Sharks v Rabbitohs
3pm, Points bet Stadium, Sydney.
The Sharks are currently on a three-game winning streak against the Rabbitohs and delivered a dominant performance in their recent match in Townsville, scoring seven tries. Their back five stood out, combining for a total of 886 running meters and 26 tackle breaks, giving them plenty of confidence heading into this clash.
On the other hand, the Rabbitohs will see some changes in their backline, with Jack Wighton returning from suspension and new signing Mikaele Ravalawa available for selection. They will have a tough challenge ahead as they go up against the Sharks’ dangerous attacking threats, including Will Kennedy, Jesse Ramien, Ronaldo Mulitalo, and Kayal Iro.
The last time the Rabbitohs started a season with three straight wins was in 2019, Wayne Bennett’s first year in charge. That season, they built strong momentum, winning 10 of their first 11 matches and eventually reaching the preliminary final.
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo , 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi, 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes Bench: 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha Reserves: 18. Billy Burns 19. Mawene Hiroti , 20. Hohepa Puru 21. Niwhai Puru 22. Jayden Berrell
The undefeated Rabbitohs will head to Sharks Stadium on Saturday afternoon, looking to make a statement against a tough opponent.
With legendary coach Wayne Bennett back in charge, the Bunnies have overcome the absence of Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray to secure back-to-back wins over the Dolphins and Dragons. However, their clash in the Shire promises to be a much tougher challenge.
Souths
1. Jye Gray 2. Isaiah Tass 3. Jack Wighton 4. Campbell Graham 5. Fletcher Myers 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Tallis Duncan
Bench: 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Siliva Havili 16. Liam Le Blanc 17. Tevita Tatola
Reserves: 18. Mikaele Ravalawa 19. Lewis Dodd 20. Jacob Host 21. Thomas Fletcher 22. Salesi Ataata
Referee. Gerard Sutton, Touch Judges, Jon Stone, Bunker, Chris Butler
The Sharks secured their first win of the season last week against the Cowboys, but they still don’t seem to be at their best. On the other hand, the Rabbitohs have quickly adapted to Wayne Bennett’s system and remain unbeaten so far.
With home advantage, the Sharks are expected to come out on top, but the Rabbitohs have shown consistency in attack and applied strong defensive pressure, making them a tough opponent. I’m tipping the Sharks to win, but not with much confidence.
Meanwhile, Sharks winger Sam Stonestreet has been in great form, scoring eight tries in his last five games.
The Rabbitohs have won only one of their past six games at Sharks Stadium.
Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored 37 tries in 33 games at Sharks Stadium.
The Rabbitohs are aiming for a 3-0 start to the season for the first time since 2019.
Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes has landed 26 of his past 27 attempts at goal at Sharks Stadium.
Dolphins v Tigers,
5:30 PM Moreton Daily Stadium Redcliffe Qld
The Dolphins can finally return home after two weeks of disruption caused by Cyclone Alfred.
With the weather no longer a concern, coach Kristian Woolf is relieved that his team can focus on securing their first win of the season without any distractions.
Additionally, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is expected to return from a concussion, providing a much-needed boost to the forward pack that was overpowered by the Knights last week.
Dolphins
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Junior Tupou 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Oryn Keeley 12. Max Plath 13. Tom Gilbert
Bench: 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Josh Kerr 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Ray Stone
Reserves: 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Max Feagai 20. Kenny Bromwich 21. Jack Bostock 22. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
The Wests Tigers are looking to build on their dominant victory, while the Dolphins are chasing their first win of the season when they clash in Redcliffe on Saturday night.
Under coach Benji Marshall, the Tigers cruised to a big win over the Eels last week, with offseason recruits Terrell May, Sunia Turuva, and Jarome Luai playing a key role in the triumph. This trio will once again be crucial as the Tigers take the field this weekend.
Meanwhile, the combination between Luai and young five-eighth Lachlan Galvin is showing signs of becoming one of the best in the competition. Marshall is eager to see the halves duo take another step forward at Kayo Stadium.
Tigers
1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal
Bench: 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu
Reserves: 18. Latu Fainu 19. Heath Mason 20. Charlie Staines 21. Tony Sukkar 22. Solomona Faataape
Referee, Peter Gough, Touch Judges, Bunker, Grant Atkins
The Dolphins have struggled so far this season, falling short of expectations. On the other hand, the Tigers have been steadily improving, putting on an even stronger performance last weekend as they dominated the Eels.
This will be the Dolphins’ first home game in Redcliffe this season, and they’ll be eager to lift the spirits of their local fans after the impact of the cyclone.
That said, the Tigers appear to have the edge at this stage.
- The Dolphins have won four of their six games played in Redcliffe.
- Wests Tigers have lost their past five games at Queensland venues.
- Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored six tries in three games at Redcliffe.
- Wests Tigers winger Jeral Skelton has scored six tries in his last eight NRL appearances.
- The Dolphins are aiming to avoid their first 0-3 start to a season.
Titans v Knights
7:34 pm Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Two of the most dynamic backlines in the NRL will go head-to-head when the Titans take on the Knights on Saturday at the Gold Coast.
Kalyn Ponga has been in sensational form early in the season and will be looking to extend Newcastle’s unbeaten run at Cbus Super Stadium. Playing as a fullback while also taking on a playmaking role, he is set to be a major threat to the Titans’ defence.
Ponga currently leads the Dally M rankings with a perfect 12 points from two games, and another standout performance this round could see him extend his lead even further.
Titans
1. Keano Kini 2. Tony Francis 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. AJ Brimson, 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Bench: 14. Chris Randall 15. David Fifita 16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 17. Brock Gray
Reserves: 18. Jaylan De Groot 19. Arama Hau 20. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 21. Tom Weaver 22. Ken Maumalo
Speedster Alofiana Khan-Pereira is sidelined with a hamstring injury, paving the way for Tony Francis to make his third NRL appearance on the wing. Meanwhile, Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui joins the bench as a replacement for Jaimin Jolliffe (calf).
The Titans boast a potent attacking lineup, and despite last week’s loss to the Bulldogs, there were plenty of positives to take away from the match.
While Gold Coast have had no trouble in attack, their focus this week will be on tightening up their defence after conceding 40 points in the previous round.
Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Brodie Jones, 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Tyson Frizell 13. Adam Elliott
Bench: 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jack Hetherington, 16. Thomas Cant 17. Mathew Croker
Reserves: 18. Kyle McCarthy 19. Jermaine McEwen 20. Will Pryce 21. Matthew Arthur 22. Tyrone Thompson
Referee, Liam Kennedy, Touch Judges, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Bunker, Matt Noyen
The Titans kicked off their season last week against the Bulldogs but struggled to find their rhythm, resulting in a disappointing performance. Meanwhile, the Knights have made a strong start with back-to-back wins, most recently defeating the Dolphins at home and building momentum.
If the Titans hope to secure a win in this matchup, they will need a significant improvement in their performance. Containing Kalyn Ponga, who has been in outstanding form, will be crucial to their chances of pulling off an upset.
- The Titans won only four from 11 at Cbus Super Stadium last season.
- The Knights have won five of their past six games against the Titans.
- Titans winger Jojo Fifita has scored eight tries in his past seven NRL games.
- The Knights are aiming for three wins to start the season for the first time since 2015.
Comments