Chloe Jackson Nets a Brace as Eels Start Season with Stunning Upset Against Sharks

The 2025 NRLW season commenced with an unexpected result as Parramatta triumphed over Cronulla at Sharks Stadium on Thursday night, winning 18-16.

The Eels, featuring a relatively inexperienced roster, showcased remarkable goal-line defence to fend off the 2024 grand finalists.

Chloe Jackson, the Eels’ second-rower, delivered an impressive performance, crossing for two tries while also recording 33 tackles and covering 98 metres with ball in hand.

Millie Elliott commented on Nine’s coverage post-match, stating, “I’m not sure if the Sharks underestimated them or if they just lacked cohesion.”

In a further blow for Cronulla, bench player Filomina Hanisi suffered an injury just after the break.

Hanisi appeared to sustain a serious knee injury while being tackled, immediately grasping her leg in pain.

She was assisted off the field, and the club has since announced she will require scans.

“She’s in some discomfort. It doesn’t look great, but we will have her checked out,” coach Tony Herman informed the media later.

Eels fullback Abbi Church also endured a knee issue during a tough collision but managed to complete the game.

Jackson opened the scoring early in the seventh minute, capitalising on a play where Parramatta skipper Rachael Pearson’s grubber kick deflected off the goal post. In the scramble, the Sharks failed to recover, allowing Jackson to score.

“It wasn’t pretty, but it worked,” Mathew Thompson remarked during Nine’s commentary.

Pearson was active in the early stages, executing well-timed kicks that kept the Sharks on the back foot.

She scored the Eels’ second try by chasing down her own grubber kick amidst shaky defence from the Sharks, regathering the ball to cross the line.

Cronulla fought back through Hanisi, who powered over from close range after an error from the Eels’ defence.

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As the first half wound down, the Eels pushed for more points, but the Sharks held their ground, trailing 12-6 at half-time.

The Eels capitalised on a penalty awarded for Jacinta Carter’s slow peel, with Pearson successfully converting the penalty goal.

Moments later, the Sharks managed a comeback, with Nakia Davis-Welsh and Quincy Dodd scoring consecutive tries, putting them ahead for the first time.

Georgia Hannaway successfully converted to give the Sharks a narrow lead.

The Eels’ defence, particularly highlighted by Rory Owen’s remarkable chase-down tackle on Dodd, played a pivotal role in keeping the game close.

Jackson sealed the victory for Parramatta with her second try, burrowing over the line despite the efforts of several Sharks’ defenders.