Round 16: Brisbane v Cronulla preview
Bottom of the ladder host bottom of the eight
The Brisbane Broncos will be looking to get off the bottom of the ladder when they take on a Cronulla Sharks side eyeing five straight wins in a rare Sunday afternoon fixture at Suncorp Stadium.
Languishing in 16th position with the worst defensive record in the league, the Brisbane Broncos will be looking for a reason to believe following a wretched 46-0 thrashing at the hands of South Sydney a fortnight ago.
Staring down the prospect of a season worse than their historic wooden spoon finish last year, coach Kevin Walters will be hoping a strong recent record against the Sharks - six wins from seven clashes - can be the catalyst for a sorely needed win to lift the side's spirits and ease the pressure coming from all quarters.
Afforded a rare Sunday afternoon match at Suncorp Stadium for the first time since going down to the Titans on the Queen's Birthday long weekend two years ago, the side will be eager to avoid a repeat of their last appearance in daytime conditions when the Eels posted a record 58-0 loss in the 2019 finals series.
Welcoming back Kotoni Staggs for his first appearance of the season, the Indigenous centre will headline a new-look backline featuring Corey Oates, Jamayne Isaako and Brodie Croft, while TC Robati comes into the pack in place of suspended forward Tevita Pangai Jr.
After a rocky start to life under interim coach Josh Hannay, the Cronulla Sharks have found their groove off the back of four straight wins.
Sitting inside the top eight ahead of the Cowboys on points differential, the Sharks will be out to overcome a poor strike rate at Suncorp Stadium - five wins from 15 visits against the Broncos - in an effort to post five in a row for the first time since 2018.
Retaining the same squad that pipped the Cowboys 26-24 in the round preceding Origin II, fleet-footed finisher Sione Katoa could be late inclusion after being included on the extended bench.
Ever-improving hooker Blayke Brailey will line up for his 50th first grade appearance for the club.
Last meeting: Round 12 2020 - Broncos 26 Sharks 36
Who to watch: Having spent a large part of 2021 languishing in the Intrust Super Cup despite boasting a wealth of experience, Corey Oates will be determined to make Sunday afternoon the last time he is recalled to the NRL. Renown for his prolific try-scoring ability - 95 tries in 161 games - since coming into the top grade as a teenager, the 26-year-old winger will have a point to prove in his first match since Brisbane's horror opening night showing during Magic Round. Set to mark up against diminutive utility Connor Tracey in mismatch of size, look for Oates to give the Broncos a much-needed injection of experience and aggression.
Returning to the scene of his NRL debut during Indigenous Round last year, Braydon Trindall will be looking to press his claims for regular game time in the wake of the side's roster overhaul. Penning a new deal with the club until the end of 2023 over the past fortnight, the 21-year-old playmaker has been left to bide his time off the bench with Josh Hannay opting for experience in the halves. Looming as a contender to partner Nicho Hynes in the halves under Craig Fiztgibbon next season, look for Trindall to increase his involvement after playing limited minutes in eight matches this season.
The favourite: It should come as no surprise to see the side that has won four in a row (Cronulla) favoured to get the two points against the side running last (Brisbane).
My tip: While Brisbane will be much improved after a disastrous showing prior to Origin II, the class and momentum of the Sharks will be too much for the Broncos to contend with. Cronulla by 16.
