SATURDAY, APRIL 13th, 2024 ACCOR STADIUM,SYDNEY
South Sydney’s Struggles
South Sydney endured their fourth defeat of the season, suffering a comprehensive 34-4 loss against the Warriors. Plagued by 15 errors and a mere 63 percent completion rate, they currently languish in 17th place on the ladder. Urgently needing a turnaround, they face challenges in fostering cohesion both in attack and defence, with their scoring average dropping to 14 points per game compared to last year’s 23.5.
Line-up Changes for South Sydney
In response, Jason Demetriou implements significant changes to his lineup due to injuries, suspensions, and tactical adjustments. Jye Gray makes his NRL debut as fullback in place of the suspended Latrell Mitchell. Tyrone Munro returns on the wing following a collarbone injury, while Peter Mamouzelo assumes the hooker role, relegating Damien Cook to 18th man status.
The bench consists of Shaquai Mitchell who returns from injury as well as Siliva Havili and Davvy Moale, with Sean Keppie and Tallis Duncan pushed out of the starting side.
South Sydney Starting Line-up
1. Jye Gray 2. Tyrone Munro 3. Jack Wighton 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Michael Chee Kam 15. Siliva Havili 16. Shaquai Mitchell 17. Davvy Moale 18. Damien Cook 19. Jacob Gagai 20. Sean Keppie 21. Tallis Duncan 22. Dion Teaupa
Cronulla Sharks’ Strong Start
Mean while at Cronulla, they have started off the year strong, with wins against the Warriors, Bulldogs and Raiders, leaving them in fourth place on the ladder. They are fresh off their first bye of the season and will be looking to consolidate their efforts over the coming weeks where post-Round 6 they play the Cowboys, Raiders, and Dragons.
Lineup Stability for the Sharks
The Sharks maintain an almost unchanged lineup from their victorious clash against the Raiders prior to their bye week, with the sole alteration being the return of Briton Nikora from suspension.
With Nikora’s comeback, Siosifa Talakai moves to the bench, while Daniel Atkinson is named as the 18th man.
Cronulla Sharks Starting Line-up
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. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Billy Burns 15. Jack Williams 16. Siosifa Talakai 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha 18. Daniel Atkinson 19. Jayden Berrell 20. Toby Rudolf 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Braden Hamlin-Uele
Referees: Ashley Klein; Side line Officials: Nick Pelgrave, Phil Henderson; Video Referees: Adam Gee.
Prediction
Pairing well with Hynes in the Cronulla halves, Braydon Trindall, has had a decent start to the year, already scoring two tries of his own along with making one try assist and one line break assist.
It will indeed be intriguing to observe Peter Mamouzelos’ performance as the starting hooker, particularly with a relatively inexperienced spine.
With Jye Gray making his NRL debut at fullback and Dean Hawkins, who has already played three games this year for the Rabbitohs, the composition of the spine skews towards youth. Mamouzelos gained some game time off the bench last week, totaling 17 minutes, adding to his seven other first-grade appearances. This increased responsibility will provide a significant test of his capabilities in the starting role.
I have to go with the Sharks here. Minus 10.5 points gets you $ 2.06. Souths have been poor, and without, Mitchell, Campbell Graham, and Alex Johnston well who knows. Johnston and Graham were their leading try scorers in 2023 and they lack leadership for me. It may be goodbye to the coach as well.
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