharks
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Newcastle have started life without Jesse Southwell in victorious fashion, grinding past Cronulla 18-4 in a heated start to the NRLW season.
After their star playmaker departed to Brisbane in one of the biggest off-season moves, questions were raised on how the Knights would fare after making last year's preliminary final.
They shrugged off their doubters at Ocean Protect Stadium on Thursday, running in three tries to one to get their season up and running.
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Cross-code star shines on NRLW debut as Knights win season opener
Knights recruit Sidney Taylor, one of the many women who crossed from rugby sevens to the NRLW this year, had a stellar debut as Newcastle defeated Cronulla 18-4 in the first game of the season on Thursday night.
The former Australian rugby sevens star had a huge impact at right centre, churning out a match-high 183 run metres from 16 carries and setting up a try as Newcastle took down Cronulla at Shark Park.
Shanice Parker chalked up the first try of the season – and Taylor set it up.
The 23-year-old scooted onto a Kirra Dibb cut-out ball, hit the accelerator, drew Sharks winger Cassie Staples to create an overlap, and dished off the ball to Parker, who dived and scored in the 10th minute.
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