NRLW 2026 Launch

[00:00:01] The Royal Motor Yacht Club Port Hacking is a hidden gem of the Shire, situated on the banks of the beautiful Port Hacking. It's a great place to catch up with friends, celebrate your birthday or any special occasion, and they always show the NRL live on the big screens. The RMYC Port Hacking, proud sponsors of this podcast and big supporters of the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks. Check out their website rmycph.com.au

[00:00:26] They've got a Facebook page or you could go old school and call them on 029523 9300 Hey there, welcome to SharkCast, part of the podcast dedicated to the greatest sporting club in the history of the world, the mighty Cronulla Sutherland Sharks. My name is Sam Shinazzi, OG2015. Just returned from the 2026 NRLW launch down at Somersault Restaurant.

[00:00:55] Thanks to the Sharks for having me, I truly appreciate it. I love this club so much and it was an honor to be there. A very intimate setting and some true believers, sponsors, full squad. And I've got to tell you, it's a very impressive squad, a very well-balanced team all over. There's some depth there, some superstars, and I'm pretty pumped for the NRLW season starting Thursday week down at Mount Smart Stadium against the Knights. 7.45 kickoff, get your tickets please.

[00:01:22] If you are thinking about going, attending, get down there. It's going to be a great night and I really believe in this team. Tonight only strength of that. So a great night for the Sharks. Very well presented. Alana Ferguson did the hosting. What you're going to hear is some interviews she did with a bunch of players and staff. And I think you'll get a lot out of it. Our friend Dylan Wright provided some musical entertainment, which was great. And great to catch up with him as always. But the stars of the show were the 2026 squad.

[00:01:51] And they spoke great. They look great. It's been pointed out that they lost on the scoreboard against the Roosters on the weekend. But I watched that game and when both teams were on, the Sharks led. So don't take too much out of that trial match. The Roosters ended up winning, I think, by 20 points or something. But when the two teams were on their starting teams, the Sharks were winning. They can match it with the best this year. Stay healthy or even reasonably healthy because there's a bit more depth this year.

[00:02:19] And you'll see that in the squad photos and from all the promotion coming up in the next week. And I have to point out there's some amazing brand new ideas from the Sharks. NRLW campaigns happening, which you'll find out about in the coming days, no doubt. It looks amazing. We're spoilt to see some previews tonight. And some really great, I guess, media campaigns to get everyone behind the team. From kids through to adults. I'm on board, in case you couldn't tell. I've been on board since day one. I love this club. I love this team.

[00:02:48] And your NRLW team has been really competitive in the few years it's been going. And there's no reason to think this year won't be any different. Coming up, you'll hear interviews from all the stars you want to hear from. This is NRLW 2026. You'll be hearing a lot more about the team on this podcast. I love this club. Up, up, Cronulla.

[00:03:13] It gives you hope that this team is exactly that and has what you need come grand final week, come October, but to make your way through. Yeah, look, there's some really strong clubs out there, but we're a really strong club too. We've recruited really well, we feel. We've got over half of our squad are still foundation members. You know, as Dino said, we've only been around for three years. But, you know, in that time, we've had a grand final game, we've had a grand final qualifier.

[00:03:42] You know, if you look at a team like the Roosters, we're a trial against the Roosters for a reason. You know, we want to play there. And we look forward to playing there. And it's important for us, you know, we've started the season and finished the season playing them over the last couple of years. So, you know, this team's been built to, you know, put us in a position to play some really, really good football. And as I said at the start, you know, if we continue to put those traits into our footing, you know, those results will look after themselves.

[00:04:09] But, you know, we're not lost on the fact that, you know, we've got a really good squad and a very skillful squad. So, yeah, we're looking forward to it. Guns, what did you see from the trial and in the pre-season on a more technical side? Footy terms that makes you excited as a coach with what you've got to work with. Is there different attacking structures or plays that you want to build on or you feel like you can with some of your combinations this season? Yeah, I think we're strong across the park. You know, I think we've got a really good middle. We showed that the other day.

