Chloe Schibeci previews the Saturday night match between the Sharks and the Eels at PointsBet Stadium
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks had a bye last weekend following a 13-point win against the Dragons at WIN Stadium in round 11.
Parramatta Eels
The Parramatta Eels sit just inside the top eight after winning against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Bankwest Stadium last Friday night 26-14.
SQUAD NEWS
Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks will be missing centre Josh Morris, with the Cronulla coach deciding not to rush him back after State of Origin on Wednesday night. Josh Dugan replaces Morris in the centres, while Aaron Gray has been named on the wing. Wade Graham has recently been included in the side, playing for the first time in 2019 after taking time to recover from a knee reconstruction.
Sharks’ Squad: 1. Matt Moylan, 2. Sosaia Feki, 3. Bronson Xerri, 4. Josh Dugan, 5. Aaron Gray, 6. Kyle Flanagan, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Matt Prior, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Paul Gallen, 14. Blayke Brailey, 15. Jayson Bukuya, 16. Jack Williams, 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 18. Scott Sorensen, 19. Sione Katoa, 20. Wade Graham, 21. Shaun Johnson
Parramatta Eels
Earlier in the week, coach Brad Arthur named the same starting 17 following the Eels’ win over the Rabbitohs. On Friday, Arthur announced the return of Nathan Brown to the side, who has been missing since round one, recovering from a pectoral injury.
Eels’ Squad: 1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Josh Hoffman, 5. Blake Ferguson, 6. Will Smith, 7. Mitch Moses, 8. Kane Evans, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Manu Ma’u, 13. Tepai Moeroa, 14. Peni Terepo, 15. Ray Stone, 16. David Gower, 17. Marata Niukore, 18. Brad Takairangi, 19. George Jennings, 20. Tim Mannah, 21. Nathan Brown
HEAD TO HEAD
Of the last 13 games these two sides have played, the Cronulla Sharks have won seven. They had won five in a row before their most recent meeting, which took place at ANZ Stadium in round four of this season.
Both the Sharks and the Eels had star players sustain injuries the weekend before their last meeting, forcing the coaches to adjust their respective line ups. In their last match, the score was locked up at 12-all until two tries later in the match put the Eels ahead, leaving little room for a Cronulla comeback.
The Sharks versus Eels match against the Cronulla will be refreshed in their comeback to PointsBet Stadium, coming off a bye last weekend, while the Eels will be looking for a second victory in a row.
KEY BATTLE
The Sharks host the Eels at PointsBet Stadium on Saturday night in what should be an entertaining match. The Eels will be looking to continue their winning momentum after last week’s victory over the Rabbitohs, while the Sharks are returning from a bye. History is hardly an important factor in this match due to each team having a fair share of wins over the years.
Chad Townsend versus Mitch Moses will be an interesting match-up in Saturday night’s game. Having a strong halfback is an important element in any team and both the Sharks and the Eels have talented players in that position. Both Moses and Townsend have been important players for their respective teams, and will no doubt be key players during the round 13 match.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, June 8
Venue: PointsBet Stadium
Kick-off: 5:30 PM
Referee: Peter Gough, Chris Butler
WHO WILL WIN?
It will be an interesting game at PointsBet Stadium on Saturday night. Both sides have the potential to win, each gaining strength in the addition of players coming back from injury. It is hard to imagine many points being scored in this game. Sharks by 2.
