7:35 pm SATURDAY AUGUST 31st 2024 POINTSBET STADIUM SYDNEY
Sharks Aim for Top-Four Finish
The Cronulla Sharks aim to secure their spot in the top four, while the Warriors are determined to give retiring halfback Shaun Johnson a memorable send-off in his final game.
The Sharks moved up to third on the ladder with a commanding victory over the Dragons last weekend and now have their sights set on a top-two finish to secure a home final in the opening week. The Roosters, Sharks, and Panthers are all tied on 36 points with two games left in the regular season.
Sharks’ Recent Form and Player Returns
The Sharks have powered out of a mid-season slump, winning four consecutive games and setting the stage for a strong push toward the finals.
Cronulla is set to welcome back several key players in the next two rounds, with halfback Nicho Hynes expected to return for Saturday’s clash against the Warriors at PointsBet Stadium.
Sione Katoa and Sifa Talakai are also set to return to the lineup this weekend.
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Siosifa Talakai 4. Kayal Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi , 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes , 14. Jack Williams 15. Royce Hunt , 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Thomas Hazelton, 18. Chris Veaila 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha , 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Billy Burns 22. Nicho Hynes
Warriors Line-up and Shaun Johnson’s Farewell
Although the ladder may indicate that the Sharks are heavy favorites for Saturday’s game, the Warriors have a lot at stake.
Taine Tuapiki will start as fullback, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad shifting to the centers to replace Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is sidelined due to concussion protocols. Ali Leiataua steps in at center to fill the spot left by Adam Pompey, who is out for the season with a knee injury. Tom Ale is added to the bench, and Chanel Harris-Tavita is named as the 18th man.
With a bye in Round 27, this week’s game is the Warriors’ final match of the season and marks the end of Shaun Johnson’s illustrious 267-game career.
It’s fitting that his farewell game is against Cronulla, the club he represented for three years between his two stints with the Warriors.
Warriors
1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 4. Ali Leiataua , 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Marata Niukore 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Dylan Walker , 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Demitric Sifakula , 18. Chanel Harris-Tavita 20. Leka Halasima, 21. Edward Kosi 22. Paul Roache 23. Jacob Laban
Referee. Chris Butler ,Touch Judges, Drew Oultram, Phil Henderson, Bunker Grant Atkin
Key Player Stats
The Sharks have secured seven wins from nine games at PointsBet Stadium this season.
Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson will play the final game of his career.
Warriors hooker Wayde Egan will reach his 100th game for the club.
Sharks captain Cameron McInnes will mark his 200th NRL appearance.
Prediction
The Sharks were simply too good for the Dragons last week in Wollongong, while the Warriors couldn’t lift for Shaun Johnson’s last home game, capitulating to the Bulldogs. As I’ve mentioned throughout the season, the Warriors can be unpredictable and might suddenly find their form, but it’s generally safer to bet against them. They’ve been a disappointing team this year. I thought they should get into the last eight after a good 2023 season, but even with a good squad on paper anyway, they continue to flop. They surely won’t be able to beat the Sharks in Cronulla.
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