NRL, ROUND 2, MARCH 15th, 2024 CRONULLA SHARKS v CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
POINTSBET STADIUM,CRONULLS,SYDNEY
Sharks Seek to Extend Winning Streak
Following their surprise victory in Round 1, the Sharks are poised to secure another win as they host the Bulldogs at PointsBet Stadium on Friday night, brimming with confidence.
Sharks Impress in Round 1 Upset
The Sharks copped some criticism last season, for being unable to beat top eight sides, so taking the scalp of last year’s preliminary finalists, Warriors, is a great start to 2024.
Bulldogs Struggle in Season Opener
Meanwhile, Bulldogs fans experienced another bout of frustration as their team succumbed to a 26-8 defeat against the Eels in their opening match.
Offensive Woes for Canterbury
Canterbury’s offense remained stagnant, compounded by numerous errors and penalties, allowing the Eels to dominate possession in their half for most of the game.
For a team with the likes of Matt Burton, Stephen Crichton, Viliame Kikau and Josh Addo-Carr down the left edge, the Dogs have simply got to figure out how to get their attacking going.
Key Player Injury Concerns
Addo-Carr is out for the next few weeks after injuring his shoulder against the Eels, with Connor Tracey joining the backline for his club debut against his former team.
Team line- Ups
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Dale Finucane 15. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Kayal Iro 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Daniel Atkinson 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Jayden Berrell
In late news Royce Hunt is out with a virus and 114kg prop Tuku Hau Tapuha has been promoted to the bench in his place. Cronulla poached the Kiwi-born front-rower nicknamed ‘Big Tooks’ from the Roosters last season. Hau Tapuha played for the 2022 Maori All Stars and impressed with his work ethic over the summer to earn a 12-month extension.
Bulldogs
1. Blake Taaffe 2. Blake Wilson 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Connor Tracey 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Poasa Faamausili 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Samuel Hughes 16. Josh Curran 17. Kurtis Morrin 19. Bronson Xerri 20. Kitione Kautoga 21. Jake Turpin 22. Toby Sexton
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
Senior Review Official: Todd Smith
Statistical Insights and Milestones
Sharks have won 11 of the last 13 meetings between the teams
Sharks have won the last five straight meetings
Sharks have covered a -8.5 line in those five victories
Sharks have won by a 13+ margin in four of the last five wins
Bulldogs haven’t won at PointsBet Stadium since 2011
Twelve of the Bulldogs’ 17 defeats last season were by 13+ margins
Sharks won by 13+ in 10 of their 14 wins last season
Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored 27 tries in 25 games at PointsBet Stadium
Will Kennedy has scored a try in five of his last six home games & crossed for a first-half hat-trick when he faced the Dogs last season
Blake Wilson has scored a try in his last three away games
Jesse Ramien has scored a try in his last six games with Sharks as favourites
Sione Katoa has scored a try in four of his last five games vs Bulldogs
Sharks co-captain Dale Finucane will make his 250th NRL appearance.
This match will mark the 100th clash between the Sharks and the Bulldogs, who first met in 1967.
Prediction
It has to be the Sharks especially after the way they took the Warriors down last week. Equally the Dogs looked terrible and lacked cohesion. I think their problems will continue.
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