Sharks v Raiders preview

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Top four rivals face off in match of the round.

While their 15 game winning streak may have come to an end against the Titans, the Sharks will have no shortage of motivation as they fight to secure the minor premiership. Unable to break the deadlock in extra time on Monday, Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan will be need his side to put aside their fatigue in order to account for the flair of the much-improved Raiders. Retaining the same squad that drew 18-all on the Gold Coast, the Sharks face the prospect of being without playmaker James Maloney, after the in-form five-eighth was charged for making dangerous contact in the dying stages of Monday's match. Facing a two-match ban, expect Fa'amanu Brown to come into the side should Maloney miss out. Saturday also marks a special occasion for Valentine Holmes and Matt Prior, who each play their 50th games for the Sharks.

Coming off the back of an emphatic performance against South Sydney last Sunday, the Raiders will be full of confidence as they look to deliver Cronulla their first loss since Round 3. Both sides have traded wins against each other in recent seasons, with seven wins apiece dating back to Ricky Stuart's tenure as Cronulla coach in 2009, while the Raiders will be looking to prove their credentials as competition dark horses after a miserly showing against the Sharks earlier this season. Having thrashed the Rabbitohs in a 10-try rout in their last appearance, the Raiders have made one change, with Brenko Lee replacing his cousin Edrick on the wing, while experienced duo Paul Vaughan and Shaun Fensom have once again been named to play for Mountues.

Last meeting: Round 7 2016 - Raiders 16 Sharks 40

Who to watch: After starting the season off the bench, New Zealand international Gerard Beale has made the most of his starting opportunities in recent weeks. Having shared the left centre position with Ricky Leutele throughout the Sharks record run, the 26-year-old has continued to impress coach Shane Flanagan with his ability to make metres and find the tryline. Facing off against one of the competition's form centres in Joseph Leilua, Beale will have his hands full on Saturday night, but should the former Bronco and Dragon get the better of the Raiders dynamo, the Sharks will fancy their chances of taking a major step towards securing their first minor premiership since 1999.

Seemingly destined to spend 2016 languishing in reserve grade at Newcastle, interchange forward Joseph Tapine has relished the change of scenery to become an integral member of the Raiders top four assault. Making the move to Canberra after falling out of favour with Knights coach Nathan Brown, the 22-year-old Kiwi has reaped the benefits of playing alongside seasoned professionals, whilst bringing his aggression and enthusiasm to the fore every time he takes the field. Consistently making an impact with each performance, Tapine will be out to help the Raiders record their biggest scalp of the season as they fight to secure their best finish to a season since 2003.

The favourite: Sitting atop the premiership ladder, Cronulla are expected to bounce back from Monday night's draw with a strong performance at home.

My tip: With the Sharks coming off an engrossing clash on the Gold Coast, the Raiders will never have a better chance to take down the competition leaders. Raiders by 4.

1. Ben Barba 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 4. Gerard Beale 5. Valentine Holmes 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 20. Matt McIlwrick 16. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 19. Fa'amanu Brown 15. Chris Heighington 10. Sam Tagataese 17. Jayson Bukuya

1. Jack Wighton 2. Brenko Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Junior Paulo 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Iosia Soliola
Interchange: 14. Adam Clydsdale 15. Luke Bateman 16. Clay Priest 17. Joseph Tapine

Referees: Ashley Klein, Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Shane Rehm; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Steve Chiddy, Ben Galea