The Cronulla Sharks are up and running in season 2015 and they will be looking to build on their great performance last week when they tackle the Newcastle Knights at home. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:35pm (AEST).
Cronulla began the season with four straight defeats but that didn’t stop Shane Flanagan’s men from producing the upset of the year last week.
In a powerful and disciplined performance, the Sharks outmuscled Sydney en route to a 20-12 victory that should lay a great platform for the rest of the season.
The Sharks are a very competitive unit on their day and their pack will trouble any side in the NRL, particularly if Paul Gallen, Anthony Tupou and Andrew Fifita stay healthy.
As a result of their win against Sydney, the Sharks start favourites tonight against a Knights side coming off their first loss of the season against the Dragons.
The Knights failed to score a point against St George Illawarra and may have trouble doing so again if the Sharks replicate last week’s efforts against the Roosters.
In what could be a low-scoring encounter, Cronulla will once again try to turn this contest into an arm wrestle. If their forwards are able to dominate like they did against Sydney, the Knights are going to have a lot of trouble getting into positions to score points.
The only worry for Cronulla is their struggle to beat teams they are favoured to defeat. Losses to the Raiders, Titans and Broncos at home this season raise concerns about their ability to live up to expectations to perform.
The Knights possess the class to cause the upset but the Sharks at their best should get home.
Sharks by 6.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the game from 7:30pm (AEDT).
If you are following the action live, be sure to join in the banter in the comments below.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Even though the entire club at Canterbury were nigglers... He was told to lead from the front there
Alex L
Roar Rookie
You think Ennis wasn't still niggling? I suppose at Cronulla the entire rest of the team are nigglers, so he can probably skip on it.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Great win by the Sharks and Barba was excellent, fullback is his position. Ennis had a blinder and he is showing what a great player he is, instead of doing everything with his mouth instead of his footy skills.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks Alan. Good win for the Sharks!
Renegade
Roar Guru
Well the Sharks are officially here in 2015... the first four weeks were getting the combinations together and finding out what the best team is. Time to start flying up that ladder and make up for lost ground! Up Up Cronulla!
Alan
Roar Guru
Another strong effort from the Sharks tonight as they secure a convincing 22-6 win over the Knights. Sharks appear to have gotten their season back on track after a poor start. Their forwards are laying a great platform and the backs are starting to show some creativity. Bird in particular a rising star to look out for as well as Holmes. Newcastle poor with the footy and their momentum is gone after a great start to the year. Sharks 22 Knights 6
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Sharks 22 Knights 6
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Mullen straight through now. His pass goes to ground though. Knights have squandered a few chances tonight. Sharks 22 Knights 6
Scott Pryde
Expert
That'll almost make things easy for the Sharks.
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Sharks still with improving to do with the footy but upfront they are going to trouble and outmuscle plenty of teams this season... Sharks 22 Knights 6
Alan
Roar Guru
Barba off with an ankle injury I think. Could be set for a lengthy spell. Gordon back on the park for the Sharks. 77' - Ennis goes high and Uate takes the footy Sharks 22 Knights 6
Alan
Roar Guru
Barba down injured here..... Sharks 22 Knights 6
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Sharks should hold on from here. Two wins in a row after a tough start to the season. Good signs for the Sharks. Bird with the kick. Knights very disappointing tonight Sharks 22 Knights 6
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well that's gotta be it now.
Alan
Roar Guru
Strong charge from Heighington and he scores a deserved try. CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Sharks 22 Knights 6
Alan
Roar Guru
72' - Sharks with another chance to perhaps seal the deal. Barba with light feet nearly through. Heighington goes close! He scores! TRY SHARKS Sharks 20 Knights 6
Alan
Roar Guru
71' - Knock on from the Knights from the restart! Goodness me! Sharks on the attack! Sharks 16 Knights 6
Alan
Roar Guru
That try was possible because of Jeremy Smith's offload. Roberts then found Gagai who found Uate who scores as easy as you like. CONVERSION MISSED Sharks 16 Knights 6
Alan
Roar Guru
69' - Points have really dried up for Newcastle. Can they score here? Sharks not making it easy. Great offload and Uate is over in the corner! TRY KNIGHTS Sharks 16 Knights 6
Alan
Roar Guru
67' - Sharks defending well. Grubber kick put in. Barba bats the footy dead. Knights with the drop-out Sharks 16 Knights 2