NRL, MAGIC ROUND, MAY 6th, 2023 CRONULLA SHARKS v REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
SUNCORP STADIUM,BRISBANE
The Sharks will be aiming to cement their top two status when they square off against the Dolphins in what will be coach Wayne Bennett’s 900th career game on Saturday at Suncorp.
Cronulla have been on fire after a shaky start to the season, winning their last three games against the Roosters, Bulldogs and Cowboys to surge into second spot on the ladder.
Nicho Hynes has been arguably the best player in the competition since returning from injury and is the main man behind Cronulla’s best attack in the NRL.
Craig Fitzgibbon’s side are coming off a thumping 44-6 victory over the Cowboys last week, which was easily their best defensive performance of the season.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins almost pulled off another miracle comeback last week, coming back to force golden point against the Raiders only to go down 31-30. The NRL admitted on Monday, following the game, that the officials had missed a knock-on by the Raiders when the scores were locked at 30-30 . The Raiders then took a field goal to win by a point. Disappointing with all the officials and technology available they still missed a knock -on. It was obvious to everyone bar the officials. How badly will that effect the Dolphins at the end of season. There is little use coming out several days after a game to state the officials made a mistake. Get rid of Golden Point, and get rid of the Bunker. Neither work.
If the scores are tied at the end of 80 minutes call it a draw and both teams get equal points. That worked for about 100 years.
The Dolphins had produced the biggest comeback in NRL history the previous week when they recovered from 0-26 down against the Titans, so the focus this week will be to keep things tighter early on so they have a better chance in the second stanza.
The Dolphins are up against it here, but they will be inspired for a big performance in Bennett’s 900th game as coach.
Sharks team:
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Royce Hunt 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Jack Williams 16. Wade Graham 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Braydon Trindall 19. Connor Tracey 20. Jesse Colquhoun 21. Mawene Hiroti 22. Jayden Berrell
Dolphins team:
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Tesi Niu 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Kenny Bromwich 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Anthony Milford 16. Mason Teague 17. Herman Ese’ese 18. Kurt Donoghoe 19. Poasa Faamausili 20. Edrick Lee 21. Valynce Te Whare 22. JJ Collins
PREDICTION.
While a Dolphins win would be a dream moment for Bennett, the reality is that the Sharks are a far superior side who are playing their best footy of the season coming into this clash.
Sharks have won their last three games
Dolphins have lost four of their last six games
Sharks’ last four wins have covered a -9.5 line
Two of Dolphins’ last three losses have been by 36-14 & 38-12 scores
Dolphins’ last five games have seen Over 46.5 points
Sharks have seen Over 46.5 points in four of their last five games
Sione Katoa has scored a try in nine of his last 10 games with Sharks as favourites
Evan Aitken has scored a try in his last three games
The Dolphins will compete all day, but the class of the Sharks will be too much here. Sharks by 9 points.
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