SHARK STADIUM, SYDNEY, SATURDAY MARCH 29TH 7.35pm
The undefeated Bulldogs head to Cronulla for one of the most anticipated matches of the round.
Having won their first three games of the season, the Bulldogs sit in second place on the ladder after a 16-8 victory over Parramatta last week, despite missing key players Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau due to injury.
The Sharks, led by dominant performances from halves Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall, cruised to a 27-12 win over the Rabbitohs, with a commanding 20-0 first half setting the tone for the victory.
This week’s match will present a tougher challenge, with Braden Hamlin-Uele sidelined and Siosifa Talakai nursing an ankle injury after last week’s game against Souths.
Prop Tom Hazelton returns from a back injury and will take Hamlin-Uele’s spot on the bench for the Sharks, while Toby Rudolf, recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, is named among the reserves.
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. Thomas Hazelton 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha Reserves: 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Mawene Hiroti , 20. Hohepa Puru 21. Toby Rudolf 22. Billy Burns
Coach Cameron Ciraldo goes with the same 17 that took care of business against the Eels in Round 3. Bailey Hayward retains the No.6 jersey after making a great fist of his first game as a starting five-eighth last week.
Bulldogs
1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Bailey Hayward 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Josh Curran 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon Bench: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Kurtis Morrin Reserves: 19. Joseph O’Neill 20. Blake Taaffe 21. Jack Todd 22. Luke Smith 23. Jonathan Sua
Referee, Chris Butler, Touch Judges, Phil Henderson, Matt Noyen ,Bunker, Grant Atkins
The Sharks secured a solid win over the Rabbitohs last week, while the Bulldogs’ victory over the Eels lacked impact. This will be a crucial test for both teams as they aim to establish themselves as genuine Top 4 contenders. Playing at home and with the Bulldogs missing key players, the Sharks are considered the favorites.
The Sharks have won six of their past seven games against the Bulldogs.
Canterbury have not won at Sharks Stadium since 2011.
Cronulla winger Sam Stonestreet has scored four tries in four games at Sharks Stadium.
Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri has scored nine tries in 11 games at Sharks Stadium.
Sharks centre Jesse Ramien will play his 150th NRL game.
Best Bet, I will go with the Sharks, at home, in front of their fans, and the Dogs have no Matt Burton or Vilame Kikau.
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