St George Illawarra Dragons 42
Cronulla Sharks 6
The St George Illawarra Dragons continue their fierce rivalry with the Cronulla Sharks at Jubilee Oval. Join The Roar from 3:50pm (AEST) for live coverage.
Both teams will look to win the game in the forwards in the battle of the south.
Michael Gordon will be tested when he comes up against Fijian flyer Etonia Nabuli with the last days of the mid-season transfer period dawning.
Heath L’Estrange must also prove his worth at the Dragons to hold out Josh McCrone, who has been linked to a possible transfer from Canberra to the Red V.
In the only change for the Dragons, Jake Marketo has been added to a five-man bench.
Josh Dugan and Trent Merrin have been named to back-up from State of Origin.
Tinirau Arona returns on an extended bench for the Sharks, with Andrew Fifita named despite also playing Origin.
In the 34 games played between these two clubs since 1998 the Dragons have won 17, while Cronulla have won 16. One match was drawn.
Last time the two teams met the Dragons thrashed Cronulla 30-0 at WIN Stadium in Round 13, 2014. Both teams won last up.
With only one Origin star, the Sharks may have an advantage over their rivals when it comes to fatigue.
Currently sitting at 10th on the ladder, the Sharks could move into the top eight with a win.
The Dragons will use their strong defence, which saw them make one of their strongest starts to a season in years, to stop the Sharks from taking the two points, however their form has taken a significant slide of late.
Sharks by 10.
Join The Roar from 3:50pm (AEST) for score updates and debate in our live blog.
Whites
Guest
But Steve Price is already there.
Wolly
Roar Guru
Mick Potter should also be considered I reckon. The Tigers were actually travelling quite nicely before all the drama unfolded.
NQ Cowboy
Guest
Yeah, as you say, Flanagan was partly to blame for that mess. Anyway, that was last season. They can't keep using that as an excuse. At some stage you've got to be honest and say that the coach is not getting results and it's time to move him on and try someone else. Nathan Brown or perhaps Trent Barrett would be a coaching option?
Ken
Guest
Agree, he was really slick - I think he just looks so unassuming, but he playmaking ability is up their with the best going around. I hope he can keep that sort of goal-kicking going though in tighter games, he's been a bit sporadic there but was a sharpshooter today.
The Prize_Man
Roar Pro
it's not like he inherited this mess. he created it. after the asada incident i dont think flanagan is fit to coach an nrl side.
Scott Pryde
Expert
I would say Peats to start and Rein off the bench?
NQ Cowboy
Guest
What mess have they been in this season?
Zedman
Roar Rookie
Scott I'm a Draggies supporter but I think Peats would be the go to man for SOO for mine.
geoff
Guest
haha better team. good one!
Wolly
Roar Guru
I know what you mean, their attack has been getting better that's for sure. I can't remember the last time I saw the Dragons get to 40+ points though.
CT
Guest
The Benji Marshall/Gareth Widdop halves combination has morphed into one the most dangerous in the comp. Gone in the erratic, ad lib play of last season by Benji. His passing has been far more accurate and even his defense is on the improve. McGregor has this bloke now playing consistently good footy.
CT
Guest
Dugan is finally living up to his hype. He is running crab like less often and when he straightens the play he usually beats the first man. He is also choosing wisely when to chime into the back line. His positioning in defense,though, still needs work.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Marshall is almost back at his best.... Was best on ground by a long way today.
CT
Guest
Chalk up another win Dragons. Winning games with our defense. Now with our attack. Widdop was terrific. Orchestrated the win with his clever scheming, try assists, neat grubbers. He is always the man on the spot to tidy up after scrappy play.To top it off he nailed nine kicks from nine. Why is this Englishman so under-rated in his adopted country?
Ken
Guest
They scored 32 last start against the Raiders and similar against the Dogs 4 rounds earlier so their reputation of struggling for points is a little out of date really.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yep the Sharks have plenty to change after that. Barba has to go, as does Robson. Was a shocking second half performance but the Dragons were clinical. Patient and always making the right decisions.
Scott Pryde
Expert
How good were the Dragons! If Farah is out and Rein doesn't get selected for Origin in some way shape or form I'll be very surprised. Dugan was also fantastic whilst its pretty hard to argue Widdop and Marshall don't have the best halves combo in the comp at the moment. Time to buy some grand final tickets me thinks. :P
Renegade
Roar Guru
Flanno isn't escaping criticism on social media today..... that second half was disgraceful even more so when you add in the fact it was the local derby. If he doesn't make changes - in particular the number 7 jersey... his going to really come under fire.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Haha yeah it was 8-6 and they were actually the better team up until that point of the match! Second half was just plain embarrassing.... worst performance by the sharks this year - credit to the dragons though, they played what's in front of them and put them to the sword.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Think he'll get a pass this year, given the mess the club has been in.