[00:04:36] You know, we went toe-to-toe with them early and we were looking for that. And, you know, we probably wanted to move the ball a little bit more than what we did previously. And I thought we showed those traits again. And, you know, and then when we played off the back, you know, we had good speed. We presented some really good shape. So that trial against them, you know, it doesn't go much towards the end of the season or anything. But it's a really good start for us and the way we're playing at the moment. And the girls trained so well last night.

[00:05:04] And you find after a game like that, you can have a little bit of a downspill. But the girls came in, had a great session and really showed where they want to be in round one and beyond. So, yeah, it's going to be exciting. Yeah, I mean, I've even been able to chat to a few of the girls and the expectations from them seem really positive and quite high. Off the back of the trial pre-season, what are your expectations? You've made a grand final and a pre-lin. 2026. I mean, I think we'll be in the grand final. What are you thinking, coach?

[00:05:32] And what gives you those thoughts in the lead up? Because you do have a fair few games to get through until then. Yeah, yeah, there's a few rounds before we get there. Yeah, look, we don't really want to put a target on where we want to be. I think every club would say they want to be in the grand final, they want to win the comp. You know, we don't walk away from that. You know, but if we, as I said, if we can keep putting together our footy and play strong, tough Sharks footy and have a brand of footy that we're proud of,

[00:05:59] if we can present that week in, week out, those results will come off the back of that. And with the squad we've got, we'll present ourselves in a way that there'll be a lot of teams we won't want to face us, that's for sure. The depth of this squad is continuing to grow year on year as well. I'll get a chance to chat to your leadership group and Tiana soon, how crucial are those girls in the leadership group for this massive squad that you've got with so much potential? Yeah, we've got an amazing leadership group, you know.

[00:06:28] The way those girls work with one another, we've got a younger squad at times this year, you know, with some of the girls we've brought in. And we really like the fact that we promote from within. We're not a club that can go out and buy the best players in the comp and do that sort of thing. So we need to promote from within and with that you need a really strong leadership group. And that allows those girls, you know, in this rugby league world, for, you know, a young girl to be able to express herself within, you know, our areas of footy and stuff.

[00:06:56] And that only comes from our leadership group. The way they conduct themselves, the way they let their girls be authentic and be themselves. And we're very, very proud to have them part of our club. There's a little bit of fighting for positions too. I mean, it can be tricky sometimes, but we're in a semi-professional sport. You've got a team that doesn't necessarily scream 1 to 13. You've got some players with elbows out trying to earn those jerseys. Do you love that as a coach or is that something you're finding a little bit tricky? No, I love it.

[00:07:25] I love it. You know, as a lot of the girls have said to me, you know, you're going to have some headaches around one. And, you know, we don't recruit for players 23 and 24. We recruit for players that we think can make out starting 13 and 17, et cetera. So, for us, that just gives us more depth. And it means that everyone fights for a position. And one of the things we say to all the girls or anyone that wants to come into this environment is no one's guaranteed a position and you have to come here and fight.

[00:07:53] And if you want to go to another club where you're guaranteed fullback or you're guaranteed something, then we're not the club for you. You come here and you fight. There's not one other person in that change room that's not fighting with you. And we'll put out our best seven, eight week in, week out. Can we just play already? I know you're excited for the season ahead. You've got a great team around you. Is there anyone that you want to thank or that you're enjoying this journey with before we say go well next week?

[00:08:19] Yeah, we probably don't want to sort of nominate anyone in particular. It's really hard because we're really, really happy with where we're at. But in saying that, you know, I think it's the first full pre-season Jada Taylor's had. And so I'm really, very excited to see what she can do. I think she's a phenomenal talent. And so we're excited about that. I think seeing Caitlin come back this season after having baby Amara. Baby Amara is very quick to give me a look up and down. Oh, no, she's a good person.

