Round 15: Sharks v Titans preview
Desperate Titans meet Cronulla in Coffs Harbour
Saturday afternoon of Round 15 sees the Cronulla Sharks take their home game to Coffs Harbour, where they will meet the struggling Gold Coast Titans. The C.ex Coffs International Stadium will host only its second NRL regular season game ever.
The Cronulla Sharks find themselves on the edge of the top 4 after a dominant come-from-behind win against a fast starting Warriors outfit last weekend. Down 12-0 early on, the Sharks bit back in impressive fashion, up by 12 at the break, and never looked back. The final 38 points to 16 scoreline is surely a confidence booster for Craig Fitzgibbon's side.
It was the two wingers for Cronulla who shone last time out, with Mulitalo and Katoa both named on the wing again for this Saturday's clash. The two scored five tries between them against the Warriors, and Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored ten tries in his past ten games, with Sione Katoa also with ten tries to his name so far this season.
Something that is certainly helping the Sharks strong season so far is their relative lack of injury concerns. With just Braden Hamlin-Uele out for a long period of time with a significant injury, their troops have had time to gel with not much changes in the team throughout the season except for a brief stint where fullback Will Kennedy was suspended.
Dale Finucane is one of the only other players out for Cronulla at the moment, but he could be a late inclusion after being named on the reserves on Tuesday afternoon.
At the start of the season, Titans fans had reasons to be hopeful. With a finals appearance in 2021, things were starting to look up for the club. But the NRL is brutal, and 14 rounds into the 2022 season, the Titans find themselves in last place on the ladder. Last week showcased some positive signs, but still ended in a 14 point loss to last year's grand finalists, the Rabbitohs.
AJ Brimson returns from Covid at fullback, pushing Jamayne Isaako back to the wing and Esan Marsters out of the 17. Captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui returns to the starting number 13 role following origin duties, with Mo Fotuaika shifting to the bench.
With these two teams clashing only one month ago, the Gold Coast Titans are up against it to change the result the second time around. A late surge from the Titans back in Round 11 showed the Sharks that they are definitely a threat, but Cronulla was able to hold on for a seven point win, and should be able to get the job done again this Saturday.
The Cronulla Sharks have beaten the Gold Coast Titans in the last seven meetings between the two teams.
Last meeting: Round 11 2022 - Titans 18 Sharks 25
Who to watch: After sitting out the 2021 season with injury, Cameron McInnes made his club debut for the Sharks in Round 2 of their 2022 campaign. The lock is known for his hard-work in defence, and has been a crucial addition to Cronulla's forward pack this season. Coming off the bench in the opening rounds, he has started at lock in every round since Round 7, and his performance is critical to the Shark's chances this weekend.
Young Titans five-eighth Paul Turner will play just his 5th NRL game this weekend. Making his debut in 2020 with the Warriors, and joining the Gold Coast outfit at the end of 2021, the 22 year old has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. While another young Titans half in Toby Sexton will run the show, Turner will most likely play 80 minutes in an important ball playing role for his side. If he doesn't show up, the Titans could be caught somewhat lacking in attacking plays.
Favourite: Cronulla are the strong favourites to beat the Gold Coast this Saturday afternoon.
My tip: While Cronulla have been inconsistent at times, it's hard to see the Titans putting up much of a fight. Cronulla by 14.
