FRIDAY, JULY 5th, 2024 COFFS INTERNATIONAL STADIUM, COFFS HARBOUR.
Sharks Seek Redemption Against Titans in Coffs Harbour Showdown
The Sharks will be looking for a change in fortune when they host the Titans in Coffs Harbour, following two close defeats.
After a narrow two-point loss to the Dolphins in Round 16, Cronulla faced another tight defeat last Friday when a Matt Burton field goal clinched the win for the Bulldogs.
Key Battles: Sharks vs Titans in Coffs Harbour
Having slipped to fourth on the ladder after losing four of their last five matches, Cronulla will be aiming to regain the form that saw them achieve seven consecutive wins.
The Sharks’ performance was demoralizing as they came back from a 12-0 deficit against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, only to fall to a 15-14 defeat after leading 14-12. A major concern for the Shire side is their slow start and the inability of their star playmaker, Nicho Hynes, to secure the game with a field goal from close range in both regular time and golden point.
Injury Updates and Team Changes Ahead of Sharks-Titans Clash
A delayed concussion for Sharks winger Sione Katoa has ruled him out, with Daniel Atkinson stepping in on the wing. The only other change is Tom Hazelton being named to start, while Toby Rudolf has been benched following an ill-disciplined performance last week.
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Daniel Atkinson 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi , 11. Briton Nikora 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Cameron McInnes, 14. Jack Williams 15. Royce Hunt , 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Teig Wilton , 18. Jesse Colquhoun 19. Tom Rodwell 20. Braden Hamlin-Uele , 21. Tuku Hau Tapuha 22. Jayden Berrell
Titans Gear Up for Sharks Challenge in Round 18 Clash
The Titans, meanwhile, will be well-rested after a Round 17 bye and eager to continue the form that saw them demolish the Warriors 66-6 in Round 16.
With up to five players expected back from injury for the Round 18 clash, competition for spots will be intense on the Gold Coast this week as several young stars have stepped up for Des Hasler’s side.
The Titans have received mixed news on the injury front. Jayden Campbell is ruled out with a hand injury, but QLD Origin star AJ Brimson is back in the side after recovering from a groin injury, and Jojo Fifita returns after missing the Warriors game due to illness. Additionally, Mo Fotuaika is back from Origin, with Josiah Pahulu moving to the bench and Jacob Alick dropping to the reserves.
Titans.
1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita , 6. AJ Brimson 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Erin Clark 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall, 14. Isaac Liu 15. Josiah Pahulu 16. Keenan Palasia, 17. Joe Stimson, 18. Tanah Boyd 19. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 20. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 21. Ken Maumalo 22. Jaylan De Groot
Referee. Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Touch Judges, Chris Sutton, Kieren Irons, Bunker, Ashley Klein.
Key Stats and Historical Rivalry: Sharks vs Titans
The Sharks have won their last nine games against the Titans.
The Titans have won only two out of seven away games this season.
The Sharks are undefeated in Coffs Harbour, with a perfect record of three wins from three games.
Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored eight tries in his last five games.
Sharks winger Sione Katoa has scored six tries in his last five games.
Prediction.
Despite having a solid record in their three appearances in Coffs Harbour, the Sharks have been inconsistent in recent weeks. Meanwhile, the Titans will carry a lot of confidence from their win against the Warriors a fortnight ago and are arguably strengthened with the return of key players.
The loss of Campbell is not ideal, as he has been a standout in recent weeks, but the return of Brimson should fill that gap. While finals might be out of reach for the Titans this season, a win against a top-four side would be a significant boost as they look to build toward the 2025 season.
However, they will need to overcome a dominant streak from their opponents, as the Sharks have won their last nine games against the Titans.
Comments