THURSDAY MAY 30th 2024 COMMBANK STADIUM,SYDNEY
Battle at CommBank Stadium
Although a match between the first and fifteenth teams appears to be a complete mismatch on paper, the Eels are optimistic about their chances against a Sharks side missing Origin call-ups Nicho Hynes and Cam McInnes.
Challenges for the Sharks
While the Sharks are delighted to have two of their standout players, Nicho Hynes and Cam McInnes, starting for Michael Maguire’s Blues, they now face the difficult task of maintaining their lead without their captain and halfback.
Redemption for Cronulla
Cronulla were overwhelmed at Shark Park on Saturday, losing 42-0 after their much-improved defense showed vulnerabilities. They will aim to return to basics when they face Parramatta with a reconfigured halves pairing on Thursday.
Parramatta will also be missing their industrious lock J’maine Hopgood, who has been called up for his Origin debut for Queensland. However, they could pose a significant new threat if star playmaker Mitch Moses and captain Clint Gutherson return as expected.
Key Player Returns for Eels
The Eels’ disappointing 42-26 loss to the Rabbitohs on Friday marked their fifth consecutive defeat, but interim coach Trent Barrett might find some solace in not facing a full-strength Cronulla side.
Eels’ Line-up Changes
The Eels receive a significant boost with the return of skipper Clint Gutherson (knee) and halfback Mitch Moses (foot) from injury. Centre Will Penisini (infection) is also back in the lineup. Gutherson’s return moves young gun Blaize Talagi to the bench, Dylan Brown shifts back to five-eighth, and Daejarn Asi drops to the reserves. Brendan Hands will start as the new hooker, with Joey Lussick also relegated to the reserves.
Maroons Camp Call-Ups
Joe Ofahengaue will start at lock with J’maine Hopgood in Maroons camp. Wiremu Greig, recalled for his first game since Round 5, will join the interchange alongside Blaize Talagi, Shaun Lane, and Makahesi Makatoa.
Sharks’ Line-up Changes
For the Sharks, Braydon Trindall returns to the side to fill the void left by Nicho Hynes (NSW selection), while Jack Williams starts at lock in place of workaholic forward Cameron McInnes who is also away with the Blues. Toby Rudolf is back from time out with a knee injury to bolster Craig Fitzgibbon’s bench.
Team Line-ups
Eels
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Bailey Simonsson , 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Kelma Tuilagi 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Joe Ofahengaue, 14. Blaize Talagi 15. Shaun Lane 16. Makahesi Makatoa 17. Wiremu Greig, 18. Daejarn Asi 19. Morgan Harper , 20. Joey Lussick 21. Ryan Matterson 22. Luca Moretti
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jack Williams,14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Royce Hunt 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 18. Mawene Hiroti 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Billy Burns 21. Niwhai Puru 22. Jayden Berrell
Referee: Ashley Klein, Touch Judges, Belinda Sharpe, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Bunker, Grant Atkins
Key Stats
Eels winger Maika Sivo has scored 11 tries in his past seven NRL games.
The Sharks have won their last three games at CommBank Stadium.
Eels youngster Blaize Talagi has scored a try in three consecutive games.
Sharks winger Sione Katoa will make his 100th NRL appearance.
The Eels have conceded at least 30 points in six of their past seven games.
Prediction
The Eels performed poorly last week, becoming only the second team to lose to the Rabbitohs this season. The Sharks were similarly embarrassed by the Panthers in a sound reminder of how far they have to go before they can truly challenge for the title. The Sharks will be without Nicho Hynes, as the Eels welcome back some key stars. This game could go either way, but the Eels were so awful and the Sharks will be so keen to bounce back, that I’m tipping the Sharks, but not by much.
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