NRL, ROUND 18, JUNE 29th, 2023 CRONULLA SHARKS v ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA
POINTSBET STADIUM,SYDNEY
In one of the most anticipated local derbies, the stage is set for an epic encounter between the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and the St George Illawarra Dragons at PointsBet Stadium in Sydney. This Round 18 clash promises to be a mismatch of epic proportions.
Following a tumultuous week, the Dragons delivered a lackluster performance against the Warriors, while the Sharks enjoyed a well-deserved bye. The Dragons now find themselves in a perilous position, on the verge of claiming the unwanted title of the first wooden spoon in the joint venture’s history. To salvage their season, they must elevate their defensive intensity to contain the formidable Sharks, who boast an impressive average of 26.3 points per game.
Although the Dragons showed glimpses of improvement with victories over the Roosters and Rabbitohs, along with a narrow loss to Penrith, their defensive frailties were brutally exposed on Friday night, resulting in their highest conceded score of the season. With memories of the Sharks putting 40 points past them in Round 4, the Red V will undoubtedly engage in some soul-searching as they face a team hungry for dominance.
Several Dragons players will seize this opportunity to prove their worth to incoming coach Shane Flanagan, eager to secure their place in the new era at the club. Meanwhile, the Sharks sit comfortably in fourth position and have just one challenge ahead of them on the road to the finals – a Round 22 blockbuster against the reigning champions, Penrith.
With the lethal combination of Will Kennedy and Ronaldo Mulitalo, who have accumulated an impressive tally of 25 tries between them, and the dynamic duo of Nicho Hynes and Siosifa Talakai, responsible for 23 try assists, the Sharks possess a formidable attacking arsenal. They are poised to exploit any weaknesses in the Dragons’ defense, especially in front of their fervent home crowd.
Cronulla, still basking in the glory of their commanding victory over Canterbury and a well-timed bye, enter this clash unchanged. On the other hand, the Dragons make a tactical change with Tautau Moga stepping in to replace the injured Moses Suli in the centers after a head knock suffered in their previous encounter against the Warriors.
The Sharks, who boast an impressive six-game winning streak against the Red V, harbor no sympathy for their struggling rivals. They view this match as an opportunity to further bolster their already impressive +74 differential, a statistic that could prove vital in one of the most closely contested competitions in recent years.
Meanwhile, the Dragons have faced more turmoil than a full season of Home and Away. They find themselves the favorites to collect the wooden spoon as a joint venture club, despite recording two wins from three under interim coach Ryan Carr. However, their campaign was marred by a demoralizing 48-18 loss against the Warriors at Wollongong. The appointment of Shane Flanagan as the new full-time coach, following Jason Ryles’ departure to the Melbourne Storm, brings a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, the off-field drama continues, with major sponsor St George Bank severing ties with the club. Amidst the chaos, the saga of Ben Hunt’s requested release further adds to the narrative. Will he be fired up to perform for potential new clubs or will he coast through the remaining nine games at a club he seemingly no longer desires to play for?
In team news, Jack Bird’s absence opens the door for Ben Murdoch-Masila to step into the starting lineup, while Zane Musgrove has been relegated to the reserves, and Toby Couchman joins the bench. Additionally, the Dragons will be without Moses Suli due to a head injury, leading to Tautau Moga’s inclusion and a starting role at center.
As the countdown to kick-off begins, expect fireworks on the field as these fierce rivals collide. The Sharks, fueled by their winning streak against the Dragons, are determined to capitalize on the situation. Meanwhile, the Dragons desperately seek redemption and a chance to rewrite their season’s narrative. Brace yourselves for a clash of titans that will leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory.
Dragons: 1.Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Tautau Moga 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Talatau Amone 15. Michael Molo 16. Toby Couchman 17. Jaiyden Hunt 18. Toby Couchman 19. Moses Mbye 20. Zane Musgrove 21. Max Feagai 22. Billy Burns
Sharks: 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. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 14. Cameron McInnes 15. Thomas Hazelton 16. Jack Williams 17. Wade Graham 18. Connor Tracey 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Toby Rudolf 21. Braydon Trindall 22. Jesse Colquhoun
Referee: Grant Atkins
PREDICTION.
This game is a no-brainer head to head, it really is a matter of by how much. The Sharks are looking to consolidate their spot in the top 4, while the whole Dragons organisation is in tatters.
The left-side defence of the Dragons is the worst in the comp, so I am going to chase the value and take Jesse Ramien to continue his round 4 try-scoring performance against the Dragons, where he scored a double, backing him to score anytime.
The Sharks have an average winning margin of 20 points against teams that are in the bottom 8.
50% of Cronulla Sharks’ victories have been by a margin of 20 points or more.
The Dragons have allowed 6 or more tries against them in their last 2 matches.
The Dragons concede 55% of their tries on their left side.
Jesse Ramien has scored 3 tries in his last 3 games against the Dragons.
Sharks by 15 points.
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