The Cronulla Sharks are hosting the Brisbane Broncos on Saturday night at Southern Cross Group Stadium.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks are back in the winner’s circle after taking the two points against the Wests Tigers in Cronulla last Sunday. The side had won six in a row before their loss to the Rabbitohs, however, managed to grasp an eight-point victory after a rocky start to the match last weekend.
Brisbane Broncos
Over the last month, the Brisbane Broncos have had two wins, a bye and last weekend they suffered a loss to the Melbourne Storm, losing 32 points to 16. The side has been up and down throughout this season, struggling with consistency and momentum. The Broncos have struggled with some injuries to their players which has had an impact.
SQUAD NEWS
Cronulla Sharks
Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan has named an unchanged 17 man squad to line up against the Brisbane Broncos on Saturday night, with Luke Lewis expected to play after leaving the field early on against the Tigers due to a head knock.
Brisbane Broncos
The Brisbane Broncos have made just one change to their side to line up against the Sharks on Saturday night, with James Roberts returning to the side in the centres, putting Tom Opacic back on the interchange bench.
PREVIEW
The Sharks will host the Brisbane Broncos in a packed out Southern Cross Group Stadium on Saturday night with very few tickets remaining for sale. Both sides have a lot to play with the finals quickly approaching.
Cronulla and Brisbane are the two teams that are currently rounding out the top eight, with the Sharks on 18 competition points and the Broncos on 16. Both sides will be looking to jump higher into the top eight to solidify their position for the finals series.
In their matches last week, both sides had one solid half and one poorer half which ultimately had an impact on the outcome of their games. The Broncos played to their strengths in the first half against Melbourne, however, weren’t consistent in their second-half efforts which led to their 16 point loss. Cronulla had a rocky first half, however, played well in the second half which led to their eight-point win against the Tigers.
The Sharks are still without Josh Dugan, who is the only player they are currently missing. In his absence, Valentine Holmes has been playing fullback and is quickly improving.
The Broncos are still without Jack Bird who has been sidelined due to a sternum injury, and they are unaware of when he will return to the side. James Roberts will return to the starting side this weekend against the Sharks, playing in the centres.
KEY STAT
In the last nine matches these clubs have played together, the Broncos have won five, including the two they played together last year in round one and round 23.
SQUADS
Cronulla Sharks
1 Valentine Holmes 2 Sione Katoa 3 Jesse Ramien 4 Ricky Leutele 5 Edrick Lee 6 Matt Moylan 7 Chad Townsend 8 Andrew Fifita 9 Jayden Brailey 10 Matt Prior 11 Luke Lewis 12 Wade Graham 13 Paul Gallen Interchange 14 Joseph Paulo 15 James Segeyaro 16 Jack Williams 17 Jayson Bukuya
Brisbane Broncos
1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 4. Jordan Kahu 5. Jamayne Isaako 6. Anthony Milford 7. Kodi Nikorima 8. Matt Lodge 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Sam Thaiday 11. Alex Glenn 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Josh McGuire Interchange 14. Patrick Mago 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Tevita Pangai 17. Kotoni Staggs
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, June 16
Venue: Southern Cross Group Stadium
Time: 7:35 PM
WHO WILL WIN?
It will be a tight match between the two sides who are desperate for the two competition points that will help them gain a finals finish in the 2018 season. The Sharks and the Broncos will put on an interesting and entertaining game at a packed out Southern Cross Group Stadium. Sharks by 2.
