Todhunter set for new role after earning praise during round one shock

But for Parramatta Eels NRLW boss Steve Georgalis, there is still something to comfort him after the blow of losing Rueben Cherrington.

That something is Dubbo's Taneka Todhunter, who proved in round one of the new season she has what it takes to drive the Eels forward.

Todhunter has been promoted to start at hooker for the weekend's meeting with the Cronulla Sharks and it's a position she's likely to stay after Cherrington was ruled out for the rest of the campaign due to a syndesmosis (ankle) injury.

Cherrington will require surgery and her absence leaves a sizeable hole given she started every match last year.

Todhunter made her NRLW debut in blue and gold last season, and earned plenty of praise during her strong showing from the bench last weekend.

The former Wiradjuri Goanna played 33 minutes and was involved plenty of the Eels' best moments during a shock 22-10 win over the Brisbane Broncos.

"I've loved her taking on the line," former Australian captain Tarsha Gale said in commentary while Matt Russell also praised her impact from the bench.

Todhunter went close to scoring twice when darting from dummyhalf while another strong run and offload led to a vital second-half try for Monique Donovan.

Speaking to the Daily Liberal prior to the new season beginning, Todhunter said she was determined to improve on her breakout 2023 campaign.

"The standard has definitely risen. It's just crazy to see," she said of pre-season.

"I just want to keep pushing, just to be the best hooker that I can be ... this whole pre-season and this whole year really is just about focusing on my craft as a hooker."

Former NRL coach Georgalis took over at the Eels after the side finished with the wooden spoon last season.

He said he "couldn't wipe the smile off my face" after the strong win over the Broncos and praised the increased fitness levels of his players.

Parramatta takes on the Sharks from 12pm on Saturday at Allianz Stadium.