NRLW finals: Emma Tonegato insists Cronulla Sharks can trump Brisbane Broncos despite form slump

Cronulla have stumbled into the NRLW finals after three losses on the trot. However, Emma Tonegato insists the Sharks aren’t sinking and that they can book a grand final ticket at the expense of the minor premiers Brisbane.

Three losses in three weeks is a horror run into the NRLW finals but Emma Tonegato insists the wheels have not fallen off Cronulla’s premiership campaign as they prepare to face minor premiers Brisbane on Sunday.

After a blowout 40-0 defeat to the Roosters in round 7, the Sharks have backed it up with a last minute loss to the Broncos and a shock fall to the wooden spooners Wests Tigers on Thursday night.

They have no choice but to recover quickly with a do-or-die clash with the Broncos at Totally Workwear Stadium on Sunday, while the Sydney Roosters host two-time premiers Newcastle at Allianz Stadium.

“I think we maybe needed that when we look back,” Tonegato said of the loss to the Roosters at the launch of the NRLW finals in Sydney on Monday.

“That Broncos game, you know we were right in it to the last second.

“Just a little time lapse, and again we’ve learned our lesson from there.

The four remaining sides set to battle it out for the NRLW premiership. Picture: NRL Imagery

“We haven’t reviewed last week’s game yet, but I know for fact we created a lot of opportunities (against the Tigers).

“We just kind of aren’t delivering on that final pass.”

The sudden slump comes after the Sharks were leading the competition coming into round 7 on an undefeated streak to start the season.

“Sometimes, you know, things happen and I’m pretty confident we’ll be able to get back to that,” Tonegato says.

“It is do or die, so we don’t have a choice.”

It’s the biggest test for the club to date, in just their second season as part of the NRLW.

Emma Tonegato is confident despite the Sharks’ form slump coming into finals. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

BRONCOS REMATCH

It’s been two weeks since they were beaten in the dying seconds by the hot Broncos, with forward Chelsea Lenarduzzi barging over to score in the 70th minute for a 20-16 win.

Chelsea Lenarduzzi broke Cronulla hearts in their last meeting. Picture: NRL Photos

The win kept a seven-match winning streak alive for the Broncos, who are red hot coming into the finals led by skipper Ali Brigginshaw and dynamo Gayle Broughton.

“They’ve been pretty clinical the last couple of weeks, obviously they’ve got a great spine with Ali and Gayle there,” Tonegato says.

“Gayle brings that little bit of flair and then she connects really well with Mele (Hufanga) on the edge.

“As well that, they have a great forward pack.

“We’ve got a lot to be aware of, but I think also at the same time we need to focus on ourselves and just really be able to deliver a clinical performance.”

RUGBY CONNECTION

Broughton, like Tonegato, is a former Rugby 7s star and the two have had their battles as New Zealand and Australia representatives over the years.

Gayle Broughton, like Tonegato, is a former 7s star. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Broughton was also a part of the New Zealand squad that went on to lose the gold medal match to Tonegato while playing for Australia at the Rio Olympics, along with Sharks teammate Sharni Smale.

“Gayle always brought that x-factor she’s got that step, she’s got that speed and she’s brought that across to league,” Tonegato says.

“(The former rugby sevens players) bring that professionalism and experience and they’re just great people and they’re so willing to learn and that’s like really humbling.

“I think a lot of the girls are taking a lot from that.

“They’ve been at the Olympics and they’re pinnacle of their sport and they’re coming over and they’re doing extras they’re asking questions and I think that that’s really inspiring.”