Titans v Sharks preview

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Finals chasing Gold Coast aim to snap Sharks incredible run.

The Cronulla Sharks will be aiming for their 16th win in a row when they travel to the Gold Coast on Monday evening. In what has been an incredible run, the Sharks have repelled everything thrown at them over the past 3 months. This will be one of their toughest tests however as they do battle against a Gold Coast side that has exceeded all expectations in 2016 and currently sit 7th. In front of their home fans, the Titans would love nothing more than to snap the Sharks streak and further consolidate their top 8 aspirations.

With both sides showcasing some of the best young backs in the NRL, this is certain to be a game full of excitement that should entertain even the realists.

Last meeting: Round 6 2016 - Sharks 25 Titans 20

The Sharkies held their nerve in an enthralling encounter in Round 6 this year. They have also won 4 of the last 6 games against the Titans and haven't lost at Cbus Super Stadium since 2009.

Who to watch: The Gold Coast side have secured a real attacking weapon with the signing of Konrad Hurrell. After an unhappy few years with the New Zealand Warriors, Hurrell has made the switch to the sunset strip and is loving life as a Titan. He has had impressive games in his last two outings and is rediscovering his rookie year form and busting tackles at will. Focus will be on him to cause havoc down the edges with his brutal running style and powerful leg driving. His speed is also slowly returning which sees Hurrell as a genuine attacking threat out wide.

Chad Townsend has often gone unnoticed in this Sharks side this year but his contribution cannot be undervalued. With James Maloney missing last week, the Sharks didn't miss a beat as Townsend led the side around the park with maturity and his kicking game was again very solid. With talk of "buys of the year" being thrown around, Townsend has to be in the conversation as he along with James Maloney have totally revamped the Sharks attack with some smart play making. Keep a close eye on his passes out the back for Ben Barba as well as his solid defence on the edges of the ruck. A young player with a bright future in Cronulla.

The favourite: The Sharks are favourites on the back of this wonderful winning streak they are on.

My tip: Hard to go past the Sharks whilst they are playing such good football and have this mammoth streak behind them. I don't believe this talk that they need to lose a game before the finals, they have proved why they are ranked number 1 in the NRL. The Titans best chance of causing the upset would be to throw the ball wide early to stretch the Sharks defensive line and move their big forwards around the field. Ash Taylor and Nathan Peats will need to have big games for the Titans to get the 2 points. Sharks by 10.

1. David Mead 2. Anthony Don 3. Josh Hoffman 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. Nene Macdonald 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Luke Douglas 18. Ryan Simpkins 10. Ryan James 11. Zeb Taia 12. Chris McQueen 13. Greg Bird
Interchange: 14. Eddy Pettybourne 15. Leivaha Pulu 16. Agnatius Paasi 17. Cameron Cullen

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. Joseph Paulo 15. Chris Heighington 10. Sam Tagataese 17. Jayson Bukuya

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Belinda Sleeman, Adam Gee; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten, Jason Robinson