[00:08:49] If I'm talking too long, she certainly lets me down, which is really cool. And look, obviously having, you know, Maddie actually come across, you know, we're excited to see what she can do. But, you know, we need to be patient there. You know, Maddie's had, I think, four sessions with us. And, you know, she played well on the weekend. But, you know, we need to be patient. But, look, there's, you know, the good thing about our club is, you know, whether it's top 24, our four dev girls, or our two supplementary, each girl has improved.

[00:09:17] And that's all we ask from in the pre-season is to get better and work on your craft. And I think that those girls have done that throughout the season. We can't wait to see it. We can't wait to see you get to work. Everybody put your hands together for your coach. $2,026 million. Actually, keep it going because I'm going to get your captain up here now, Tiana Penetani-Gray. Okay, you walked up here with no limp. Slightly nervous after Origin. You went away with a knee injury, which was hard to tell while the game was playing.

[00:09:47] How are you going? How is it? Yeah, going great. Look, during that game, obviously, the adrenaline's flowing through your veins. So I didn't realise how bad it was until I came off the field at full time and took all the strapping tape off that was holding my knee together. And, yeah, I was told I had to basically sit still in a knee brace for six weeks, which I wouldn't say I'm undiagnosed ADHD, but I've definitely got the traits. For me, that was really tricky after coming off the back of a really solid pre-season.

[00:10:13] And then I think the luxury of that meant that I was here on induction day for the first time ever with our crossover for State of Oregon and NRW pre-season. So it meant that I got to, I guess, hit the ground running with the girls. I'm obviously out of the brace now and I've started running. So everything's going well. So you've been in the rehab group for the most of pre-season? Yes. Yeah. I mean, at least you've still got some hair in your head. I mean, I would have pulled mine out by now. What was that like? What's the experience like? Not necessarily being out there, but I guess being a leader from a different perspective? Yeah, I guess it really challenged me.

[00:10:43] But I think I feel like I've grown in that sense of being tested again and having to kind of watch the girls bond and connect. I'm usually, you know, in the thick of it with them at this time of the year. So it's been nice on my body to have a little bit of a break. But it's been so nice just to watch these girls bond and work hard. You know, I want to echo Tony's words on the shape that the girls have come back in. Our baselines are through the roof from week one.

[00:11:11] So it's a credit to what effort the girls have put in throughout that off-season period. And I know there was a group of us that live locally that were training from November, December. And I know how hard those girls have worked. So for me to be able to sit back and just watch them do their thing and get to the point that they have up to now has been a real treat for me. And I've been able to just chip away, you know, and not have to be too involved and just chime in wherever they need me. It must be nice to see your teammates do that ahead of the pre-season.

[00:11:38] But also you've got some new faces, which are really exciting. In the team this year, who are some of the players that you're looking forward to playing with that you haven't had the opportunity to yet? Yeah, look, we've done really well. Where we lost talent last year, I think we recruited incredibly and just, you know, feel those positions like for like. So Tony mentioned Maddie Ashby, she's a really new recruit for us coming across from the other side and really excited to see how she develops and, you know, seeing her back in this game where it kind of started for her.

[00:12:07] And I think I'm really excited about having the girls from up north, China and Nevada, join us as well. And having Tegan back home as well has been a really exciting thing for us. We know she plays her best footy when she's with us. So it's nice to see her back here, back at home. And she looks great. She's been killing it in the pre-season. So I think everyone has. It's hard to single them out. They're just kind of more the new faces that have come back. But I think everyone is genuinely competing for jerseys 1 to 17.

[00:12:34] And I don't envy our coaches for picking a team next week. It's going to be tough, but I know that they'll pick the right team. I was going to try and pick Tony's brain. I was like, I don't feel like he's in the room. We'll just see how it plays out. Teamless Tuesday. I know that you love being a leader of this group. What's so special about the team that you've got here? Because that's what rugby league is, right? It's the team at the end of the day. That's what's come first. And you're the lucky one that gets to lead them. Yeah, look, I think one of our values is humility.

