NRL,ROUND 4, CRONULLA SHARKS v CANBERRA RAIDERS

Rugby League

SUNDAY, MARCH 31st, 2024 POINTSBET STADIUM,SYDNEY

The Sharks and Raiders are eager to bounce back from their initial defeats of the season last week as they face off on Sunday night, seeking an immediate response.

Cronulla in Crisis After Crushing Defeat and Injury Blow

Cronulla arguably are in more dire straits after last week – they were crushed 32-6 by the Tigers and lost multiple key forwards to injury, including Toby Rudolf, Royce Hunt and Dale Finucane.

Struggling Sharks Face Uphill Battle Against Raiders Dominance

Presently, the Sharks encounter a team with whom they’ve faced difficulties recently, having lost nine out of the last 10 meetings.

Nicho Hynes’ Struggles Pose Challenges for Sharks

Nicho Hynes has yet to find his rhythm in attack, and if his struggles persist, the Sharks could face significant challenges this season. It appears he might be missing out on an opportunity for selection in the Blues squad.

Injury Plagues Sharks as Coach Fitzgibbon Juggles Lineup

As Round 4 approaches, Coach Craig Fitzgibbon finds himself grappling with the absence of 491 games worth of experience in the midfield, as Dale Finucane (facial injury), Royce Hunt (calf), and Toby Rudolf (ankle) sustained injuries last week, joining Braden Hamlin-Uele (hamstring) on the sidelines. Consequently, Kayal Iro steps in at center, enabling Siosifa Talakai to transition to the second row and Jack Williams to make his return to the bench. Additionally, Daniel Atkinson and Tuku Hau Tapuha make their debut appearances on the interchange.

Raiders Squad

Sharks. 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 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. Siosifa Talakai 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jack Williams 16. Billy Burns 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Blake Hosking 20. Samuel Stonestreet 21. Niwhai Puru 22. Max Bradbury

Meanwhile, Raiders Relish Underdog Role

Meanwhile, the Raiders are executing precisely as anticipated—drawing opponents into their style of play and relishing every aspect of the intense competition.

Raiders Riding High Despite Adversity

Canberra have put in some great performances so far this season, beating the Knights and Tigers by 13+ margins and narrowly going down on the road to the Warriors last week.

Horsburgh Benched Again as Raiders Shuffle Line-up

For the second consecutive round, Corey Horsburgh finds himself relegated to the reserves, with the Queenslander designated among the substitutes after featuring in the NSW Cup last week. Ata Mariota returns on the bench in place of Emre Guler, who will play NSW Cup this weekend. 

Backline Changes for Sharks as Hopoate Sidelined

A few alterations occur in the backline as James Schiller makes his NRL season debut on the wing, stepping in for Albert Hopoate, who suffered minor burns to his right arm in a cooking mishap on Monday night. Kris returns from concussion at centre. Fullback Jordan Rapana will make his 200th appearance for the club. 

Raiders Squad

Raiders. 1. Jordan Rapana 2. James Schiller 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 16. Zac Hosking 17. Pasami Saulo 18. Trey Mooney 19. Corey Horsburgh 20. Kaeo Weekes 21. Zac Woolford 22. Nick Cotric

Referee: Todd Smith, Touch Judge: Kasey Badger, Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski,

Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton

Key Match Statistics and Predictions

Raiders have won nine of the last 10 meetings between the teams

Sharks coming off 32-6 loss to Tigers last week

Sharks have seen Under 50.5 points in all three games in 2024

Raiders have seen Under 50.5 points in all three games in 2024

Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored a try in his last seven games at PointsBet Stadium

Xavier Savage has scored a try in four of his last five games

Matt Timoko scored vs Sharks last season & crossed vs Warriors last week

PREDICTION

Ricky Stuart is poised to sense another classic Raiders ambush brewing, with the team embracing their underdog status. The Sharks will start as favourites, but I like how the Raiders are flying under the radar. I found the Raiders with a 7.5 points start @ $1.65.

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