Match Centre

Round 9: Sharks v Panthers preview

High-flying Panthers take on table-climbing Sharks 

The Cronulla Sharks and Penrith Panthers will go head-to-head at the black, white and blue's 2020 home of Kogarah on Saturday.

Both teams are coming off 3 straight wins, making for a great clash of two in form sides. The Sharks will be looking to cement their spot in the top 8, whilst Penrith will be looking to put themselves in a great spot for the top 4. 

In team news, Cronulla are without Matt Moylan who is out with a hamstring complaint. Josh Dugan moves to fullback to cover.

Young gun Ronaldo Mulitalo is back from injury and starts on the wing, with Bryson Goodwin moving into the centres.

Andrew Fifita has been named in to start, but it remains to be seen if he will be moved back to the bench before kick-off. 

For the men from the foot of the mountains, young dynamo Brian To'o is set to face 2 months on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

Brent Naden moves to the wing to cover, with Dean Whare coming back in at centre.

Other than that, the Penrith team is unchanged heading into this game. 

Last meeting: Round 21 2019 - Panthers 26 Sharks 20

Who to watch: Shaun Johnson has been I'm terrific from as of late, leading the competition in try assists. He also currently sitting towards the top of the Dally-M voting. Johnson is searching for some consistency in his footy that he has lacked over the course of his career and if he can play well against Penrith, he may have just found it. 

Api Koroisau has been one of, if not the in form hooker in the NRL. His illusiveness out of dummy-half has caused problems for defensive lines all season and he will be looking to move around the Sharks bigger men through his creativity. Another strong performance could just have Koroisau in the conversation for an Origin calling. 

The favourite: Penrith are the favourites to win this one, as they look to build on currently sitting in second place. 

My tip: Both teams have been in terrific form and this game should be a good one. The Sharks have been looking good through Shaun Johnson's creativity, but their forwards may struggle to go all the way with Penrith's. Panthers by 4.