[00:13:03] And I think every single one of the girls and our staff as well absolutely live by those standards. It's the humility within this group. Not only are we a talented bunch of footballers, but we're so humble and so proud to represent this community. And every time the girls walk through the door, they're always looking out for each other. And they're so selfless and putting each other before themselves. And I just love that. I love how everyone walks in the door their authentic selves. And as Tony said, you know, that's how you get the best out of these players.

[00:13:31] And I think we've really got the recipe right here. And it's something that we've worked really hard on over the last three to four years in building this program. Something that we really pride ourselves on. And I know that when they're recruiting for this club, that's absolutely at the top of the checklist is recruiting good people first before you look at how they play football. So I think that's something that I'm so proud of is just knowing how incredible these girls are as people, not just footballers. I can't let you go without talking about the Bubbers as well.

[00:14:01] Isn't it just? It puts life in perspective. It puts footy in perspective. But it must be nice turning up to training with the girls running around as well, just there in support. Emma's about to have her bub. What are you banking on, boy or girl? I'm saying boy. I think boy too. Yeah, I'm saying boy. But it must be so nice to have them a part of the team as well. Yeah, it absolutely is. And you said it, Virgo, like when you lose a game or when you've had a hard day, you come off the field and you've just got these beautiful little faces looking at you. And they've got a million aunties here now.

[00:14:29] And it does just put life into perspective that, you know, it's not that bad. And at the end of the day, footy's a game. And life means so much more than that. And I think that's a really important perspective to have. But we're so lucky to have the little ones around and soon to be another one with M about to pop soon. So, yeah, we're so fortunate. I don't know what's in the water here in Cronulla, but don't worry, there's no more pregnancies as of yet. Right ahead of next Thursday, Ocean Protect Stadium at home. Do you have a message for the members and the sponsors?

[00:14:58] Yeah, firstly, I just want to thank all of the sponsors and the members for your ongoing support. We really feel the love, especially this time of the year as we're gearing up for our season. We absolutely couldn't do what we do without you guys and your investment. But yeah, get your tickets, head down, support the girls, the first game of the season. It's going to be unreal. It always is. And we can't wait to do the crowd. I remember going to watch Alana play at Shark Park back in the day when there wasn't an NRLW team.

[00:15:26] So it just feels, I want to say again, it's a true honour to be here. I just finished a 22 day tour and listening to coach talk, I wanted to run through a wall. I also played. But I'm about to go and play over in Ukraine, which is getting bombed every night. And I know he was talking about not feeling that pressure of anything.

[00:15:51] And I think for me, sport and music are such an incredible thing for me since I've been born. And especially this club and this area. So it's just a real privilege to be here tonight. And I thank you again. But this is a song called Simply the Best.

[00:16:32] I'm going to kick things off with Amara, Caitlin, because Tony's already let us all know that she's been giving him a bit of stick. But what's it been like for you? She's over one now? She's over one. She's over one. So she's well and truly got her personality. But what's it like for you having her here in and around the group this season? No, it's been great. I think obviously last year having her and coming into a space I missed out on most of preseason.

[00:16:58] So to bring her in, obviously a year later, the girls have just really adapted to her really well. I think vice versa. She loves the girls. They're all her aunties. And she's got a lot of uncles there too. So they make my job easier as a mum but also as a player. So they do take care of my hands when I come to training. And Cass is one that always is straight there to go. Or it's Jadika. So she has her favorites. But I say probably they're all very clucky with us.

[00:17:27] That's one of the best bits as a mum, isn't it? Just turning it over and tuning out for a little bit. They toss it back for once. Or the part of it or more. It's your first preseason, real preseason for a couple of years. Mentally, physically, how do you feel like you're shaping up ahead of the season? Yeah, it's been a long, obviously, two or so years. I haven't really had a preseason. Just constantly having issues with injuries and stuff like that.

