Round 10: Sharks v Dolphins preview
Suncorp prepares for underwater encounter
The Cronulla Sharks will be looking to continue their winning ways on Saturday evening when they host the Dolphins during the league's annual Magic Round.
Riding a wave of momentum with three consecutive wins to sit in second position on the ladder, the Cronulla Sharks could finish the round in first position for only the second time since winning their maiden premiership with victory.
Recording their biggest win under coach Craig Fitzgibbon with a 44-6 demolition of North Queensland last Thursday, veteran forward Dale Finucane will return from suspension in place of Braden Hamlin-Uele as part of a reshuffle that sees Royce Hunt start and Cameron McInnes revert to the bench.
Claiming victory over the Titans in the very first match held at Magic Round four years ago, the Sharks have lost their past two appearances during the annual pilgrimage to Brisbane against the Rabbitohs (2021) and Raiders (2022).
Producing an ultimately futile comeback in Wagga Wagga last weekend, the Dolphins will be eager to arrest a worrying trend of conceding big leads early in matches.
Managing to claw back an 18-point deficit before going down to the Raiders 31-30 in golden point last Saturday, coach Wayne Bennett has responded by promoting Tesi Niu, Anthony Milford and Mason Teague into the side in place of Robert Jennings, Kurt Donoghoe and Ray Stone.
Aiming to become only the second Queensland club to claim victory in their Magic Round debut, the ninth-placed Dolphins could finish the weekend inside the top four if results prove favourable.
Who to watch: Enjoying a blockbusting start to the season with the most try-assists of any non-spine player, Cronulla centre Siosifa Talakai will be aiming to remind selectors of his impact ahead of the representative season. Producing nine try assists and 26 tackle breaks to go with 169 running metres on average, the 26-year-old crossed for his first try of the season in last week's big win over North Queensland. Forming a potent combination on the left edge after resurrecting his career with Cronulla as a middle forward, Talakai can expect to see plenty of ball on Saturday evening.
Playing beyond his years as the Dolphins primary playmaker at just 18 years of age, Isaiya Katoa will face one of his toughest challenges to date during Magic Round. Earning a surprise call up in the opening round as a five-eighth before taking on the responsibility of wearing the number seven jersey due to injuries, the former Penrith junior has produced five forced drop outs and five try assists while missing just one game to date. Set to oppose the reigning Dally M winner in a key personal duel, Katoa will be out to test himself and lift the Dolphins back into the top eight.
Favourite: Despite winning just one of their past six visits to Suncorp Stadium, the Sharks are expected to make it four in a row on Saturday evening.
My tip: Enjoying a strong return to form after collapsing at home a month ago, the Sharks should have too much class for the Dolphins to contend with. Sharks by 14.
