Cronulla Sharks captain Tiana Penitani Gray is set to return to the field for the first time since sustaining a fractured patella during the State of Origin season opener in May. Penitani Gray, who suffered the injury while playing for the New South Wales Blues in their win over Queensland at Magic Round, has been sidelined for the past two rounds, including a Round 1 loss to Newcastle. The 30-year-old will start at centre as the Sharks prepare to face the reigning National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) premiers Brisbane Broncos on Thursday.
The upcoming match is highly anticipated following the Broncos’ emphatic 50-4 victory over North Queensland in Round 1. Meanwhile, the Cowboys, adapting to their Round 2 match against the Wests Tigers at Townsville, will feature Ash Marsters, the most experienced Wallaroo, who is set to make her NRLW debut. The Wests Tigers, however, have been dealing with injuries ahead of the fixture; centre Rikeya Horne suffered a leg injury during last week’s captain’s run and is expected to be sidelined for an extended period.
Other teams have also encountered injury setbacks this week. The Gold Coast Titans will be without Queensland stars Destiny Mino-Sinapati and Jess Elliston for their Saturday clash against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. St George Illawarra have made adjustments following a head injury to Nita Maynard-Perrin during their defeat to Canberra. Brooke Anderson, who was recently named captain, will move to the dummy half position, while Zali Hopkins returns to the bench after missing Round 1.
The Newcastle Knights will be missing Georgia Roache for their game against the Sydney Roosters after she received a one-match suspension for dangerous contact on Cronulla’s Chantay Kiria-Ratu during the season opener. Parramatta Eels will be without emerging talent Boss Kapua for the next two rounds after she was sin-binned for a high tackle on Tigers winger Emily Bass in Round 1. Additionally, Warriors prop Mya Hill-Moana is set to miss their upcoming match against Canberra due to suspension for a hip drop on Bulldogs star Tayla Preston.
These developments have forced teams to adjust their lineups as the NRLW competition continues into its second round, with injury management and player discipline playing significant roles in team preparations.