NRLW Round 2 Highlights: Sharks Set Record, Roosters Prevail Over Dragons

In an electrifying Round 2 of the National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) season, three matches unfolded across Australia on July 12, 2025, showcasing thrilling performances and record-breaking feats. The Cronulla Sharks delivered a historic performance by defeating the Canberra Raiders 56-6, marking their largest victory margin in NRLW history. Meanwhile, the Sydney Roosters continued their impressive run, overcoming the St George Illawarra Dragons 24-10, and the North Queensland Cowboys secured a win against the Newcastle Knights, enhancing their early season momentum.

The Sharks' match against the Raiders at GIO Stadium was particularly noteworthy. According to the post-match report from NRL.com, the Sharks equaled their previous record for the biggest win, previously set at 56-6 against Parramatta in 2023. Emma Verran emerged as a standout player, scoring four tries and contributing to the team's overwhelming offensive display. Georgia Hannaway also made headlines by breaking the record for the most goals in a single match, successfully converting eight times. Verran's performance brought her tantalizingly close to becoming the first player in NRLW history to score five tries in a match, but she graciously assisted teammates in scoring, demonstrating both skill and sportsmanship.

The Roosters' victory over the Dragons at Jubilee Stadium marked their eighth consecutive win, with Rima Butler and Isabelle Kelly leading the charge. Butler recorded an impressive 12 carries for 106 meters, and Kelly contributed significantly with a try and multiple line breaks. The Dragons, despite their spirited efforts, were unable to capitalize on key moments, which included a failed captain's challenge and missed conversion attempts, as noted by NRL analyst Brad Walter.

In the third match, the North Queensland Cowboys faced the Newcastle Knights at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. The Cowboys, bolstered by strong performances from their lineup, managed to secure a second consecutive win of the season. The Knights, while showing resilience, could not outpace the Cowboys' early lead and solid gameplay.

The current NRLW season has seen teams fiercely competing for supremacy, with the Sharks, Roosters, and Cowboys emerging as formidable contenders. The Sharks' record-setting victory underscores a significant shift in the competitive landscape of women’s rugby league, where teams are pushing the boundaries of performance and engagement in the sport.

As the season progresses, analysts are keenly observing the evolving dynamics within the league, especially with the upcoming Magic Round set to take place at McDonald Jones Stadium in Round 5, 2025. This event promises to draw significant attention and potentially reshape the trajectories of the participating teams. For fans and analysts alike, the anticipation builds as teams prepare for further clashes in what is shaping up to be a memorable NRLW season.