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.
Moonshine
Guest
The crowd was listed at 14K but looked less than half full even on the camera side...
Jake
Guest
Up the doggies HAHAHAHHAA :D
alan
Guest
Even worse than the Knights - Panthers game Renegade?
Renegade
Guest
Yep, absolute bludger of a game mate.... I'm sure the sharks completion rate ended up under 50%
Cameron
Roar Guru
Marked! :D
eagleJack
Guest
That bad huh? Got it recording so I can watch it later. Maybe ill just delete it.
Renegade
Guest
This has to be the worst game of rugby league ever played....It's no wonder as to why both these sides are struggling. All recordings and highlights of this game should be burnt, destroyed and never ever shown again!
Alan
Roar Guru
The Bulldogs finally get their second win of the year after beating a Sharks side who payed dearly for not taking several key chances in the first half. Canterbury controlled the second period with good defence and good kicking from Reynolds and Hodkinson. The Bulldogs were scrappy themselves but took their chances and that was the difference in the end. Perrett was solid, scoring two tries while Brown on the wing also secured a double. Carney tried hard for the Sharks and was their most dangerous player, particularly in the first half. Sharks though have lost four in a row now and need to bounce back very soon. Bulldogs may finally wake from their slumber after a poor start. Thanks for your company today and please join us next week for more NRL on The Roar! Sharks 8 Bulldogs 24
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Sharks 8 Bulldogs 24
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Bulldogs now will fancy their chances of winning two in a row given that they have the Tigers next week who may struggle to field a first grade side to be honest given their injuries! Lewis picks up possession now as the Bulldogs knock on Sharks 8 Bulldogs 24
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Lewis has lost the football and the Bulldogs recover possession. Bulldogs with this win may finally spark to life Sharks 8 Bulldogs 24
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Sharks win the penalty here and may score the last try of the match here.... Sharks 8 Bulldogs 24
Elijah Weightman
Roar Guru
Cowboys and Dogs are contenders for the Top 4 yet, mark my words.
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Shark with the short drop-out and they regather possession. Too little too late but the Sharks are trying to score more points which is good Sharks 8 Bulldogs 24
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Barba with a kick here and Gordon has to take the football dead and the Bulldogs earn another line drop-out. Bulldogs enjoying themselves now Sharks 8 Bulldogs 24
Alan
Roar Guru
Radio eaglejack 76' - Sharks over the halfway as Gallen always goes strong. Carney goes high but Brown regathers the football well Sharks 8 Bulldogs 24
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Barba with a forward pass to Tolman and the Bulldogs looking to finish with a bang here. Sharks once again due for another loss Sharks 8 Bulldogs 24
eagleJack
Guest
Alan, are you at the game? If not how do you get the game live? Was keen to watch this game but can't be bothered with the channel 9 delayed coverage.
Alan
Roar Guru
Carney with the short kickoff and Reynolds regathers very well under pressure. Bulldogs are home here Sharks 8 Bulldogs 24
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL - Hodkinson has kicked very well today Sharks 8 Bulldogs 24 Perrett yet again at the right place at the right time. Perrett with two tries today and he has played a very important role in this victory today. Bulldogs finally have their first win since round 2.