NRL match preview: Sharks vs Eels

Saturday 2nd August
Remondis Stadium
3pm

Sharks:
Michael Gordon, Sosaia Feki, Jonathan Wright, Ricky Leutele, Jacob Gagan, Fa’amanu Brown, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, Michael Lichaa, Sam Tagataese, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Chris Heighington.
Interchange: Pat Politoni, Anthony Tupou, Tinirau Arona, Tim Robinson, Tupou Sopoaga

Eels:
Jarryd Hayne (c), Semi Radradra, Ryan Morgan, Will Hopoate, Ken Sio, Corey Norman, Chris Sandow, Tim Mannah (c), Isaac De Gois, Fuifui Moimoi, Peni Terepo, Tepai Moeroa, David Gower.
Interchange: Joseph Paulo, Junior Paulo, Pauli Pauli, Ben Smith

Coming off an upset win against the Panthers in Bathurst , the Sharks head back to Remondis Stadium to take on the Eels this weekend.

The Sharks were impressive in their 18-16 win over the Panthers, however coming up against an Eels side vying for a place in the hotly contested top eight, Cronulla will have to step up a notch again.

Whilst Cronulla’s defence was, at times, strong against the Panthers, they are far from a tough defensive side and as they come up against one of the most ‘carefree’ footy sides in the competition, their defence will have to be at its absolute best.

With the undeniable brilliance of fullback Jarryd Hayne and the unpredictability of halfback Chris Sandow it’s no wonder the Eels are one of the most exciting teams in the competition. If these two players in particular play as convincingly as they did against the Titans a week ago, then the Sharks may find it tough to shut Parramatta down.

If the Sharks focus on playing their gritty , determined style of game they may find themselves recording back to back wins , however if they try to compete with the attacking flair of the Eels, they could be in for a long evening in the Shire.

Eels by 8.