Sharks v Titans preview

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Can the Sharks put an end to the Titans impressive start to 2016?

Despite some worries last Saturday night, the Sharks proved too strong for Wests Tigers and will be out to consolidate their place in the top eight in front of their home fans. Currently sitting in sixth place, Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan will be eager for his side to continue their form leading into the representative period. Being able to retain a consistent line-up once again, Sharks skipper Paul Gallen will play his first game at home this season and will be hoping to replicate his try-scoring heroics on Sunday. Holding a narrow 7-6 advantage over the Gold Coast in past clashes, the Sharks will be banking on their home fans to get them across the line.

While the end result may have gone the way of the Broncos last Friday, the Titans lost few admirers with their never-say-die attitude setting up a close finish with the game seemingly dead-and-buried. Making the trek to Cronulla, Titans coach Neil Henry will be looking for a strong start to the match, after seeing his side give up big leads in their past three matches. After being named on an extended bench last week, former Broncos lower grader Cameron Cullen will make his NRL debut in the halves, while David Shillington is set to start the game after injuring himself in the warm-up last Friday. Anthony Don will play his 50th game for the Titans after making his debut in 2013, during that time the 28-year-old winger has crossed for 30 tries.

Last meeting: Round 10 2015 - Titans 22 Sharks 23

Who to watch: After a breakout year in 2015, Valentine Holmes hasn't quite reached the same heights so far this season. While his willingness to get involved hasn't faded in recent weeks, the dynamic winger has struggled to turn that effort into tries, managing just two four-pointers so far this season. Producing an extra-time field-goal in the last meeting between the two sides, Holmes will be looking to expose the Titans left-edge defence with his blinding speed capable of turning a half chance into points from anywhere on the field.

Starting his career with Cronulla back in 2002, Greg Bird will be looking to continue his dynamic early season form against his former club. Returning to the forwards after a stopgap stint in the halves, the Australian and New South Wales representative has rediscovered his ball-playing ability with his offloads causing plenty of trouble for opposition defences. Facing off against one of the best forward packs in the league, Bird will be central to the Titans chances of coming up with another scalp, while his battle with former teammate Paul Gallen should ensure fans aren't disappointed.

The favourite: Returning home after a high-scoring affair against the Tigers, Cronulla are expected to have too much class for the Titans.

My tip: While the Sharks will be wary of the threat posed by their opponents, they should be too strong playing in front of their home supporters. Sharks by 6.

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 16. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 10. Sam Tagataese 15. Chris Heighington 17. Joseph Paulo 18. Gerard Beale

19. William Zillman 2. Anthony Don 3. Josh Hoffman 5. Nene Macdonald 1. David Mead 6. Cameron Cullen 7. Ashley Taylor 8. David Shillington 9. Nathan Friend 10. Ryan James 11. Zeb Taia 12. Chris McQueen 13. Greg Bird
Interchange: 14. Luke Douglas 15. Leivaha Pulu 16. Agnatius Paasi 17. Daniel Mortimer

Referees: Grant Atkins, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Jason Walsh, Tim Roby; Video Referees: Bryan Norrie, Steve Chiddy, Bernard Sutton;