LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The HNWP Sharks began their season on a positive note, defeating the Eels 26-18 in a challenging match at Sharks Stadium.
After trailing 12-10 at halftime, the Sharks rallied to score three tries in the second half, outpacing Parramatta's two.
Key player Stephanie Faulkner made a significant impact by scoring two tries.
The game started with a mistake from Parramatta that allowed the Sharks to capitalize on a kick from Olivia Herman, leading to the first try of the match by centre Marewa Samson.
Although five-eighth Ella Ropata missed the conversion, the Sharks took an early 4-0 lead.
Following a strong offensive series, Faulkner scored again, with Ropata converting this time to extend the lead to 10-0 shortly after the match began.
However, the Sharks' discipline lapsed, letting the Eels gain advantageous field position.
Despite this, strong defense from Cronulla kept the Eels at bay until winger Ella Carlisle scored in the 18th minute, bringing the score to 10-4 after Tegan Long succeeded with the conversion.