One step further edition

NRLW
>GAME 1
Cronulla Sharks v Parramatta Eels
7:45pm AEST on Fox, Kayo and Ch9
Sharks Stadium, Sydney
1.37-3.10
>The 2025 NRLW season kicks off from Sharks Stadium with last year's runners-up Cronulla taking on Parramatta. Cronulla enter the campaign desperate to avenge last year's grand final defeat to the Roosters and they're eager to make a winning start to their season. Tiana Penitani Gray is set to line up in the centres with the Sharks looking to play an entertaining attacking style. Parramatta came agonisingly close to a finals appearance last season and will be looking to make an early statement on Thursday night. Fullback Abbi Church is set to hit the ground running after making her State of Origin debut during the Blues' series win and shapes as a key figure in the Eels attack. For the Sharks, NSW star Emma Verran has been named at fullback as she looks to return from a procedure to remove a melanoma in her back. Tiana Penitani Gray and young gun Annessa Biddle will start in the centres, with Georgia Hannaway partnering with former Titan Chantay Kiria-Ratu in the halves. Quincy Dodd will wear the No.9 jersey while Nakia Davis-Welsh is set to make an impact as the bench utility. Talei Holmes and Rhiannon Byers will start in the back row, with Brooke Anderson at lock. For the Eels, Rachael Pearson and Cassey Tohi-Hiku are set to link up in the halves for the season opener, with Abbi Church to line up at fullback. Elsie Albert and Breanna Eales have been named in the front row, with Rueben Cherrington at hooker. England international Paige Travis is set to make her NRLW debut in the back row. The Sharks have won both games against the Eels (2023 and 2024). The Eels won four of their five away games in 2024. Sharks prop Ellie Johnston has scored three tries in two games against the Eels.
Sharks 1-12 2.55
Sharks 13+ 2.55
Eels 1-12 3.80
Eels 13+ 9.25
Sharks -7.5 1.90 Eels +7.5 1.90