SUNDAY, MAY 5th, 2024 POINTSBET STADIUM, CRONULLA,SYDNEY
The key to the game between the in-form Sharks and the struggling Dragons: the weather?!
The Sharks delivered a spectacular performance last week, dismantling the Raiders and securing a significant victory. In contrast, the Dragons displayed a lackluster performance against the Roosters, leaving both the team and the fans disappointed.
Considering their current form, the Sharks should dominate the Dragons at their home ground, Shark Park. However, the significance of this local derby for both the team and the fans cannot be overstated.
Furthermore, the weather forecast indicates rain in Sydney. This could lead to a chaotic game, with the potential for upsets looming large.
Despite the setbacks of losing five-eighth Braydon Trindall (stood down) and skipper Dale Finucane (medical retirement) during the week, Craig Fitzgibbon’s team displayed no signs of mental fatigue. Instead, they demonstrated their strength and determination, asserting themselves as strong contenders for the premiership this season.
On the other hand, despite the apparent mismatch between 1st and 11th place in the standings, the Red V of the Dragons have a lot at stake in this year’s Southern Sydney showdown, especially with Shane Flanagan returning to Cronulla as the opposing coach for the first time.
The Dragons have been in some of their finest form in recent seasons, having secured victories in four of their first eight matches. However, they are eager to recover from their staggering 60-18 defeat to the Roosters on ANZAC Day.
While historical records favor the Sharks, who have won the last seven consecutive derbies, the Dragons have proven their ability to cause upsets this season by defeating both Manly and the Warriors in recent weeks.
Team Line-Ups
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes, 14. Jack Williams 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele , 18. Tuku Hau Tapuha 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Samuel Stonestreet 21. Royce Hunt 22. Billy Burns
Dragons
1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Jack Bird 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Hame Sele 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth, 14. Fa’amanu Brown 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Jack de Belin 17. Ben Murdoch-Masila , 18. Michael Molo 19. Mathew Feagai 20. Toby Couchman 21. Luciano Leilua 22. Jesse Marschke
Referee. Todd Smith ,Touch Judges. David Munro, Phil Henderson, Bunker. Kasey Badger
Key points to watch for both teams.
The Sharks have won their past seven games against the Dragons.
The Dragons have not won at PointsBet Stadium since 2018.
The Sharks scored 92 points in two games against the Dragons in 2023.
Dragons centre Jack Bird will play his 150th NRL game.
Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored 32 tries in 28 games at PointsBet Stadium.
Prediction
As I expected, my prediction leans towards the Sharks Sharks, and more Sharks!!
About Knights vs Warriors
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