Sharks v Panthers preview

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Last start winners clash in the Shire.

Stringing together four wins in a row, Cronulla have lifted themselves into third position on the NRL ladder, courtesy of strong efforts from across the park. Boasting the most experienced forward pack in the NRL, coach Shane Flanagan has done a tremendous job identifying young talent and representative stars to turn the 2014 wooden spooners into genuine threats for the Premiership. With former Dally M Medalist Ben Barba showing signs of brilliance with every game he plays, the Sharks will be hoping for a large turnout on Sunday afternoon, as they take on a Penrith side capable of anything. In the only change from the side that prevailed 40-16 in Canberra last Sunday, Luke Lewis will make his return off the bench, at the expense of Joseph Paulo.

Having competed in every match so far this season, the Panthers held off a resurgent Roosters outfit on Monday night to record their third win of 2016. With Jamie Soward's kicking game proving instrumental in the 20-16 result, coach Anthony Griffin will be hoping his side can record back-to-back wins for the first time since Round 17 last season. Retaining the same side as last week, Penrith will be looking for continuity in their performance, whilst also improving their attack against a Sharks side renown for their ability to find the tryline. Interchange forward Suaia Matagi will celebrate his 50th NRL game on Sunday; having debuted for the Warriors in 2013, the New Zealand international has impressed off the bench this season.

Last meeting: Round 8 2015 - Panthers 26 Sharks 18

Who to watch: Debuting for the Panthers while still at school, Wade Graham has progressed into a focal point of the Sharks attack since joining the Black, White and Blue six seasons ago. Pushing for a representative debut, the Cronulla backrower has been instrumental in leading his side to their best start to a season since 2012, with his attacking poise and defensive potency a standout. During his time at Cronulla, Graham has led the Sharks to five wins from seven meetings against Penrith and will be eager to continue his winning form on Sunday. 

With Dean Whare sidelined for all but one game this season, centre Waqa Blake has made the most of his opportunities in the absence of the Kiwi representative. Producing his finest performance in first grade against the Roosters, the 21-year-old crossed for a spectacular solo effort, while his 26 tackles ensured the Panthers right edge remained solid throughout the match. Still in only his second year of NRL, Blake looks set for a lengthy career at the foot of the mountains and will be out continue his development against Cronulla on Sunday.

The favourite: The Sharks enter Sunday afternoon's clash as favourites, on the back of strong form at home and on the road.

My tip: Capable of producing an upset on the road, the Panthers shape as dark horses to cause serious damage in 2016. Panthers 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. Jayson Bukuya 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 10. Sam Tagataese 14. Gerard Beale 15. Chris Heighington 17. Luke Lewis

1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Peta Hiku 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Jamie Soward 8. Leilani Latu 9. Peter Wallace 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. Tyrone Peachey 16. Suaia Matagi 17. James Fisher-Harris 17. Jeremy Latimore

Referees: Grant Atkins, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Jason Walsh, Kasey Badger; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Luke Patten, Bernard Sutton;