Dragons v Sharks preview

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The Sharks look to get their push for the Minor Premiership back on track while the Dragons ponder on the thought of now only being a mathematical possibility in the finals.

The Dragons have showed little in 2016. With the second worst attack in the NRL and eighth best defence (albeit only five points separates them from placing eleventh in that category), the Dragons are now forced to lament another failed season, with their season over, boasting the second worst for and against in the league of -165. The Dragons do receive some good news, however, with Josh Dugan, Joel Thompson and Tyson Frizell all returning for the Southern derby. Dugan will need to stand up if the Dragons are any hope of causing a boil over with the Dragons inept attack denying them any chance of claiming a victory as of late. Having lost five straight his involvement could be telling. Equally important will be Frizell, who provides energy up front for the home side. Having managed an average 98 running metres a game in an average of 67 minutes, the Dragons will be relying on Frizell and his fellow forwards to dominate the middle of the field and thus allow Benji Marshall and Gareth Widdop further chances to improve their faltering attack.

The Sharks were due for a loss, but the magnitude of the loss that they suffered at the hands of the Raiders is a slight concern. However, hooker Michael Ennis returns for their vital clash with the Dragons as they attempt to keep in touch with the Storm atop of the ladder. Luckily for the Sharks, they face what seems a relatively simple opportunity to regain form and focus on reclaiming top spot. Possessing the second best attack in the league and third best defence, this week's usually close derby appears a mismatch. What is key, however, to Cronulla's success is their ability to refocus and not linger on last week's disappointment.

Last meeting: Round 2 2016 - Sharks 30 Dragons 2

Who to watch: The matchup between the opposing fullbacks is likely to decide this one. Dugan's ability to break tackles from the back will be crucial in boosting St George's uninspiring attack. Dugan, however, has struggled for much attacking input this season in limited appearances. In just thirteen games, Dugan has only managed two tries and set up none. Although Dugan has also suited up in the centres this season, this does not excuse such an input from such a vital player.

Ben Barba, however, is enjoying a stellar season at the back. In twenty appearances, Barba has crossed for thirteen tries but has been just as critical in setting them up, achieving sixteen try assists this season. In what has been his most consistent season since his infamous 2012 campaign Barba has demonstrated to be a key cog in Cronulla's jolt for the premiership this season.

The favourite: Despite dropping one against the Raiders the Sharks are well backed to easily handle the Dragons away from home.

My tip: As mentioned earlier, this pits the second best attack against the second worst, the eight best defence against a team that ranks third in the same category. After suffering a poor loss at the hands of Canberra look for the Sharks to dismantle the Dragons by a fair margin. A score line similar to that of Round 2 looks likely. Sharks by 24.

1. Josh Dugan 2. Kurt Mann 3. Euan Aitken 4. Taane Milne 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Russell Packer 17. Jake Marketo 10. Michael Cooper 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jack de Belin
Interchange: 14. Tariq Sims 15. Will Matthews 21. Luciano Leilua 9. Mitch Rein

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 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 16. Jayson Bukuya
Interchange: 14. Ricky Leutele 15. Chris Heighington 16. Jesse Sene-Lefao 17. Joseph Paulo

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Chris Butler; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Jason Walsh; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Bryan Norrie, Matt Cecchin