SATURDAY MAY 25th 2024 POINTSBET STADIUM CRONULLA
Sharks vs Panthers: NRL Showdown at PointsBet Stadium, Cronulla
A showdown between two titans of the competition promises to be the highlight of the round as the Sharks, fresh off a statement victory over the Roosters, face the Panthers, eager to rebound from a narrow defeat.
Sharks’ Dominance
The Sharks are emerging as the formidable force of 2024, flaunting a remarkable 9-1 record after triumphs against the Storm and Roosters in recent weeks. Their dominance is reshaping perceptions, firmly debunking any notion that they can’t conquer the top teams.
Craig Fitzgibbon’s squad surely hasn’t forgotten their last encounter with the premiers, a challenging 28-0 shutout at BlueBet Stadium, where skipper Cameron McInnes had to make a staggering 81 tackles for his side.
Panthers’ Resolve
However, the Shire boys are eager for a chance to measure themselves against the defending champions, aiming to showcase their improved defensive prowess this year.
On the other side, the Panthers find themselves in uncharted territory after suffering their first loss since Round 5. They’ll be focused on addressing the errors (11) and discipline issues (39 missed tackles) that proved costly in their defeat against the Warriors.
The Panthers came close to clinching victory against the Warriors, but luck wasn’t on their side. Despite the absence of key players like Nathan Cleary and Brad Schneider, the Panthers remain a force to be reckoned with.
Key Players
Jerome Luai seamlessly transitioned into the number seven jersey and emerged as one of the standout performers for his team. With players like Luai and Isaah Yeo leading the charge, the Panthers will need to be at the peak of their game as they face a Sharks team riding a seven-game winning streak.
Team Changes
Following his return from injury on the bench last week, Scott Sorenson has earned a spot in the starting lineup, displacing Luke Garner, who started in the second-row last week. Liam Henry will take Sorenson’s place on the bench for the upcoming match.
Team Line-ups
SHARKS
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. Royce Hunt 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha, 18. Mawene Hiroti 19. Billy Burns 20. Samuel Healey 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Braydon Trindall
PANTHERS
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo , 14. Daine Laurie 15. Lindsay Smith , 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth ,18. Mavrik Geyer 19. Soni Luke 20. Trent Toelau 21. Jesse McLean 22. Tyrone Peachey
Referee. Gerard Sutton, Touch Judges. Phil Henderson, Matt Noyen, Bunker. Ashley Klein
Prediction
The Panthers are still missing some key players from their squad, and the Sharks at home are humming after beating the Chooks last week. The stadium will be packed with Sharkie supporters and I think they can get the job done in a close finish.
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