NRL,ROUND 22, CRONULLA SHARKS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

7:35 pm SATURDAY, AUGUST 3rd, 2024 POINTSBET STADIUM, SYDNEY.

Sharks vs Rabbitohs: Crucial Clash at PointsBet Stadium

The Cronulla Sharks are eager to ensure a winning return to PointsBet Stadium as they fight to stay within the top four when they host South Sydney on Saturday.

Sharks Drop to Fourth After Defeat in Townsville

The Sharks dropped to fourth on the ladder following a 30-22 loss to North Queensland in Townsville last Saturday night. They now sit just two points clear of the Bulldogs and Cowboys, who are fifth and sixth respectively.

Sharks’ Recent Struggles: Only Two Wins in Last Eight Matches

After a strong start to the season, Cronulla have struggled in recent months, winning just two of their last eight matches.

Saturday’s Match a Crucial Opportunity for Sharks

With the importance of finishing inside the top four and securing a second chance in the first week of the finals, Saturday’s match is a crucial opportunity for them to regain form and solidify their position.

Sharks Team Changes: Key Players Returning and Injuries

Will Kennedy returns from suspension to reclaim the No.1 jersey, but the Sharks lose Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee), with Sam Stonestreet stepping in on the wing. Royce Hunt returns after missing last week’s trip to Townsville due to illness, taking over at prop for Tom Hazelton (foot). Jack Williams also returns from a wrist injury, joining the bench.

Sharks,

1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet , 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Royce Hunt 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi , 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes , 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Jack Williams, 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele , 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Billy Burns 20. Niwhai Puru , 21. Tom Rodwell 22. Liam Ison

Rabbitohs’ Slim Finals Hopes at Stake

The stakes are also high for South Sydney as they look to keep their slim finals hopes alive. 

Rabbitohs’ Top-Eight Chances Hit by Loss and Injury

The Rabbitohs’ top-eight chances took a blow last Sunday night with a 32-12 loss to the Raiders. The defeat came at a cost with Alex Johnston suffering a season-ending Achilles injury early in the match.

South Sydney fell to 15th on the ladder after last week’s loss however they remain four points outside the eight and can still play finals football if they reel off a string of victories during the final six rounds.

Team Changes: Key Returns and Debuts for South Sydney

Skipper Cameron Murray is back from his two-game ban in a big boost for the Bunnies so Tallis Duncan goes to the bench. Former Knight Fletcher Myers makes his NRL debut on the wing in place of Alex Johnston (Achilles). Richie Kennar returns from concussion protocols to take his place in the centres, while Michael Chee Kam reverts to the bench. Peter Mamouzelos and Liam Le Blanc drop to the reserves.

Souths,  

1. Jye Gray 2. Fletcher Myers 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai, 6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Cameron Murray 12. Jacob Host 13. Keaon Koloamatangi , 14. Michael Chee Kam 15. Siliva Havili ,16. Thomas Burgess 17. Tallis Duncan, 18. Dion Teaupa 19. Peter Mamouzelos 20. Shaquai Mitchell 21. Liam Le Blanc, 22. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson

Referee. Liam Kennedy ,Touch Judges, Jon Stone, Damian Brady, Bunker, Bad Badge

Sharks Aim for Rare Double Over Rabbitohs

The Sharks are aiming for home and away wins against the Rabbitohs for the first time since 2008.

The Rabbitohs have won only two of their past nine games at PointsBet Stadium.

Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker needs two tries to reach a century of NRL tries.

Sharks winger Sione Katoa has scored six tries in five games against the Rabbitohs.

Prediction

The Sharks had their chances but fell short against the Cowboys last week, while the Rabbitohs would have been disappointed by their efforts against the Raiders. The Sharks need to secure a home win to keep themselves safely in the Top 4. Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs seem to have little motivation to perform.