Sharks v Rabbitohs preview

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Allianz Stadium - Sunday 4:10pm

Last year's Wooden Spooners take on the reigning Premiers for the right to keep their 2015 hopes intact.

At the start of 2015 the idea that Cronulla would finish ahead of South Sydney seemed farcical, but fast-forward to the business time of the NRL season and the Sharks are in the box seat to knock off the Rabbitohs. After starting the year with four consecutive losses, the Sharks have developed their game around a mixture of experienced forwards and exciting backs to put themselves in a position that is in stark contrast to the tumultuous events of 2014. After sitting out the past six matches through suspension, Andrew Fifita has been named to make his return off the bench alongside former Dally M winner Ben Barba; with these two players coming back the Sharks will be hoping their unpredictability can get them into a Semi Final appearance against one of the Queensland heavyweights.

In a major boost for the Rabbitohs, captain Greg Inglis has been named to take his place at fullback after missing the past two matches through injury. George Burgess hasn't been named in the lineup, but should he escape suspension for a contrary conduct charge expect the English international to take his place in the South Sydney starting forward pack. Managing just one win from their past five matches, the Rabbitohs will need to turn their form around in a hurry or else they will face their earliest exit from the finals since 2007. With morale at a season low for the Rabbitohs players, coach Michael Maguire will be looking to draw upon their Auckland Nines performance against Cronulla, where they were able to claim the pre-season title in extra time.

Last meeting: Round 7 2015 - Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 18 South Sydney Rabbitohs 10

Who to watch: Having been much maligned throughout 2015, Ben Barba will be using the finals series as a platform to prove that he remains just a skillful as the player that lead the Bulldogs to the 2012 Minor Premiership. Set to play his first match in a month, Barba will provide Cronulla with an attacking spark that was missing during last week's loss at home; while his defence has been questioned throughout his career, there are few who question his ability with the ball in hand.

For the Rabbitohs to win Greg Inglis has to deliver a Man of the Match performance. Throughout much of 2015, the South Sydney skipper has been hampered by injury, which has prevented him from producing his best football. Rated by many as the best player in the game, Sunday afternoon will provide Inglis with the perfect opportunity to prove that despite their poor form over the past month, South Sydney are capable of winning back-to-back titles.

The favourite: While the Sharks were unable to get over Manly last week despite a mountain of possessions, last year's cellar dwellars are expected to end South Sydney's season on Sunday night.

My tip: The Sharks missed out on a golden opportunity to claim fourth position, but the loss to the Sea Eagles may well prove to be the incentive Shane Flanagan's troops need to progress to Week Two. Sharks by 8.

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. Sam Tagataese 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Ben Barba 15. Anthony Tupou 16. Andrew Fifita 17. Jayson Bukuya 18. Matt Prior 21. Tinirau Arona 22. David Fifita

1. Greg Inglis 2. Alex Johnston 3. Dylan Walker 4. Kirisome Auva'a 5. Bryson Goodwin 6. Luke Keary 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Cameron McInnes 10. David Tyrrell 11. Glenn Stewart 12. Chris McQueen 13. Kyle Turner
Interchange: 14. Jason Clark 15. Paul Carter 16. Chris Grevsmuhl 17. Tim Grant

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Ashley Klein; Sideline Officials: Steve Carrall, Adam Reid; Video Referees: Shayne Hayne, Henry Perenara;

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