[00:17:51] But no, it's been good to obviously have a preseason with the girls and just create a better connection with the girls and a bond. And I was pretty fortunate last year, played three games and injured myself again. So just to get into the amongst the girls and learn how to play the shape that Tony teaches us is, yeah, it's a different type of footy I've played before. But it's definitely something I reckon we can succeed in. Are you excited about that shape and that change? Oh, definitely. Like, I'm licking my lips for a premiership here.

[00:18:21] So let's go. This is what I want, the emotion. Bring it out. Quincy, what about yourself? You earned yourself a Jalaroos jersey. You've been in and around the Origin, the Blues camp. How do you feel ahead of the season? Yeah, look, both two amazing campaigns in the jewellery and the Therodren arena there. But nothing compares to the Canaan Sharks and representing this club and this community. So I just can't wait to get out there. I've been really quite positive this year with the 2026 season.

[00:18:50] And I know that we are going to take baby steps round by round. But we know what we need to do to get there. And I can't wait to be around this group. We toss the word community around and how important it is as a team. But that shark on your chest that you wear so proudly, what does it truly mean to you to have that shirt on now, but your jersey, but to be able to represent this great club every day of the week and particularly in those big games? Yeah, look, everyone kind of knows my story that I was born and raised in Cronulla.

[00:19:16] And I went to Willoway Public School, went to Cronulla High School, played for the Cronulla Carrion Bar, did Tasha go through Cronulla for sharks. And I know that this club has the potential to make a grand final and win a grand final. So the group that we have here, the whole 30, 24 players, two subs and four dev. I know that we and Tony, the coaching staff, will get us there. And like I said, it is going to take those baby steps to get there. But yeah, I can't wait to win a premiership for this club.

[00:19:46] And when we do it, we're just going to be holding our heads so hard when we do it as well. Feeling good. Love that. But for yourself, did you get a chance to go back to New Zealand before diving in? Yeah, absolutely. I always try my best to go back home like for pre-season or at the end of the year. Just spend time with family and just fill my cup and reset for the following year. And what are you doing when you go home there? Is it pure family activities? What do you like to do for fun?

[00:20:14] Yeah, just all my family's back home. So it's more so just spending time with them. Yeah, I love that. When you're representing New Zealand in the international games, you were in the back row. When you got the Sharks jersey on, we've seen you in the centres. Are we going to see a similar thing this season? Do you know where a coach is going to chuck you? Is it still out on an edge? You could play anywhere. We've seen her play. She's off the rails. I mean, I definitely bet on my running game more than anything. But in all honesty, at the end of the day,

[00:20:42] it's just also whatever's best for the team or wherever Tony puts me out doing my best to do my job. And you can put heads on for him anyway too. You've kind of nailed that a few times. Yeah. You spoke about a little bit of the shade, Caitlin, in terms of your attacking play. What excites you the most about this squad? Not necessarily the type of footy that you're playing, but the people that you get to play alongside and train alongside, because we know how important that is to earn your jersey and get out on the big stage.

[00:21:08] Yeah, I think I'll give a big recognition to Shante. She stepped up in the Origin Arena this year and absolutely killed it. So to play in an arena like that, and that's a pitiful of our game too. So for her to take that into both her hands and just give it a hard crack, I actually think she was probably one of the best in the park. Shante is a Queenslander. I was going to say, could be wise. She's very good.

[00:21:31] But yeah, I'm excited to see Shante's flourish in this, you know, in our game and what our style is. And she's still very young. So yeah, I'm just excited to see it. She's an incredible footballer. Got a great boot on her. Have you noticed a difference since she's come back from her three games representing Queensland in the Sharks jersey and how she's been around training? Confidence. She's got a lot of confidence in herself. She had it before as well, but it's just grown to another level.

[00:21:56] And yeah, I can set up to six sides to see her thrive in this group and yeah, really just lead around as a leader as well. Because we do obviously look at our hubs to lead us around the park. And yeah, she's someone I do admire in that position. Love that. What about for you, Quincy? Confidence is obviously going to be crucial this season. What gives you confidence in this team that you can go one step better? I mean, we've mentioned already throughout the night that you've made a grand final and a prelim.

