Sharks v Knights preview - 2017 Round 5

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Cronulla look for their first back to back victories of the year against a Knights side who took one giant step backwards in Round 4.

The Sharks have made a solid start to their 2017 campaign but will be looking for consistency when they battle the Knights on Saturday afternoon. After a dominant 42-16 victory over the Raiders, the Sharks backed it up with a disappointing 16-10 loss at the hands of the albeit impressive Dragons before a comfortable 20-6 win over the Eels. It is hard to get a complete read on where the Sharks will finish this season, they certainly look a Top 8 prospect yet a sizeable win over the Knights would prove that they still remain a good chance of claiming back to back premierships. Last season the Sharks piled on a combined 98-4 score line over the Knights in their two clashes and expectations from the fans of the Shire will be quite high for this weekend. 

The Knights were looking a much improved side in 2017 until last weekend's effort. All their bravery and hard work came unstuck with the 40-0 loss at the hands of Penrith and one would hope that it does not prove to derail their season. The Newcastle forward pack was dominated up front, only managing 1147 metres to Penrith's 2012 - and if you give a side like Penrith that much field possession you are bound to concede points. The Sharks also possess speedsters outside in the form of Valentine Holmes and classy halves in James Maloney and Chad Townsend who would be able to capitalise in similar fashion to Penrith if given the opportunity. The Knights are however boosted by the return of fullback Brendan Elliot whilst Anthony Tupou looms as a good chance of making his Newcastle debut.

Last meeting: Round 20 2016 - Sharks 36 Knights 4

If that seemed bad enough, only earlier in the year they condemned Newcastle to a record-breaking 62-0 loss as the Novocastrians spiralled to a second straight wooden spoon.

Who to watch: Wade Graham's recent re-signing seems a wise choice if you look at his performances so far in 2017. Graham already has three tries, four line breaks and two try assists to his name after four rounds, impressive stats for a second rower. He runs quite effective slicing runs close to the line and will certainly threaten to add to his tally on Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, in a dour game last weekend, winger Nathan Ross displayed promise. This was exemplified when, late in the game Ross took off after cleaning up a Penrith grubber. He ran another seventy metres before being run down by Te Maire Martin. His only problem - no one was there to play the ball to. Ross already has four tries and three line breaks this season and could prove a handful if given the room.

The favourite: The Sharks are the shortest favourites of 2017 thus far and are easily expected to account for the Knights.

My tip: It will take one serious defensive adjustment for Newcastle to come close. Sharks by 26.

1. Valentine Holmes 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Gerard Beale 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen 14. Jayson Bukuya 15. Chris Heighington 16. Jeremy Latimore 17. James Segeyaro

1. Brendan Elliott 2. Ken Sio 3. Dane Gagai 4. Peter Mata'utia 20. Jacob Gagan 6. Brock Lamb 7. Trent Hodkinson 15. Jack Stockwell 12. Jamie Buhrer 10. Josh Starling 11. Sione Mata'utia 19. Joe Wardle 13. Mitchell Barnett 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Danny Levi 16. Sam Stone 21. Anthony Tupou

Referees: Grant Atkins, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Belinda Sleeman, Dave Ryan; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Bryan Norrie;