Heartbreak Ends Brave Finals Run for Lisa Fiaola Sharks

The Lisa Fiaola Sharks' remarkable 2025 campaign has come to a heartbreaking end after a nail-biting 24-18 semi-final loss to the Wests Tigers. After suffering a tough defeat to the Bulldogs in week one of the finals, the girls refocused for this do-or-die clash with a Tigers side they had narrowly beaten just weeks earlier to sneak into the Top 4.

The Sharks couldn’t have scripted a better start, with powerhouse Julliana Kolio crashing over for the opening try just 90 seconds into the match. But the Tigers remained composed and answered back just six minutes later to level the scores. From there, the Tigers gained the upper hand, dominating field position and converting pressure into points, taking a 14-6 lead into the half-time break.

The second half saw the Tigers extend their lead to 12 points, but the Sharks showed the same resilience that’s defined their season. Tahli Weigand turned the game on its head with a brilliant solo effort, slicing through the Tigers’ defence and running half the length of the field to score under the posts and shift the momentum back in the Sharks’ favour. With renewed energy, the girls held out several Tigers attacking sets before Manawanui James crossed with just four minutes to go. Another coolly slotted conversion from Weigand made it 18-all, and it looked like the match was heading to extra time.

But in a cruel twist, the Tigers broke the deadlock in the final 90 seconds to reclaim the lead, ending the Sharks’ finals hopes in the most agonising fashion.

Despite the loss, the girls can hold their heads high. They’ve been one of the standout stories of the junior representative season—finishing in the Top 4 and going further than any other Sharks junior rep side in 2025. It was a campaign full of heart, grit, and growth, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved.

We can’t wait to see what’s next for this group—with some of the girls returning to Lisa Fiaola next year and others progressing into the Tarsha Gale Cup in 2026. They’ll take invaluable experience from this season into their club footy and future representative campaigns. The future is bright for this talented group of young Sharks thats for sure.

Well done, girls !!! 👏👏👏

LISA FIAOLA CUP Semi Final

SHARKS 18 Tries to Julliana Kolio, Tahli Weigand and Manawanui James. Goals - Tahli Weigand (3) WESTS TIGERS 24

Check out the selection of photos and link to full image gallery from the match below thanks to Cronulla JRL Photographer - Adam Wrightson.

Remember to visit the official Sharks Website and to follow the Cronulla JRL website and social media channels for all the action and excitement from the 2025 NSWRL junior representative season.

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