NRL, TODAY : ROUND 15, CRONULLA SHARKS v REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS

THURSDAY JUNE 13th 2024 POINTSBET STADIUM,SYDNEY

Round 15 Showdown: Sharks vs. Dolphins Clash at PointsBet Stadium

In Round 15, two top-four teams will face off as the Sharks and Dolphins aim to make a statement against a fellow premiership contender.

Sharks Eager to Extend Home Dominance

Fresh from their 22-12 win over the Broncos, Cronulla will be eager to topple the Storm from the top spot on the ladder with a big home victory to kick off the round.

Dolphins Seek Redemption in Sydney

Returning to Shark Park for the first time since their scoreless game against the Panthers in Round 12, Craig Fitzgibbon’s side will look to make amends with their loyal fans, having won four out of five home games this season.

Key Returns for Dolphins Boost Line-up

Meanwhile, Felise Kaufusi (Origin) and five-eighth Kodi Nikorima (calf) have been named to return, providing a boost for the Dolphins, who suffered a golden point loss to the Raiders before their bye in Round 14.

Star Power: Tabuai-Fidow and Kaufusi Back for Dolphins

Wayne Bennett’s side will also welcome back Maroons superstar Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who will aim to carry his superb State of Origin form into the Round 15 clash against the heavyweights.

Sharks’ Line-up Shuffle: Hynes Returns, Nikorima Ready

For the Sharks, Blues halfback Nicho Hynes returns after being rested for the Broncos game, with Daniel Atkinson reverting to 18th man. In the forwards, Braden Hamlin-Uele returns on the bench, while Tuku Hau Tapuha drops to the reserves.

Squad Updates: Sharks vs. Dolphins Lineups Revealed

The Dolphins welcome back Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi after their absence in the Round 13 loss to the Raiders due to Origin duty. Mark Nicholls moves to the bench, and Trai Fuller is omitted from the squad.

Kodi Nikorima returns at five-eighth after recovering from a calf injury, prompting Anthony Milford to step aside. Tesi Niu is listed among the reserves as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.

Team line-ups

Sharks

 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo , 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi , 11. Briton Nikora 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Cameron McInnes , 14. Jack Williams 15. Thomas Hazelton 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Royce Hunt, 18. Daniel Atkinson 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Mawene Hiroti 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Samuel Stonestreet

Dolphins

 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Kenny Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath, 14. Josh Kerr , 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Kurt Donoghoe , 18. Oryn Keeley 19. Sean O’Sullivan , 20. Jarrod Wallace 21. Tesi Niu 22. Trai Fuller

Referee. Todd Smith, Touch Judges. Wyatt Raymond, Drew Oultram , Bunker, Gerard Sutton

Key Moves, Records, and Performances Ahead of Round 15 Showdown

While he will not play this week, Tevita Pangai Jr has joined the Dolphins for the remainder of the NRL season to reunite with old mentor Wayne Bennett, only months after quitting the sport to pursue a career in boxing.

Last August, Pangai, a former NSW representative forward, announced his departure from Canterbury at the end of the 2023 season, opting out of a salary of approximately $750,000 for 2024.

The Sharks boast an impressive record of four wins from five games at PointsBet Stadium this season.

In contrast, the Dolphins have faced challenges in Sydney venues, losing all three games played there.

Sharks left winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has been a prolific scorer at PointsBet Stadium, tallying 32 tries in just 30 games.

Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been in fine form, scoring eight tries in his last six NRL games.

Sharks right winger Sione Katoa has also been a consistent threat, notching six tries in his last seven games.

Prediction

As much as I love the Dolphins I think the Sharks will be to good at home. The way they dismantled the Broncos last week with their big forwards and speedy backs, this will be the game plan again this week.

Despite the Dolphins winning seven out of the 12 games they’ve played this year, facing the Sharks, who currently sit equal first, on their home turf presents a formidable challenge. Will you write the Dolphins off? I don’t think you should. They are dangerous. Look for a 4-5 point start.

If NSW No.7 Nicho Hynes returns to the side after being rested last week, the Sharks should have the edge over the Dolphins. Their ability to secure a victory against Brisbane in Brisbane last week without their key player suggests they have the depth and capability to overcome their opponents.