Knights v Sharks preview

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Newcastle look to appease committed fans in a danger game for high flying Sharks.

This match up looks misleading on paper as we have the Newcastle Knights who are dead last with just 1 win from 9 facing a rampant Sharks side that have won 7 out of 9 and knocked off competition favourites Brisbane in their last game. However, don't think for a minute that this is going to be a cake walk for the Sharks. The Knights are a side capable of challenging the best sides in the NRL and they are a different proposition at Hunter Stadium, where there will no doubt be a hostile reception for the visit Cronulla outfit. Newcastle will be aiming for an 80 minute performance of which hasn't happened much at all in 2016. They are a young side full of potential which isn't being realised at the moment due to basic errors letting them down, let's see if that changes on Sunday and they cause one of the boil overs of the season. 

The Cronulla Sharks have had a dream start to the season with just 2 losses out of 9 and are playing some exciting, attacking football. Their fans are beginning to dream of September football and it's easy to see why with a squad built with toughness, skill and finesse. Their win against Brisbane made a lot of people stand up and take notice. The way that tore the Broncos right edge defence to shreds in the first 40 minutes was a thing of beauty. Their attacking intent is backed up by their gritty, "take no prisoner" attitude in defence which has seen them concede just 158 points (ranked 6th in the NRL) in 2016. 
This game will be a close one and won't be a blowout. Whoever shows the desire and will to win will ultimately come out on top.

Last meeting: Round 15 2015 - Knights 28 Sharks 30

The Sharks have won the past two clashes between these clubs but had lost the previous 3 before that. Cronulla have a dreadful record up in the Hunter and have won just 6 games in 21 visits. If the Knights can record a victory on Sunday it will be their 200th win at Hunter Stadium.

Who to watch: For the visitors look for a leading performance from the front by captain Paul Gallen. With origin just around the corner Gallen will want to help his Sharks team mates as much as he can before they are weakened during the origin period. His is one of the toughest players in the NRL and his hit ups consistently attract 2-3 defenders, add to this his offloading ability and he will again attempt to create space and 2nd phase play for his surrounding team mates. Keep an eye on him close to the line as he burrows low and uses his upper body strength, especially after scoring last game Gallen will be hungry for more! the "G-train" has had another brilliant start to the year, averaging 31 tackles, 18 hit ups and 168 metres per game, the guy is a freak of nature and the Knights need to limit his involvement on Sunday if they want to walk away with the 2 points.

For the Novacastrions if they are to record a win at home they need to dominate the ruck. The hooker position has been a bit of a turnstile in recent years for the Knights but it appears they have settled on talented rake Danny Levi as their starting hooker. Look for him in his battle with Michael Ennis (which is sure to be interesting, as is every match that Ennis plays in!). Averaging 32 tackles a game and 46 metres per game, Levi will need to have his defence in order to contain the big boys of the Sharks pack. If the Knights can get dominance in the ruck area it will go a long way to them recording a win. Levi also has a good flat pass out of dummy half which assists in getting his forwards over the advantage line, Knights fans will be hoping he can do this regularly on Sunday. 

The favourite: Sharks are big favourites heading into this game, with the Knights glued to the bottom of the ladder with just 1 win.

My tip: Upset alert! I have a funny feeling that this is a game that the Sharks will drop. They have been great of late but the Knights are desperate for wins at the moment and are a very hard side to beat at home. Newcastle will need to start well in the first 20 minutes however and ensure that they compete for the 80 minutes, if not then the Sharks will run away with it. This is a game that will go down to the wire, possibly even golden point. Knights by 1.

1. Dane Gagai 21. Cory Denniss 3. Sione Mata'utia 4. Pat Mata'utia 5. Akuila Uate 6. Brock Lamb 19. Jack Cogger 16. Jack Stockwell 9. Danny Levi 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Tariq Sims 12. Jacob Saifiti 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 14. Tyler Randell 15. Korbin Sims 20. David Bhana 17. Mickey Paea

1. Ben Barba 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 4. Gerard Beale 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: 14. Ricky Leutele 15. Chris Heighington 10. Sam Tagataese 17. Joseph Paulo

Referees: Henry Perenara, Matt Noyen; Sideline Officials: Ricky MacFarlane, Dave Ryan; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Ben Galea, Jason Robinson