Roar Guru
The Cronulla Sharks and Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs face off today in a clash both teams will be desperate to win given their position on the NRL ladder. Join us for live scores and commentary from 3:00pm AEDT.
Two of last year’s top eight finalists clash in what should be a very tight encounter at Bluetongue Stadium.
The Bulldogs have been cursed with injury, suspension and a tough draw and must brace themselves for a tough match against Cronulla.
Canterbury have competed well this season but found themselves thoroughly outclassed a fortnight ago by the Roosters.
After competitive performances against the Cowboys, Storm and Sea Eagles earlier in the year, the Bulldogs injury and suspension woes finally took its tool against Sydney as they slumped to a 38 nil defeat.
The Sharks on the other hand are not fairing that much better after three straight losses.
Coach Shane Flanagan has made it clear that the ongoing drugs investigation at the club is proving to be a very big distraction for players and coach alike.
Regardless, Flanagan would have been pleased with the effort his troops showed against Manly last week.
The Sharks stood toe to toe with the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval en route to a tough narrow loss.
Such effort will stand the Sharks in good stead at home today against the desperate Bulldogs.
Prediction
This should be a very interesting and tight contest between two sides who are keen to ignite their season this afternoon.
Both clubs are renowned for their ability to knuckle down and embrace an arm wrestle, so expect both sets of forwards to really give it their all today.
Pound for pound, the Sharks do possess the better pack with Luke Lewis and Paul Gallen in particular coming off very strong performances in the ANZAC Test against New Zealand.
Bulldogs forwards Aidan Tolman, Josh Jackson, Greg Eastwood, Frank Pritchard and Tony Williams will really need to be on their game today if they are to match a physical Sharks pack.
Williams in particular has had a dreadful start to the year and all eyes will be on him to see if the former Test and Origin forward can finally spark for the Bulldogs.
With both teams struggling for form, today’s match could end up being a low scoring encounter.
The return of Todd Carney from injury however will provide the Sharks with some much needed spark in attack.
Given that the Bulldogs still have key players missing, the Sharks should do just enough to grind their way to victory.
Sharks by six.