Raiders v Sharks preview

v BYE at

Papalii v Gallen ready to reignite?

Canberra v Cronulla eh? Not what you'd call the most inspiring match-up, but certainly one of interest for those who enjoy a good forward battle. Ever since 2012, Canberra's Josh Papalii and Cronulla captain Paul Gallen have gone toe-to-toe. In addition to the great personal showdown between two men who apparently don't like each other much, both are natural leaders of their packs and the victor in that one-on-one will go a long way to decide the victor in the thirteen-on-thirteen.

From last week's sides there are just one omission for each club - the Raiders have lost Blake Austin after he sustained a hamstring injury, apparently exacerbated at training this week. The Sharks meanwhile have lost Luke Lewis to suspension after a dangerous tackle in last Sunday's win over the Titans.

In terms of form this game will gain plenty of interest - the Sharks could go four on the trot with a win in this one, while the Raiders are staring at back-to-back defeats if they can't get the chocolates after copping a 36-6 hammering from the Eels last Saturday.

Last meeting: Round 19 2015 - Raiders 20 Sharks 21

The ledger between these two sides is not too unbalanced - the Sharks hold a slight advantage having won 34 of 64 clashes. Last year's showdown was a classic, with the visitors Cronulla grabbing a one-point win to break Canberra hearts at GIO Stadium on one of many occasions in 2015.

Who to watch: Jordan Rapana has been all quality this year in a Raiders side that's surprised many. He's got plenty of speed and agility down the wing - and might be required in a few footraces in Sunday's match. Between Rapana and Wighton the Raiders are well covered at the back.

Is it 2012 again? Ben Barba is in some form this season - just weeks after reportedly being talked into staying in the NRL by friend and Manly star Daly Cherry-Evans. He's rediscovered some of that blistering pace that saw him claim the 2012 Dally M award and he's safe as a house at the back right now.

The favourite: Home side favouritism was all the rage earlier in the week but the Sharks have firmed as comfortable favourites as gameday approaches.

My tip: The form Cronulla are in is something special, and the Eels did very well to expose some rubbish from the Raiders in defence last week. Canberra will compete, but the visitors' class wins the day. Sharks by 6.

1. Jack Wighton 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Sam Williams 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Shannon Boyd 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Frank Paul Nuuausala 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Shaun Fensom
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Luke Bateman 16. Paul Vaughan 17. Joseph Tapine

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. Jayson Bukuya 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 10. Sam Tagataese 14. Gerard Beale 15. Chris Heighington 17. Joseph Paulo

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Rohan Best, Brett Suttor; Video Referees: Jason Robinson, Bryan Norrie, Bernard Sutton;