NRLW grand final teams: Tarryn Aiken to battle AC joint injury in final, Holli Wheeler returns for Sharks
The Sydney Roosters have named a number of star players to start the grand final who are battling injuries, while the Sharks are set to be boosted by the return of a star forward. See the full NRLW teams analysis.
Sydney Roosters star Tarryn Aiken refused a needle at halftime in the semi-final, but she will reconsider for Sunday’s NRLW decider as she manages a return from an AC joint injury.
The Jillaroos half and Dally M Medal hopeful has been named to start against Cronulla in Sunday’s grand final at Accor Stadium after getting through her return to the field unscathed.
Although there were initial concerns about a painkiller injection numbing her passing ability, the 25-year-old set up two tries in Sunday’s win over Newcastle, also kicking a field goal late to squash any doubt about her fitness after two games sidelined.
“It pulled up good, a little bit sore but better than expected to be honest,” she said on Monday.
“I had to get it injected before the game, and I had to pass a few contact tests and stuff like that but it worked out.
“(A halftime injection) was an option (against the Knights), but it was feeling pretty good so I didn’t do it, but I probably will next week.
“Towards the back end of the game I could start feeling it a bit.”
It reunites a successful halves combination with Roosters half Jocelyn Kelleher, who has been an underrated key for the Roosters this season.
“She’s been unreal for us, she played awesome (against the Knights). Her kicking game is really good and really valuable. She’s been unreal this season, even last year,” Aiken says.
“We’ve got a really good connection.
“Early on in her career she got tossed around a few positions, even at the start of this year she was coming off the bench playing a bit of lock, playing a bit of hooker.
“I’m really happy for her that she’s nailed down the halves position.”
Aiken is one of a handful of players carrying injury woes into the grand final with skipper Isabelle Kelly (elbow) and Jess Sergis (knee) all named to face the Sharks.
Cronulla will also receive a boost with prop Holli Wheeler named to return from suspension in a move that pushes Tegan Dymock to the bench in place of Chlose Saunders.
Wheeler, who is a former NSW Origin and Jillaroos star, will add much-needed experience for the Sharks who are pushing for a maiden title in just their second season in the NRLW.
It’s the only change for the Sharks after staging an ambush on minor premiers Brisbane in Sunday’s semi-final at Totally Workwear Stadium.
NRLW GRAND FINAL TEAMS
ROOSTERS vs. SHARKS
Sunday, 3:55pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney
Roosters
1. Sam Bremner 2. Jayme Fressard 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Brydie Parker 6. Jocelyn Kelleher 7. Tarryn Aiken 8. Millie Elliott 9. Keeley Davis 10. Otesa Pule 11. Amber Hall 12. Tiana Davison 13. Olivia Kernick
Interchange: 14. Tavarna Papalii 15. Jasmine Strange 16. Samantha Economos 17. Pani Hopoate
Roosters: 18. Mia Wood 19. Mya Hill-Moana 20. Taina Naividi 21. Eliza Lopamaua 22. Shannon Rose
Sharks
1. Emma Tonegato 2. Cassie Staples 3. Tiana Penitani 4. Annessa Biddle 5. Georgia Ravics 6. Georgia Hannaway 7. Tayla Preston 8. Ellie Johnston 9. Quincy Dodd 10. Holli Wheeler 11. Talei Holmes 12. Rhiannon Byers 13. Brooke Anderson
Interchange: 14. Filomina Hanisi 15. Manilita Takapautolo 16. Vanessa Foliaki 17. Tegan Dymock
Reserves: 19. Nakia Davis-Welsh 20. Chloe Saunders 21. Dominique Du Toit 22. Sharni Smale 23. Leki Leilua
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