Sharks v Storm preview

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Melbourne Storm
Remondis Stadium - Monday 7:00pm

Match of the round relegated to Monday night footy.

Ten weeks ago most would've rated this match as a low priority one in the lead-up to the finals - Cronulla were struggling massively and the Storm looked like they'd comfortably make the eight for yet another season.

Now, we find ourselves salivating at the match up - with both sides nipping at the Rabbitohs' heels to steal an all-important top four position. The Sharks have gone undefeated since Round 17 when the Sea Eagles ousted them 28-16 at Brookvale, claiming the scalps of the Warriors, Dragons and Bulldogs as well as top-two side the Cowboys just last week. They'll be keen to continue a solid run of home form as well - but the Storm are definitely a formidable opponent.

Melbourne managed to re-join the winners circle last week with a sound 36-14 win over the Gold Coast and will be keen to land a bigger fish in the lead-up to the finals, and Cronulla provide just that opportunity. An uncharacteristic loss to the Tigers a fortnight ago had them smarting but they appear to have found their way in downing the Titans.

Last meeting: Round 3 2015 - Melbourne Storm 36 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 18

Who to watch: We're watching two players from Cronulla this week - Jack Bird and Valentine Holmes. Two of the break-out players of the 2015 season, both have been crucial to the Sharks resurgence in the last ten weeks and will need to be at their athletic best against one of the best sides of the modern era.

Melbourne's Cameron Munster has been a surprising revelation since taking possession of the Storm #1 jumper earlier this season. Without stalwart fullback Billy Slater, the Storm were expected to struggle but Munster's talent has shone through for this Monday's visiting side. His link-up play with halfback Cooper Cronk is something to watch for and the Sharks forwards will need to be ready up the middle.

The favourite: Home ground advantage and better form has the Sharks backed better in this one.

My tip: While the Storm did convincingly defeat the Titans last Sunday, Cronulla are in better form and Melbourne's loss to the Tigers just a fortnight ago sounded big alarm bells. Cronulla should win, but it won't be easy. Sharks by 6.

1. Michael Gordon 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Gerard Beale 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Jack Bird 7. Jeff Robson 8. Chris Heighington 9. Michael Ennis 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Ben Barba 15. Anthony Tupou 16. Tinirau Arona 17. Jayson Bukuya

1. Cameron Munster 2. Marika Koroibete 3. Will Chambers 4. Kurt Mann 5. Matt Duffie 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Tim Glasby 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Ryan Hinchcliffe 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Christian Welch

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Gavin Badger; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Peter Gough; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten;

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