The Cronulla Sharks got out of jail against St George Illawarra last week but will need to improve tenfold if they are defeat a Sydney Roosters side on an eight match winning streak. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.00pm AEST.
A late Andrew Fifita try was enough for the Sharks to secure two valuable competition points against a Dragons team missing several key players last week.
Despite attaining victory, Cronulla once again showed their limitations in attack, and it remains to be seen if they have enough points in them to crack the NRL’s best defensive unit.
The Roosters enjoyed a training run of sorts against the Tigers last week and possess all the confidence in the world at the moment.
With the finals just around the corner, playing the Sharks away from home is just what the Roosters need to get into peak shape for September.
The last time these two teams met, the Roosters romped to a 40 nil victory and Cronulla will be keen to show at home that they deserve to be ranked as a premiership contender.
Given that they are at home, tonight’s contest could end up being a real arm wrestle.
Prediction
The battle upfront should be a highlight, with in-form Sharks forwards Andrew Fifita and Bryce Gibbs squaring off against Roosters giants Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Sam Moa.
NSW second rowers Luke Lewis and Paul Gallen will also need to play strongly tonight in a bid to stop superstar Sonny Bill Williams from wrecking havoc.
While the Sharks at full strength can certainly match the Roosters upfront, Sydney does possess a significant advantage in the backline.
The likes of Michael Jennings, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Daniel Tupou and Roger-Tuivasa Sheck have made a habit of tearing opposition to shreds this season with their speed and sharp footwork.
Throw in the strong present form of halves Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney, and it’s easy to understand why the Sharks simply must win the arm wrestle upfront to deny the Roosters the platform to weave their magic.
With a home final still well on the cards for Cronulla, expect the Sharks to really turn up tonight in a bid to secure the all important home ground advantage in the first week of the finals
After eight straight wins, the Roosters may be a little vulnerable tonight and may just fall short against a determined Sharks outfit.
Sharks by 4
PearceOff
Guest
If you call melting in 12 Origins a GF and every other big game a "slip-up" then its LOSERS like you CRAPJACK who lead his cheergirls that keep the myth that is Pearce alive well....BUWAHAHA!
crackaShaun
Roar Pro
You beautay!
Alan
Roar Guru
The Sharks did enough in the first half to defeat the Roosters here but the chooks were very strong in the second half and scored 4 tries in the second half to nil. Roosters were also denied a try that would have really provided a grand stand finish. Sharks though very strong in the first half but were pegged back in the second and that could be a worry come finals time. Roosters needed the kick up the bum after eight straight wins but the way they fought in the second half will please coach Robinson. It was the finals match the Roosters needed with the finals just around the corner. Great contest overall. Sharks 32 Roosters 22
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Lewis for the line and he offloads to possession but the Roosters get the ball and that's all she wrote FULLTIME Sharks 32 Roosters 22
Az
Guest
That's a worry for the sharks
Alan
Roar Guru
Lewis with a strip there but the video referee fails to overturn it despite overturning a call just minutes earlier. Sharks 32 Roosters 22
WQ
Guest
Gallen is the ultimate grub!!
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Roosters have scored 4 tries to nil in the second half. Its 4 tries each. Roosters with the error now Sharks 32 Roosters 22
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL - Maloney converts Sharks 32 Roosters 22
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY ROOSTERS - Jennings scores out wide! Sharks 32 Roosters 20
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Roosters with six to go here as they attack. Too little too late but admirable effort in the second half nonetheless. Robinson should be happy with this bounce back. Sharks 32 Roosters 16
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Roosters get the turnover here and need a miracle to get back in this Sharks 32 Roosters 16
Alan
Roar Guru
74' - Roosters with a short kickoff but the Sharks get possession. Sharks will go into fifth position I think with this win Sharks 32 Roosters 16
Alan
Roar Guru
PENALTY SUCCESSFUL - Carney converts and that's three penalty goals in the second half. Sharks 32 Roosters 16
Alan
Roar Guru
73' - Sharks with a chance to seal the deal here if they haven't already. Roosters need to hold out. Sharks with another penalty Sharks 30 Roosters 16
Alan
Roar Guru
Video referee changes the decision and the Sharks go back on the attack Sharks 30 Roosters 16
Alan
Roar Guru
Knock ruled against Cronulla here....incorrect decision that one. Sharks 30 Roosters 16
Alan
Roar Guru
72' - That video referee decision takes on huge significance now. Carney with the kick and Sheck gathers possession on his own goal line. Sheck loses possession and the Sharks on the attack Sharks 30 Roosters 16
Alan
Roar Guru
71' - This is a good second half from the Roosters that they will take into next week. They needed a wake up call in the first half and got it big time. Nuuausala with a good charge. Pearce drives the ball downfield and Gordon gathers possession Sharks 30 Roosters 16
Az
Guest
Surely sharks can win from here