Sharks v Knights preview

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Can the Sharks keep their unbelievable steak alive against the cellar dwelling Knights? 

First vs last in the Shire on Sunday afternoon is sure to create a few sparks. Cronulla are aiming for 15 straight wins against the last place Knights who have shown some real commitment and effort in recent weeks but have still been unable to secure a win. Nathan Brown is improving this inexperienced squad and the improvement made throughout the year is exciting to see. This will be a huge test for them and will be interesting to see how much the Melbourne game took out of the Novacastrions.

The Sharks are undefeated at home this year and although will have this game earmarked as a danger game, they know full well this is a match they can win and should win. That said, the NRL is a funny beast and an upset is always on the cards. The return of Andrew Fifita further boosts the Sharkies who are full of confidence and will be desperate to stay at the top of the ladder. James Maloney and Chad Townsend have been stand outs this year and on the back of their kicking game and Maloney's running game they will be leaned upon heavily attacking wise in Sunday's game.

Last meeting: Round 10 2016 - Knights 0 Sharks 62

The Sharks recorded a massive win over the Knights earlier in the year in which was a real low point in the Knights 2016 campaign. The Sharks have won the last 3 between these two sides although their last lost to the Knights was at Southern Cross Group Stadium back in 2014.

Who to watch: For the Home side they will be hoping that Sosaia Feki can keep his dream form going after again bagging a double last week in the win over the Sydney Roosters. Feki has taken a bit of time to settle into his life as a Shark with defensive lapses and poor finishing hurting his 2014 and 2015 campaigns. However this year he has been a revelation on the wing with 12 tries from 15 starts as well as 10 line breaks and an average of 107 metres a game. Look for the Sharks playmakers to kick to his wing as well as Feki himself carting the ball out of dummy half as a way to get his hands on the ball.

The Knights have been much improved over the last month and one of the players that has caught the eye has been youngster Sione Mata'utia. Trained as a centre and fullback, coach Nathan Brown has put him in the back row due to his size and he has flourished there. A solid defender, he runs the ball with purpose and vigour. He also shows immense strength and speed and if he can isolate some tired Sharks defenders on the edges of the ruck, he could have some success. One player to be excited about in the future for the Knights.

The favourite: Sharks big favourites in this clash at home.

My tip: Almost impossible to go past the Sharks in this one, their attack is flourishing and their defence is solid enough to keep them in front in close games. The Knights should test them for the first 50-60 mins but after that, the inexperience will show and the Sharks should power home. Sharks by 14.

1. Ben Barba 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 4. Gerard Beale 5. Valentine Holmes 18. Fa'amanu Brown 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 16. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Joseph Paulo 15. Chris Heighington 10. Sam Tagataese 17. Jayson Bukuya

1. Dane Gagai 2. Nathan Ross 3. Pat Mata'utia 4. Peter Mata'utia 5. Brendan Elliott 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Sam Mataora 9. Danny Levi 10. Korbin Sims 11. Pauli Pauli 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 14. Chris Adams 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Josh King 17. Mickey Paea

Referees: Dave Munro, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, Adam Reid; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Bryan Norrie, Jason Robinson