FRIDAY, JULY 12th, 2024 POINTSBET STADIUM, SYDNEY
Sharks Seek to End Losing Streak Against Wests Tigers
Following their third consecutive narrow defeat, the Sharks are looking to turn their luck around as they host the steadily improving Wests Tigers at PointsBet Stadium.
Cronulla’s Close Calls: Narrow Losses Plague the Sharks
Cronulla has suffered losses in their last three games, each by a margin of four points or less. In their most recent match, they rallied from a 12-0 half-time deficit against the Titans, scoring three tries in the second half at Coffs Harbour, but their efforts fell short.
Nicho Hynes Out: Sharks Suffer Major Setback
In a significant setback ahead of this week’s game, Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes has been ruled out due to an ankle injury sustained during Monday’s training session. The 28-year-old will undergo scans to assess the injury’s severity.
Talakai Suspended: More Trouble for Cronulla
Cronulla will also be missing Siosifa Talakai, who has accepted a one-match suspension for a high tackle on Titans hooker Sam Verrills.
Sharks Line-up for the Clash Against Tigers
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Royce Hunt 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi , 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes, 14. Jesse Colquhoun 15. Thomas Hazelton 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele , 18. Tuku Hau Tapuha 19. Chris Veaila 20. Billy Burns, 21. Niwhai Puru 22. Jayden Berrell
Tigers Show Resilience Despite Challenges
The Tigers put up a strong fight against the Storm in Round 18, even surprising the top-of-the-table team by scoring the first try of the match. However, they struggled to maintain their focus, with inconsistency remaining a significant challenge for them this season.
Koroisau and Klemmer Cleared to Play for Tigers
Tigers captain Api Koroisau will be available to play after submitting an early guilty plea to a dangerous contact charge, as will prop David Klemmer, who faced a high tackle charge.
Tigers Line-up for the Showdown at PointsBet Stadium
Tigers
1. Jahream Bula 2. Alexander Lobb 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Solomona Faataape 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer, 11. John Bateman 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Fonua Pole , 14. Heath Mason 15. Sione Fainu, 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Reuben Porter , 18. Justin Matamua 19. Tallyn Da Silva 20. Starford To’a , 21. Josh Feledy 22. Jordan Miller.
Referee. Adam Gee, Touch Judges, Daniel Luttringer, Wyatt Raymond,Bunker Ashley Klein
Injuries and Suspensions Force Sharks Line-up Changes
Halfback Nicho Hynes will be unavailable after injuring his ankle during Monday’s training, leading to Braydon Trindall shifting to the No.7 jersey and Daniel Atkinson taking the No.6 spot. Sione Katoa returns on the wing after missing Round 18 due to concussion protocols. Teig Wilton starts in the back row with Siosifa Talakai suspended, while Jesse Colquhoun and Braden Hamlin-Uele are the new additions to the bench.
Tigers Shuffle Line-up Amid Injuries
For the Tigers, Alexander Lobb comes in on the wing with Solomona Faataape moving to the centres, replacing the injured Justin Olam who is sidelined with a knee injury. Justin Matamua has been relegated to 18th man, with Reuben Porter taking his place on the bench. Outside back Star To’a is listed among the reserves as he aims to return from a hamstring injury.
Sharks’ Recent Dominance Over Tigers
The Sharks have dominated recent encounters with the Tigers, winning 10 of their last 12 meetings.
Historical Struggles: Tigers Seek Rare Double Over Sharks
The Tigers have not managed to defeat the Sharks twice in a single season since 2014.
Key Player Stats: Katoa and Mulitalo Shine
Sharks winger Sione Katoa has been particularly effective against the Tigers, scoring seven tries in his past four games against them.
The Wests Tigers have struggled defensively in their recent away games, conceding 138 points in their last three outings.
Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has an impressive record at PointsBet Stadium, scoring 33 tries in 31 games.
Match Prediction: Can Sharks Turn the Tide?
The Sharks have been on a troubling losing streak, most recently falling to the Titans. As they host the Tigers at home, they must turn their form around to avoid slipping out of the Top 4. The Tigers were very brave last week against the Storm, and they will put up a decent fight against the Sharks, having walloped them at Leichhardt Oval earlier this year. Surely the Sharks will win this at home.
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