News 2025 canberra raiders v cronulla sharks results highlights emma verran four tries stephanie faulkner 20250712 p5mefr.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Emma Verran scores four tries as Sharks feast on hapless Raiders

Damien McCartney
Damien McCartney

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Sharks fullback Emma Verran scored an incredible four tries as her side demolished the Raiders 56-6 in Canberra.

Verran completed a first-half hat-trick and then crossed for a fourth in the opening minutes of the second half.

She could've had a fifth in the dying minutes, but instead elected to pass to Rhiannon Byers for her second. Debutant Stephanie Faulkner also crossed twice in the 10-tries-to-one thrashing in the nation's capital.

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It was a stunning way for the Sharks to bounce back after a disappointing two-point loss to the Eels in the season-opener last weekend.

"We kept our composure and we stayed in our cycle really well," Verran told Nine post-match.

Emma Verran of the Sharks celebrates scoring a try during the round two NRLW match between Canberra Raiders and Cronulla Sharks at GIO Stadium, on July 12, 2025, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Emma Verran scored four tries as the Sharks demolished the Raiders in Canberra. Getty

"We didn't get too carried away, and we just kept kicking to that corner and digging up points."

Verran said the team had some honest conversations after the Eels loss, which ultimately paid off.

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"We had a really honest chat and a long, hard look in the mirror," she explained.

"We got pulled up on a couple of effort areas that we don't accept in our Sharks footy. So once we went through that and talked about how we wanted to play and what good looks like for us, I think we kind of figured out the areas that we needed to improve on.

"I think everyone showed up today, so I'm super proud of the girls."

Stephanie Faulkner of the Sharks dtduring the round two NRLW match between Canberra Raiders and Cronulla Sharks at GIO Stadium, on July 12, 2025, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Stephanie Faulkner scored two tries on her NRLW debut. Getty

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Vision posted to social media through the week showed the entire Sharks team rallying around Faulkner when she was told of her debut.

Verran said there wasn't a more deserving player to make such an impressive debut off the bench.

Watch the 2025 NRLW premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

"I'm so proud of her. I had tears in my eyes when she got told she was debuting," she said.

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"She's such a hard worker. She's not the flashiest player, but she's there doing extras every single time and she's the sweetest girl ever. So to see her, first of all, get called up into NRLW squad, then make her debut, then score two tries, I'm just absolutely over the moon for her, and I think she'll be a big part of this team for years to come."

Faulkner performed a classic worm after scoring her first try of the afternoon on the half-hour mark.

"I'm stoked. I remember last night I was thinking to myself, 'What should I do if I score a try?' Then I was like, 'Steph, you're not going to score a try'," she said through laughter to Nine's Marlee Silva.

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"Then I was like, 'Oh, the worm it is'. So it was good. It's the best feeling to be out there with the girls."

There was some concern for the bench lock when she came from the field in the second half after copping studs to her groin. She did not return.

But she said she was in no doubt for the Sharks' round three clash with the Cowboys next weekend.

"Grade three carry-on. I'll be sweet," she said.

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