Sharks v Roosters preview

v BYE at

The Sharks attempt to regain form heading into the finals as the Roosters continue to irritate their fans with glances at what could have been.

The Sharks desperately need to win a game before finals. Only recently were Sharks fans concerned about losing the Minor Premiership, yet now, having dropped three straight games, the Sharks face a real possibility of heading into September having lost five on the trot. And that doesn't bode well, even against teams such as Penrith and the Gold Coast who are likely to continue to build momentum despite their lowly position on the ladder. It is hard, however, to pinpoint where exactly Cronulla's drop in form has coincided with. There has been a drastic drop in their points scored and increase in points conceded, scoring just 13 points on average in their past three games (in comparison to 25 on average over the whole season) and conceding 24 points a game in this period (whilst only surrendering 15 on average previously). Now these statistics can be expected of a team in a form slump such as that Cronulla is experiencing, but for a team that had previously won 15 straight, it was expected that their performances would have been amended sooner.

This, however, is not made easier as Cronulla are due to face a rejuvenated Roosters outfit looking to prove a point despite what will still be a particularly disappointing ultimate standing on the ladder. The Roosters have proven why many tipped them for a finals appearance this season in recent weeks, knocking off Grand Finalists Brisbane and North Queensland, whilst annihilating the Dragons 42-6 in their most recent outing. Key to these victories has been their ability to get out of their end quite easily, with both their forward pack and pacey backline assisting this cause. This is only evident last week with the Roosters running ragged for an astonishing 1904 metres against the Dragons, Blake Ferguson topping them with 207. The Sharks face a stern test this week as they attempt to take down a side whose reputation is on the line as they prove to their loyal fans what may be coming in 2017.

Last meeting: Round 19 2016 - Roosters 20 Sharks 32

Who to watch: His absence was quite evident against Canberra, but even Michael Ennis hasn't been able to inspire his troops from breaking their concerning losing streak. Ennis has missed 56 tackles this season, yet in his past two games, Ennis has missed a whopping 15. That's 25% of his missed tackles in 21 appearances this season. Ranking 3rd this season for try assists in the Shire, even ahead of James Maloney, Ennis' input on Saturday night could be telling in the end result.

Boyd Cordner has been in fine form for the Tri-colours. In just 7 appearances back from injury, Cordner has ran for an average of 156 metres, scored 4 tries. Cordner's ability to be defensively liable as well as an attacking weapon has been key for the Roosters late season revival and may well continue on Saturday night.

The favourite: Despite having lost three straight Cronulla are favourites for this clash.

My tip: Get on the Roosters who are well overs in this one. Cronulla need to get their season back on track but the Roosters have shown form in recent weeks that is hard to ignore. Should be a close one either way. Roosters by 8.

1. Ben Barba 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 4. Gerard Beale 5. Valentine Holmes 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Joseph Paulo 15. Chris Heighington 16. Jesse Sene-Lefao 17. Jayson Bukuya

1. Blake Ferguson 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Dale Copley 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5. Latrell Mitchell 6. Connor Watson 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Aidan Guerra 13. Sio Siua Taukeiaho
Interchange: 14. Sam Moa 15. Isaac Liu 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Kane Evans

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Dave Munro; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Jason Walsh; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Jason Robinson, Bryan Norrie