[00:22:22] You'll chip away each game, but the end goal is always going to be there. What gives you confidence about this squad and those women in particular? I think we've got really good depth in our squad. So I feel like it's like we mentioned before, Tony's going to have a massive headache for round one. And that's such an amazing thing to have as a coach because we've just got so many amazing athletes in this room. And it's going to obviously come down week by week, like I said.

[00:22:51] But we like to have our word of the week. And I feel like when we stick to that word of the week, we'll get the job done as well. So yeah, everyone, the whole 30, I'm just so excited for all of them. Is the word of the week, does it happen throughout preseason or just ahead of game day? Head of game day. Okay. Do we have our word for next week? Not yet. All right, I'm keen to find that out. This is my weekly mission. Forget teamless Tuesday. I'm a word of the week. No, no, come on, give me something.

[00:23:17] Anessa, for you, we've got so many new faces here in the Cronulla Sharks jersey this season. Are there players that you've enjoyed linking up with training that maybe have taught you something or shone a new light on playing rugby league for this great club? I think everyone basically helps me within my game. So just be credit to everyone. What about being a part of this leadership group and leading these women? How much does that mean to you? It means a lot. Only because, like, obviously I'm not really big with words.

[00:23:47] I also just show it through my actions. So that's why I'm just trying to, you know, help lead through that. You can help. Yeah, well done. I mean, speaking of other people absolutely self, I can tell you about how crucial is her leadership, whether it be through actions or words. But to be a part of this group, you three, alongside Tiana, how special is it for you to be able to come together and lead these women? And we can see how much it means. It is really special. She is a woman of no words.

[00:24:18] Sometimes you don't need words, right? Yeah. I think she pretty much summed it up for herself. Like, she does lead with actions. And I think in that video we watched, she wins all of our play the balls and she's so hard to tackle. Like, I used to hate playing against Vanessa and now I'm on a team. Thank God. But no, she, you know, obviously being a part of leadership with Ness and Quince and Tia as well, like, I think Ness has really shown, you know, what she can offer. And she's a quiet person, but when she speaks up, everyone listens.

[00:24:47] So she's definitely someone I think we all listen to and just admire what she says because, like I said, she's so quiet. But when she speaks, it means something. So you better listen. Love that. Before I let you go, Quince, Maddie Ashby, your old Tasha teammate. And she's back. She's back home finally. How special is that for you? And what are you keen to do out there in the footy field with her when she gets a crack? Yeah, look, I'm so excited to have Maddie back with me. It's been eight years since I've played rugby league with us.

[00:25:13] So finally put her back into the black, white and blue here at Canala Sharks. But she's a player that could honestly play anywhere. So I'm really excited to see where she can fill into this team. And yeah, she's obviously a leader in the Australian Sevens team in that space too. So I'm still learning off her as well as much as she's learning off me. So I'm so happy to have her back. And I can't wait to win another premiership. Well, not a premiership, but win a grand final with her again. I feel like you two would be a very dangerous duo when you get a win and you've got a little

[00:25:43] bit of a night out in the Shire. So steer clear from that, everyone around. Okay, before I let you go, I'd actually love to hear from all of you because I think it's so important to be a part of this group but also recognise who you get to do it alongside. We got to hear from Tiana before, your captain. What does she mean to you as a leader in this group but also to the women that you get to be alongside? She's so articulate in the way that she speaks, whether she's working for Fox at training. She's an incredible footballer.

[00:26:13] We saw her origin performance play through a horrific knee injury. So she's as tough as it comes. But to have her as a teammate and someone that you can always lean on, how important is that for you individually as footballers? Yeah, I think for T, obviously we haven't really had her in our pre-season but she's been there obviously with injuries and stuff. So just having her presence is more than enough. And I think she's similar to Nessa when she speaks, people listen.

