2021 NRL Round 11 Preview, Sharks Vs Dragons
Craig Cauchi previews the desperate Sharks against the depleted Dragons. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: Jubilee Stadium, Date: 21/5, Time: 7:55pm
Sharks Team
1. Will Kennedy
2. Mawene Hiroti
3. Josh Dugan
4. Will Chambers
5. Connor Tracey
6. Matt Moylan
7. Chad Townsend
8. Aiden Tolman
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Aaron Woods
11. Briton Nikora
12. Wade Graham
13. Toby Rudolf
14. Braydon Trindall
15. Teig Wilton
16. Jack Williams
17. Andrew Fifita
18. Shaun Johnson
19. Billy Magoulias
20. Franklin Pele
21. Jenson Taumoepeau
Team Changes
IN: Franklin Pele, Jenson Taumoepeau, Shaun Johnson
OUT:
Dragons Team
1. Cody Ramsey
2. Max Feagai
3. Jack Bird
4. Billy Burns
5. Jordan Pereira
6. Corey Norman
7. Ben Hunt
8. Blake Lawrie
9. Andrew McCullough
10. Paul Vaughan
11. Josh Kerr
12. Jackson Ford
13. Poasa Faamausili
14. Kaide Ellis
15. Jaiyden Hunt
16. Daniel Alvaro
17. Junior Amone
18. Adam Clune
19. Billy Brittain
20. Hayden Lomax
21. Gerard Beale
Team Changes
IN: Adam Clune, Billy Brittain, Gerard Beale, Hayden Lomax, Jackson Ford, Jaiyden Hunt, Jordan Pereira, Junior Amone
OUT: Josh McGuire, Matthew Dufty, Mikaele Ravalawa, Tariq Sims, Tyrell Fuimaono
Referee: Ben Cummins
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Sharks
Embed from Getty ImagesSharks have named the same 17 that pushed South Sydney and looked set to break their losing drought. Their momentum was cruelly taken away when a soft penalty against Chad Townsend allowed the Rabbitohs to skip away. Shaun Johnson was a scratching from last weeks match, propelling Matt Moylan into the starting side. The off-contract halfback has been named as 18th man and will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness.
Sharks are still looking to provide coach Josh Hannay with his first victory for the season. They have lost the past six and will fancy their chances against their arch rivals.
Dragons
Embed from Getty ImagesDragons have up to 12 of their top 30 unavailable due to injury or suspension. Out of all the players that have been added to the unavailable list, Matt Dufty will be the one that hurts the most. Dufty was impressive in the first half against Melbourne, providing the attacking spark the side sorely needs. Pereira returns from suspension, replacing Ravalawa who has been suspended for the second time this year for a shoulder charge.
Dragons announced today the signing of Gerard Beale, with the centre named in the reserves and will look to fill the deepening hole in the outside backs.
PREVIEW
Will Kennedy scored a double when the two sides met in round one and since then has continued to shine. Nicho Hynes enjoyed a lot of space against the Dragons defence and Will Kennedy has the skills to do the same. He will be a hard prospect to contain and watch him run off Mat Moylan if the Sharks can emulate their effort in the second half against Souths.
Much of the Dragons attack has come off the back of the work provided by Ben Hunt and Matt Dufty. With their regular custodian out for a possible extended period, it gives Cody Ramsey the opportunity to make the position his own. It is especially important considering the club has signed Ramsey long term with the youngster earmarking fullback as his preferred position. Corey Norman will need to look to offer more too with the five-eight being solid in the opening ten rounds but with only 3 try assists to his name he needs to present are more consistent threat to the opposition.
KEY STAT
If Shaun Johnson is named to take the field this will be his 200th NRL appearance. Sharks have won the last two encounters with both of them coming at this very stadium. The team from the shire has won the past 5 of 7 local derbys.
PREDICTION
Dragons by 4
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