Cronulla v Roosters | Saturday, August 27, 7.30pm (AEDT), Southern Cross Group Stadium
Cronulla’s latest defeat has created a perception that teams have figured out the Sharks’ attacking style.
Respected pundit Phil Gould has suggested their recent slump may actually work to their advantage though, in allowing them to iron out a few weaknesses in their game ahead of the finals.
With confidence draining away, the Sharks need their leaders to stand up which is why the return of Paul Gallen this week should be massive for them.
The Roosters powered away from an insipid Dragons outfit after the break and represent dangerous opponents.
Aidan Guerra bounced back from being dropped with a strong performance and has been assured of a future at Bondi.
Unibet Odds:
Last time they met: Rd 19 – Roosters 20-32 Cronulla
Tip: Roosters
Line tip: Roosters +4.5
Teams:
Sharks: 1 Ben Barba 2 Sosaia Feki 3 Jack Bird 4 Ricky Leutele 5 Valentine Holmes 6 James Maloney 7 Chad Townsend 8 Andrew Fifita 9 Michael Ennis 10 Matt Prior 11 Luke Lewis 12 Wade Graham (c) 13 Paul Gallen. Interchange: 14 Joseph Paulo 15 Chris Heighington 16 Jesse Sene-Lefao 17 Jayson Bukuya.
Roosters: 1 Blake Ferguson 5 Latrell Mitchell 4 Shaun Kenny-Dowall 3 Mitchell Aubusson 2 Daniel Tupou 6 Connor Watson 7 Mitchell Pearce 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9 Jake Friend (c) 10 Dylan Napa 11 Boyd Cordner 12 Aidan Guerra 13 Sio Siua Taukeiaho. Interchange: 14 Sam Moa 15 Isaac Liu 16 Ryan Matterson 17 Kane Evans.