The resurgent Cronulla Sharks host a South Sydney Rabbitohs side looking to bounce back from last week’s embarrassing second half. Join The Roar from 6:45pm (AEST) for our live coverage of the clash.
The Sharks beat the Sydney Roosters in one of the upsets of the season and backed that up with a victory against former ladder leaders the Newcastle Knights last weekend.
Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs raced out of the gates, winning their first three games in convincing fashion.
After the first three rounds there were certain members of the media saying the Rabbitohs could go for the whole season undefeated, however they were brought crashing down to Earth with a loss to the Eels, and haven’t been the same since.
State of Origin front rower Andrew Fifita is missing for the Sharks through suspension, replaced by Sam Tagatese. David Fifita has also been left off the Sharks’ bench, with Jason Bukuya and Tinirau Arona rounding out an 18-man squad.
The Rabbitohs are unchanged from their loss to the Cowboys, however Cameron McInnes has once again been named as the 18th man. This means Glenn Stewart retains his spot in the halves, covering for the injured Adam Reynolds.
If the Sharks are to overcome the Rabbitohs then expect Jack Bird to have a massive impact on the game. His form has created problems for the Sharks, since they can’t put Ben Barba in reserve grade, meaning he is coming off the bench.
Prediction
The Rabbitohs will be looking to bounce back and even without Adam Reynolds should do enough to get over the Sharks.
Rabbitohs by 8.
Join us from 6:45pm (AEST) for our live coverage of this clash, and remember to leave your comments and thoughts as the game progresses.
JVGO
Guest
All of the Eastern Stand members at least would go inside.
XI
Roar Guru
If I was a Sharks player, I would get the team together and have them buy dinner for everyone who turned up.
JVGO
Guest
In those conditions there would be quite a few people watching inside the leagues club.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yeah it does seem like there were more in that number than what were actually there.
Scott Pryde
Expert
They were pretty ordinary. Do you remember the game in Perth I think it was why Rhys Wesser's try? Similar to that. Crazy.
Jack
Guest
I can't help but feel that they inflated the numbers, the crowd was tiny! it was more like a training session
Scott Pryde
Expert
Maybe. Could have gone either way.
Scott Pryde
Expert
I can honestly say I expected maybe 1000 - 1500
Jack
Guest
I can honestly say that is the smallest nrl crowd i have ever seen
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well that just about wraps up the Roar's live coverage of Monday Night Football as the Cronulla Sharks strangled the South Sydney Rabbitohs 18 points to 10. Thanks for joining us and I hope you enjoyed my coverage of the clash. Remember to keep it locked into the roar for all the best Sporting analysis and live coverage on the internet! I'll be back next week with more Rugby League live coverage right here on the Roar. Enjoy the rest of your evening!
Jack
Guest
This is a real bummer for the crowd averages, eh? congrats to all who turned up, you're the real mvp
Scott Pryde
Expert
So the Sharks on a real roll now having won 3 in a row. The Rabbitohs meanwhile desperately need a win next week when they host the Raiders in Cairns after 2 losses in a row. The Sharks take on the Panthers it what will be an interesting game!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Man of the Match is MICHAEL ENNIS . He was fantastic tonight.
Scott Pryde
Expert
That was crazy!
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME: Sharks 18 Rabbitohs 10 Well what a game of football we have just witnessed from Remondis Stadium. In some of the most testing and trying conditions you will ever encounter on a football field the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks have managed to strangle the South Sydney Rabbitohs by 8 points. With under 4,000 fans at the game and standing puddles all over the ground plus an 80 km/h wind the Sharks redefined the term liking the rain. The Sharks had the wind at their back in the first half and managed to get a lead going but only by just 6 points. At that point it really looked like they wouldn't have enough of a lead, but they fought brilliantly in the second half as the Rabbitohs imploded in attack without Adam Reynolds. They looked lost when they got onto the attack and the Sharks really started to muscle up in defence. They scored a late try to seal up the game set up by Michael Ennis who was absolutely fantastic for the Sharks this evening. Chris McQueen scored for the Rabbitohs early in the second half and brought the game to within 2 points but never looked like taking the lead over the incredibly strong Sharks. Given the weather both teams had incredible completion rates but the Sharks 37 from 41 at 90 % was just amazing and ultimately won them the game. In the end the Sharks just too strong for the Rabbitohs. Thoughts on the game Roarers?
Whites
Guest
I've often wondered why teams don't go for one on one strips in the last few minutes more often. But 3 in the last minute is a bit ridiculous.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Rabbits really struggling without Reyno, Sharkies on a roll. Bunnies really need to jag a couple of wins while Reyno is out.
Scott Pryde
Expert
80' - Inside the final minute now and the Rabbitohs need more than runs through their forwards here. Graham steals it and now Clarke steals it back off him so the Rabbitohs take the ball again. Now Ennis strips it away from Isaac Luke and that's the strangest phase of play you'll ever see. The Sharks now take a couple of plays and that will be that! Sharks win! Wow - They have really earnt this rendition of "UP UP Cronulla" Tonight which is now ringing out in the background. FULLTIME: CRONULLA SHARKS 18 defeat SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 10
Nate
Guest
Well I hate to say it but Souths are pretty ordinary at the moment. The loss of Reynolds is really obvious.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Bloody hell.. swapped my tips twice before the game started and settled on Souths. I have regret.