The Cronulla Sharks host the Newcastle Knights in a bottom of the ladder battle that could prove to be one of the more entertaining matches of the round. Join The Roar for live scores from 3:00pm (AEST).
A month ago, nobody would have guessed that when the Sharks and Knights faced off in Round 18, they would both be playing to extend a winning streak to three matches.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF THE 2014 STATE OF ORIGIN SERIES
The Sharks enter this match after two stunning come from behind victories. The first came against the Broncos at Suncorp in Round 16 – a match which saw them overcome a 22-0 second half scoreline to get home by two points.
The second came against the Roosters at Allianz last round, a game in which they again snuck home by just two points.
The Knights rejoined the winners list in Round 15 when they hosted the Cowboys. But the more impressive of their recent victories came two weeks ago when they travelled to Pirtek Stadium, managing to pull off an upset 16-10 victory against the Eels.
With Wayne Bennett announcing his resignation from the Knights come the end of the season this week, it will be interesting to see how his players respond.
In team news, Paul Gallen, Luke Lewis and Andrew Fifita are all set to return to the Sharks side, while Darius Boyd makes his way back into the halfback position for the Knights after a successful State of Origin performance on Wednesday night.
These two sides last met in Round 4, a match in which the Knights thumped the Sharks 30-0. In keeping with their habit of miraculous comebacks in the past two rounds, perhaps surrendering such a lead again will be just what is needed for the Sharks to get over the line.
Enjoying the bye last round means Newcastle enter this match fresh. The confidence they will draw from a couple of wins on the trot and their early season drubbing of the Sharks should stand them in good stead for this match.
But the Sharks have proven of late that they are not the write-off many have come to expect.
Join The Roar for live scores from 3:00pm (AEST). If you are following the match, be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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