[00:26:40] So having T in and around the team and obviously her as our captain, there's a reason Tony's put her as our captain. And she's another one that leads from actions as well. But yeah, she's just great in everything. Like the way she spoke earlier, I think I kept saying to the girls, like she just speaks so well. She's amazing. But I think, yeah, she's hard. It's like, I can't even, I don't even have the words for it. But she's definitely deserving of the captaincy.

[00:27:06] And you know, we'll just try and listen in the background and do what we can as co-captains or in leadership, I guess. So yeah. I also like a lot of work behind the scenes that probably this squad of 30 and staff don't realise as well. So that's what a great leader does, does the hard work behind the scenes. And then when it is training on game day, she'll let the rest of us obviously lead as well. But when she speaks, like CJ says, eyes are all on her and we're ready to go.

[00:27:34] Ness, you spoke before about how important it was to go home and see your family. Is that something that T helps encourage in the team? Is that something that's going to be a part of the team is the connection, not just to your teammates, but making sure that you do have your family close by? Because she is, if anything, a family first girl. Yeah, like coming over in 23, she's definitely been welcoming. And she's also a role model that I've obviously looked up to ever since I came over and I try better my craft off her.

[00:27:59] So yeah, even though she's in rehab, her presence is obviously not. So yeah. She's amazing. All right, everyone, please join me in thanking your leadership group for 23. We're actually going to rip into our next panel straight away. Oh, I'm sorry. You really did kill it though, Sante. How was it? Three games with the Queensland jersey on.

[00:28:26] You truly deserve that honour and the representation, but watching those games and your performance, your composure, the ability to take it up an extra notch when the pressure was on, I thought was outstanding. How did it feel as a footballer on the origin field? Yeah, it was such a huge honour to go out there and put the Mariners jersey on. It wasn't just for me, but it was also for my state and my family.

[00:28:52] But honestly, when I got that opportunity, I just took it with two hands and yeah, I just enjoyed myself. And yeah. Caitlin mentioned that she noticed your confidence. Do you feel like that's the case? Yeah, 100%. And a big thanks to CJ. Love that message. But yeah, coming out of origin, I think my confidence has definitely increased and I'm hoping to bring that hair to the Sharkies footy and keep going on my game.

[00:29:20] It's an important trait to harness too, isn't it, Jada? Making sure that we support our mates when they do well, but also bring out that confidence. What have you enjoyed about playing alongside Sante? Yeah, I think we actually speak about this a little bit behind her back, but she's got like... Classic chips. I don't know, I don't know. She's got aura. Like I know it's such a new word being thrown around, but she does have this aura of like,

[00:29:47] I know she says she feels like she's come back with confidence, but she's the same. She doesn't say anything, but I think her calmness is like so respected amongst the team. It doesn't matter if we're running out for a preliminary final or she's playing origin or whatever. Her demeanour doesn't change and I feel like that's so rare. I'm the opposite. I just annoy everyone. But yeah, it's so cool and she's so cool, calm and collected all the time. So it's good to hear that she's more confident than ever because we look our best when she's confident. Love that.

[00:30:17] Maddie, welcome back. Hi. How good. How does it feel wearing that Shark shirt? It feels unreal. It's a full circle moment. So being back in the blue jersey again is exciting and I can't wait to see what the season has ahead. You've had a pretty incredible run through Rugby Sevens. You get to travel the world, but you're back to Rugby League and as you said, like back to your roots, like this is awesome. It's important. What are you looking forward to most about coming back to Rugby League and when you get your chance?

[00:30:44] I know you had a crack in the trial in the second half, but getting out on the footy field on the big stage. Yeah. So Rugby League was my first sport. That's the first thing I ever played, so I always knew, even going across that rugby space, that I was always going to come back here. And it's exciting to come back and play for Cronulla because I played in the Tash Gale Juniors alongside Quincy and Tale and against the limelight of Hittlin Johnston. She played in Newcastle. So against... Oh, you must be happy you're on the same team. Yeah, I'm excited to play with her.

