Sharks v Dragons preview

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Derby has added incentive as local rivals look for 1st win of 2016.

The Cronulla Sharks do battle with neighbours and bitter rivals the St George Illawarra on Sunday in what is firming as a very important clash for both sides. After first up losses in Round 1, one of these sides is staring down the barrel at an 0-2 start which doesn't bode well in the professional world of the NRL.

The Sharks threw everything at the reigning Premiers the North Queensland Cowboys last week in a typical grinding performance. Unfortunately for the Shire-based club they were pipped at the post, however their performance turned a lot of heads and if they put in a similar performance on Sunday then they could walk away with the 2 points. The Sharks will have to do it the hard way though with inspirational Paul Gallen and Chris Heighington both missing, Jayson Bukuya moves to Lock from the bench.

For the Dragons, they will have been disappointed to throw away a 10 point lead against the Storm last Monday Night. They will be hoping for a huge effort from their forward pack which their backs can use as a platform to build some attacks. Keep an eye on Benji Marshall who is fighting for a new contract as well as his combination with Gareth Widdop which looked promising last week. The Dragons will be desperate to avenge their defeat at Shark park last year as well as avoiding a 0-2 which they did last year before stringing together 7 straight victories.

Last meeting: Round 18 2015 - Sharks 28 Dragons 8

The Sharks defeated a very depleted Dragons outfit in the corresponding fixture last year. However the Dragons had won 5 of the past 6 between the two sides. At Shark Park the Dragons have won a paltry 6 games out of 16, although 4 of those wins have come in the last 7 clashes.

Who to watch: In the absence of Paul Gallen expect to see a big performance from stand in skipper Wade Graham. Graham has developed into a very reliable back rower who's hole running and defence is firming as one of the best in the NRL. The Sharks will be relying on his heavy workload to lessen the burden on the rest of the forward pack. Look for his ball playing ability on the edge of the ruck to confuse the Dragons edge defence which looked flimsy last week.

If the Dragons want to have success then it'll be on the back of their forward pack. Russell Packer was very good in his return to the NRL last week. Look for Packer to punch holes through the middle of the field as well as his ability to turn his back on the defence and creating second phase play with his offloading ability. His battle with Andrew Fifita is a mouth watering clash! The Dragons finally have some big men and expect to see Packer being the leader for them in the middle on Sunday.

The favourite: The Sharks are favourites as they have home ground advantage, but this is a close call.

My tip: Very hard to split these two teams. Both sides have big forward packs and some talented outside backs. Whoever can play the most disciplined footy and keep errors to a minimum will get the points. Gallen is a huge loss for the Sharks but think they might squeeze home based on having the home support. The Dragons have to have a good start, the first 15 minutes is vital. if they manage to dominate the ruck early on the they will have some success. Very difficult game to pick! Sharks by 4.

1. Ben Barba 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 15. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 17. Joseph Paulo
Interchange: 10. Sam Tagataese 13. Jayson Bukuya 14. Gerard Beale 13. David Fifita

1. Kurt Mann 18. Peter Mata'utia 3. Josh Dugan 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 10. Russell Packer 11. Tyson Frizell 22. Joel Thompson 13. Michael Cooper
Interchange: 12. Will Matthews 14. Ben Creagh 15. Jack de Belin 17. Siliva Havili

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Jason Walsh; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Ben Galea, Bernard Sutton;