The Shire will see a battle of the winless on Saturday Afternoon, as their hometown Cronulla Sharks take on the Gold Coast Titans at Remondis Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the game from 5:30pm (AEDT).
The Sharks have started their season poorly, taking losses to the Raiders, Broncos and Storm in their first three games. The Sharks are already facing a situation where a loss would quell any hope of finals, so a win over the Titans is a must for Cronulla.
The Titans have been fighting off controversy all season, and they welcomed back their suspended players last weekend against the Knights. While it wasn’t enough to see them get the victory, they did look a lot better than in previous games. With losses to the Tigers and the Panthers to go along with the loss to the Knights, the Titans will be looking to get their season started with a win on Saturday evening.
The Sharks have made numerous changes this week. Ben Barba is out suspended for two matches, so Wade Graham will wear the Number 6 Jersey on Saturday, meaning Anthony Tupou moves into the starting 13. Sam Tagataese is out for this clash, with Chris Heighington set to start his 250th NRL game. Matt Prior and Jack Bird have both been named on an extended bench, with Bird a real chance to play his first game of NRL football.
The Titans have made one change, with exciting young half Kane Elgey set to replace Daniel Mortimer, who is out with a wrist injury. Agnatius Paasi has been named on an extended Titans bench.
The Sharks have a slight edge in this matchup, winning 6 of the 11 games between the two clubs. The Titans did win their last clash however, taking home a victory by the score of 18-12.
Prediction
The Sharks are starting as warm favourites for this clash, but I think we’ll get a very close game on Saturday. The Titans looked a lot better last weekend, but I think the Sharks will come out firing in front of a home crowd.
Sharks by 6
Renegade
Guest
Yep, he will be the long term cronulla fullback. The outside backs aren't the problem - plenty of talent coming through and depth there when guys like Gagan and Bird can't get a start. The halves are obviously the weakness and the reason why they chased DCE so hard.... The game plan at the moment is based around Todd Carney still being there. I don't know if Flanagan realises that you simply cannot replace the talent of carney... He was probably the most naturally gifted player in the comp... Tactics need to change to suit the team we have.
The eye
Guest
Love some Storm like discipline and some Rabbit type plays from the next coach..why should that be dreamin' ?
Jay C
Roar Guru
Valentine looks a talent. Maybe a bolter for Origin. It would really help his cause if you guys could get your acts together and feed him some decent ball though :)
Renegade
Guest
Mate, I was one of the guys who was vocal in the support of bringing Flanagan back but watching the opening four games has almost been a punishment. We should have won against the raiders, Broncos and Titans - all three games the Sharks dominated every where but the scoreboard. The game plan needs to change or positional changes in the backline need to happen... Either way that's flanagans job. I can't see where the next win will come... We won't get flogged by roosters, souths and Knights as the forward pack will relish the challenge and most likely again dominate but we will simply struggle to score enough points to win.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Maybe. It isn't a good look either way. I reckon they should reduce penalties to a point. I don't go to the football to watch penalties. I have Rugby Union for that. Some of those penalties were madness. You have the opposition on the ropes. Honestly the Titans looked done for the last ten minutes. I haven't seen a team try so hard to lose a game in a while as the Sharks did yesterday.
The eye
Guest
true..fell off my chair when Robbo put that kick into Val's arms..if the coach rated Murphy surely he would have had him in yesterday..oust Doust and fling Flanno..
Renegade
Roar Guru
Sharks fans have stood by Flanagan through thick and thin.... but a start to the season like this where just about every league fan expected them to make the 8 is shocking. Under achieving isn't even the word right now. The responsibility lies directly with him..... letting Chad Townsend (a local junior who only ever wanted to be a shark) go two years ago just to keep a 32-year old Robson was a incredibly poor decision and I hammered the decision at the time. We've got a team that can park themselves in the opposition 20 on the back of great go forward only to not know what to do because the halves lack creativity..... meanwhile Townsend has led the Warriors to back to back wins and making the golden boot winner play second fiddle - the responsibility for that decision sits with Flanagan.. If Flanagan wants to keep his job - he needs to make changes starting with giving Todd Murphy the 7 jersey.
The eye
Guest
That's what I'm talking about...
The eye
Guest
I think it's the opposite Jay..no confidence in being able to score..something that's been worn into their psyche from....not being able to score..
Jay C
Roar Guru
The Sharks were looking good? When? Was it the 3 or 4 penalty goals they took? Or the inability to convert pressure into points against the worst (second worst, I guess) team in the comp? Does the coach survive an 0-7 start?
Jay C
Roar Guru
No respect for the opposition, assuming 2 points will be enough.
Doug Graves
Guest
Tiger Sharks should give Tim Sheens a call
jamesb
Guest
Shepherd did a great job with the Sharks towards the back end of the season last year.
Muzz
Guest
Why not Shepherd full time?
The eye
Guest
Flanno get straight up to your office and clear your things out..James Shepherd is our Rooster specialist..then baton pass to Nathan Brown..don't hold back on Barba,Brownie,if you have to slap him..slap him..
Renegade
Guest
Yep, hard to argue with that.
Richard Maybury
Guest
Not a bad crowd =9550 - official.
Muzz
Guest
Sharks next 3 games are - Roosters, Knights, Bunnies. Flanno could be the first coach to get the chop this season.
jamesb
Guest
I don't think Flanagan is the answer.
Renegade
Guest
Agree.