[00:31:13] But it's just exciting to come back and I can't wait to see what this season has ahead. One thing Tony has instilled is that this group is very big on connection and I can feel that coming in. It radiates up all of you. So it's exciting to be a part of this group. I know you may not even know where you're going to play or what your role is, but what have you enjoyed getting back into league? Because it is a very different game. I mean, you've got to go back and get on side. Instead of jumping up, you've got to try and wrestle. You know what I mean?

[00:31:43] Like, it's completely different. What have you enjoyed about picking back up on some of those skills where you left off eight years has it been? Is that how long? That's crazy. I definitely felt the contact from the weekend. I was still a bit sore. But coming back and playing with a squad of 13 is definitely different. So right now I'm learning the shapes and structures. And it is challenging, but I'm up for a challenge and I love that. So it's... Oh, sorry. It's exciting to get to do this with this group of girls.

[00:32:10] I'm excited to watch because even just like seeing you play footy along the way, rugby seven, back in the day, more importantly, rugby league. If you haven't watched Mads play any footy, like she's a genuine footballer. So I'm excited to see how you use throughout the season. And wherever, as you said, wherever you're put, I know that you'll take it under your wing and you'll absolutely kill it. So I can't wait for that. Shanta, I'd actually love to pick your brain a little bit. We've spoken about the shape and how it's changed a little bit this season. Also very excited about that.

[00:32:39] Have you enjoyed employing some of those different structures and making sure that the people on the inside and outside of you, when you're in the halves, are picking up and doing the right thing? Yeah, I think for... Maybe just a little short ball. Yeah, I think for me, something I've really taken on this season is I have those early comms, early connections with my edge or through the middle. But I think Tony's really instilled that in me. And yeah, that's something I'm going to take in.

[00:33:09] Do you have constant conversations with Tony about the style of footy, like being a half, the style of footy that you want to play and you want to execute? Yeah, I think Tony really backs me with what I do. So he kind of just says whatever I see is just back myself and take those opportunities because if it's missed, then I'll definitely get sprayed for it. But I mean, he wants me to be a better footy player. So I think he's a fool in that in me. Are you a footy nerd? Do you watch much footy? I do. I love to watch a bit of NRL.

[00:33:39] So whenever the footy's on, I'll be chucking that on him. Who's some of your favourite, not teams, but players to watch? For me, mine's Nathan Cleary, particularly because it was kicking game. And I think that's where my kicking game has been growing, just watching him do his kicks. And yeah, I reckon he'd have him covered just quietly. Jade, a great mix of experience, but also some fresh faces in your side this season. What excites you about that?

[00:34:07] Yeah, I think, I don't know about our footy changing too much, but it's definitely, we're evolving. And I think that's what's so exciting. We've had all these years of, you know, understanding our footy and getting better. And we need to execute this year, which is really, really exciting. And I think we have the team. It is really exciting. I'm 22 and I feel old in this group, which is kind of weird. We've got, you don't act it, don't worry. Exactly. But no, it is really, really exciting.

[00:34:35] Like, we've got girls who are 18, we've got girls who are under 20 in our starting side. Like, that's just unbelievable. And again, it comes through our system and it just shows how great this club really is. And we don't have to go out and buy fancy things because if we build it here, it's going to be special. Now, we all probably by now know that you're the class clown. Do you have a good joke? Can I put you on the spot? Do you have a joke? Anything. The Bruce is a Bronco salary cap.

[00:35:15] Thanks so much for joining us. And Kiria Ratu waits behind the ruck. It comes to Shantae Kiria Ratu. She struck it. And now...

[00:35:45] SharkCast is supported by the best and most honest real estate agent in the Sutherland Shire, Jason Hawes from Crips & Crips Real Estate. He's an expert in the Karimba region and has his eye all across the shire. Lifelong Sharks fan and supporter of this podcast. If you're looking to buy or sell in the region, the person you need to be talking to is Jason Hawes from Crips & Crips Real Estate. Call him on 0410 417 450. That's 0410 417 450.

[00:36:14] Jason Hawes, Crips & Crips Real Estate.