2021 NRL Round 10 Preview, Sharks Vs Rabbitohs

Chloe Schibeci previews the Saturday night Magic Round clash between Cronulla-Sutherland and South Sydney. This is what we have to look forward to.

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TEAM NEWS

Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Date: Saturday May 15, Time: 5:30pm

Referee: Chris Sutton

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Sharks

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The Sharks are struggling to find form in 2021, winning just two of nine games to start the season. They have lost their last five games, and will be hoping for a bit of luck this Saturday night against the Rabbitohs during Magic Round. 

Their last win was against the North Queensland Cowboys in early April. Since then, they have had a couple of losses that were less than 10 points. The Sharks have been lacking in full 80 minute performances; their better half is usually the first, before allowing their opposition to gain some momentum and go on to win the game. If Cronulla can work on this, they are likely to win more matches, perhaps starting with South Sydney on Saturday night.

Last weekend against the Penrith Panthers was their worst loss of the 2021 season, the final score being 48 points to nil. They didn’t allow themselves any opportunities to get into the game, letting the Panthers completely run the show. Hopefully for the Sharks, they are able to come back from this and have a better performance against the Rabbitohs, perhaps claiming their third win of the season. 

Rabbitohs

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Opposite to the Sharks, the Rabbitohs have only lost two games this season and are currently sitting in fourth position on the ladder. Their only two losses this season have been to the Melbourne Storm: the first in round one, and most recently last weekend. In between these losses, they had won each game. 

The Rabbitohs are one of the top competitors this season. Most of their wins have been by more than 10 points, apart from a thrilling game against the Tigers a few weeks ago. 

Much like the Sharks, last weekend against the Storm was their worst loss so far in 2021, losing 50 points to nil. They will be hoping to bounce back from this on Saturday night, regaining the momentum they have built over the course of the season. 

PREVIEW

Part of Super Saturday during Magic Round, both the Sharks and the Rabbitohs will be looking for redemption after suffering significant losses last round. South Sydney will be hoping to maintain their top four position, while the Sharks will be wanting to climb the ladder as high as they can. The last time these two sides met was in round one of last season, with South Sydney just claiming the win by four points.  

These two sides always put on an entertaining show, and there is no better stage for them than Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium. The Rabbitohs, being one of the better competitors of the season, will easily capitalise on any opportunities given to them by their opposition. So if the Sharks are any chance of winning their third game of the season, it will be crucial for them to play a full 80 minute performance, providing very little chances for South Sydney to gain momentum. 

A key battle will be Shaun Johnson up against Adam Reynolds. Both are invaluable players and leaders for their teams. Johnson is barely back from an injury, playing just three games this season. Meanwhile, Reynolds has been in all but one game so far in 2021. If both players can remain in control of their respective teams, it will be an entertaining contest between these two players. 

KEY STAT

The Sharks just edge out in the competitive history between these two sides, winning 18 from the last 33 games. Their last meeting was in March of 2020: the Rabbitohs winning by four points. Prior to that, the Sharks won by 15 points in August of 2019. The competition between these two sides is tight, which is what can make their meetings so entertaining. 

PREDICTION

This match could likely be a high-scoring affair. The Sharks are desperate for a win, while the Rabbitohs are wanting to maintain their position on the ladder. Both sides will be hoping to bounce back after suffering big losses last weekend. However, based on this season, it is hard to go past South Sydney getting away with the win. 

South Sydney by eight. 

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