How mid-season shake-up spurred Sharks to title tilt

Jillaroos great Ruan Sims believes Emma Tonegato's position switch to fullback is shaping up to be a game-changing factor in the Cronulla Sharks' premiership quest.

The Sharks take on the Roosters for the NRLW premiership on Sunday.

Tonegato looked to have farewelled the No.1 jersey at club level as Sharks coach Tony Herman looked to better utilise the star's playmaking skills.

READ MORE: Stunning exodus four years since grand final laid bare

READ MORE: Mother of all twists sees grand final feud resolved

READ MORE: Daniher stuns teammates with retirement news

But a turbulent run of performances from the Sharks, prompted by a brutal knock by their premiership rivals the Sydney Roosters, called for major changes to be made.

The rugby convert first moved into the fullback position in round eight in place of Cassie Staples, who was moved to the wing at the expense of Nakia Davis-Welsh.

Tonegato's move paved the way for Georgia Hannaway to join forces with Tayla Preston in the halves, a decision which elated Sharks assistant coach Ruan Sims.

"I have been incredibly impressed with Georgia Hannaway," Sims said on Wide World of Sports' NRLW Weekly.

"Stepping into that left edge position. She's been playing really well.

"Then for Emma Tonegato to do a full pre-season at five-eighth, playing the first half of the season at No.6 and then having to go back to fullback (is impressive).

"It is pretty handy that you've got the Sky Blues fullback playing as your six."

Watch the 2024 NRLW grand final live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Reflecting on the club's concerning run in the back end of the season, Sims declared the side has been able to regroup and recover from a minor bump.

But the assistant coach stressed her team must not forget the basic skills and discipline required to win the big game on Sunday.

"They had won six games in a row, the first time that had ever happened in NRLW history," Sims said.

"They were doing that because of their defence. A lot of people wrote them off coming into this year... but everybody played their role.

"They copped a bit of a knock against the Roosters and then again against the Broncos.https://omny.fm/shows/nrlw-weekly/nrlw-roosters-and-sharks-fight-for-the-nrlw-crown/embed

"What needs to stay the same as last week ahead of the grand final is their discipline.

"I think the Sharks' surging defence on their kick chase has been very good, and it's going to have to be again this week.

"If you provide any of the Roosters' back five with a chink in you're armour they will exploit it and they will keep going at it.

"The Sharks are going to have to maintain that discipline in defence and maintain the integrity of their line.

"I see the workings behind the scenes, I see what they are putting into it. It's not dissimilar to any other side... but I think the result of the Broncos game will give them a lot of hope and comfort coming into the (grand final)."