Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights (Sun 2pm, Southern Cross Group)
Last Five: Sharks 5 wins, Knights 0 wins
It’s a woeful record for the Knights against Cronulla – their last win coming on July 13 2014 when Kurt Gidley scored 14 points in their 31-18 win at Southern Cross Group Stadium. There was no difference when these two sides met at McDonald Jones Stadium in late May, scoring a hat-trick in his sides 48-10 win. Holmes has scored 12 tries in seven outings against the Novacastrians and expect him to continue that spree on Sunday. Newcastle were outstanding against Penrith, frustrating the big forward pack along the way, which stifled their powerful attack. Cronulla ended up getting the money against North Queensland in the late stages. The Sharks might have too much to play for as they are still a chance of making the top 4.
PREDICTION: Sharks 30 Knights 16
https://nothingbutleague.com/2018/05/28/report-newcastle-knights-10-48-cronulla-sharks/
St George-Illawarra Dragons vs Canterbury Bulldogs (Sun 4:10pm, Jubilee)
Last Five: Bulldogs 4 wins, Dragons 1 win
For the first time in five years the Dragons will host Canterbury at Jubilee Oval. On that afternoon it was the visitors too strong, recording a 39-20 win. In recent history, it was the Bulldogs that ended the Dragons season abruptly with a 26-20 win at ANZ in the final round of 2017. History may well repeat in a different manner. Just holding onto a top 4 spot, the Dragons are desperate to overcome their record against the Dogs. Ben Hunt had a poor game but the Dragons still managed to win against a Tigers side who were desperate for the two competition points. Canterbury thanks to Lachlan Lewis secured their win two minutes from time over New Zealand Warriors last Sunday. I think the Dogs can make it 12 from their last 14 clashes against the Dragons on Sunday.
PREDICTION: Bulldogs 30 Dragons 20
https://nothingbutleague.com/2018/06/11/report-canterbury-bulldogs-16-18-st-george-illawarra-dragons/
