- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Finals football has arrived as the Cronulla Sharks’ quest to win their first ever premiership begins against the out-of-form reigning premiers the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium. Join The Roar from 4:10pm (AEST) for live scores and coverage.
The finals series couldn’t have arrived at a better time for the Sharks who are at full strength with Ben Barba returning from injury and Andrew Fifita named to return from his highly publicised suspension.
Whilst they will be kicking themselves at having failed to beat the Sea Eagles last week, the star power of Barba and Fifita off the interchange bench this week is a major boost.
South Sydney look a shadow of the side that reigned supreme in 2014. They come into the game on the back of three-straight losses, and will be without George Burgess, John Sutton and Issac Luke.
Coupled with the departures of Sam Burgess and Ben Te’o, the Souths forward pack looks far less intimidating than it once did. The likes of Stewart, Tyrrell and McQueen will be under pressure to match a Cronulla pack bursting with representative players.
However, the return of inspirational captain Greg Inglis means South Sydney should have the edge in the back-line. Six out of seven of the grand final heroes will lineup on Sunday with Bryson Goodwin in for the retired Lote Tuqiri the only change. Allowing Johnston and Walker to return to positions they have been successful in should prove advantageous.
Prediction:
Being on the receiving end of a 30-0 demolition by the Roosters last week sees the Rabbitohs enter the game bereft of confidence.
The return of Inglis this week will provide the side with a great boost, but with their weakened forward pack, I can’t see it being enough to get them over the line.
The return of Fifita who is averaging 30 tackles and 170 metres in 2015, cannot be understated.
Sharks by 4.
In any case, this match should be compelling viewing so follow The Roar from 4:10pm (AEST) for live coverage, and remember to leave your comments as the game progresses.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.