Roar Rookie
The Cronulla Sharks and the Brisbane Broncos will both be looking to redeem themselves when they clash at Remondis Stadium. Join The Roar from 8:30pm (AEDT) for live scores and commentary.
The Sharks came into the season with top-eight aspirations after a disappointing season in 2014. However, they faced a minor setback last week when they were defeated by the Raiders in a game most expected them to win.
They will be looking to turn it around against a Broncos team who were disappointing against the Rabbitohs in Brisbane last week.
The big talking point coming into this game is the relegation of Sam Thaiday to the bench. Wayne Bennet was very critical of the Queensland and Australian representative after their loss to the Rabbitohs and has made a bold decision by dropping him to the bench.
Neither side welcomes back any key players, so they will be looking for improvement from similar squads rather than a spark from an incoming player.
This game already holds extra significance even at this early part of the season as no side wants to start with a 0-2 record, especially for the Sharks having played both at home.
The Broncos hold the overall advantage in the head-to-head record but not by much. The last time the two met the Sharks produced a shock 24-22 upset win and the Broncos will be looking for revenge.
Both teams have strong packs and the battle of the forwards might decide the game, but the clash of the fullbacks-cum-five-eighths will be intriguing. Both Ben Barba and Anthony Milford set the competition on fire with their brilliance from the back of the defensive line, they have now joined the frontline and are attempting to lead their respective sides around the field. Neither player has made any major impact in their short careers as halves and both will be looking to change that tonight.
Prediction
Both teams were far too disappointing in Round 1 to tip with any confidence, but the Sharks were just so poor against a weak Raiders team, so I am going with the Broncos by four points.
Who will bounce back and register their first win of the 2015 season? Join us The Roar from 8:30pm (AEDT) for live scores and commentary to find out.