Round 22: Panthers v Sharks preview
For a team that is yet to prove its premiership credentials this season, the Cronulla Sharks have been given a perfect opportunity on Saturday night to prove their critics either right or wrong.
Facing back-to-back premiers Penrith, the Sharks will be looking to arrest a troubling record against top-eight teams in 2023, although last week's loss to Cronulla proved beating lesser opposition is no sure thing either.
The Sharks sparked to life in the second half but it was far too late, with Craig Fitzgibbon's side failing to run down a 30-0 deficit in an eventual 30-26 loss at home.
The defeat leaves Cronulla with just a two-point buffer ahead of the ninth-placed Rabbitohs, who could pass the Sharks this weekend with a comprehensive win over the Tigers.
It isn't just Cronulla's record against top teams that is a concern though, with the Sharks' recent record against Penrith also leaving a lot to be desired.
The Sharks have won just one of six games against the Panthers and will be without Dale Finucane for the rest of the season after the lock forward suffered a torn bicep.
Cameron McInnes starts in his place while Wade Graham is named in the second row to return from a toe injury and it is a timely comeback too, with Jesse Colquhoun unavailable due to suspension.
Elsewhere, Siosifa Talakai is back on the bench while Brayden Trindall remains the favoured option in the halves ahead of the seemingly out-of-favour Matt Moylan.
Unlike Cronulla, Penrith continues to prove itself on a weekly basis as the defending premiers chase three-straight titles in 2023.
It wasn't as clinical as coach Ivan Cleary may have hoped but that didn't stop the Panthers from charging to a 44-18 win over the Bulldogs last week, although that victory did come at a cost.
It saw Spencer Leniu pick up a knee injury, with Matt Eisenhuth taking his spot on the bench while Izack Tago remains sidelined with a leg issue as Tyrone Peachey once again starts in the centres.
This Saturday's game marks former Sharks forward Scott Sorensen's 100th in the NRL.
Last meeting: Round 19 2022 - Panthers 20 Sharks 10
Who to watch: Without a contract for next season, Tyrone Peachey needs to take every opportunity he can get in the NRL this year to prove he deserves another deal in 2024. With Daine Laurie set to return to the foot of the mountains though, you wonder whether Peachey may have to look elsewhere for another contract. The versatile 31-year-old certainly continues to do his chances of picking up a new deal little harm, seamlessly fitting into the Penrith system when required and capable of filling in wherever is needed. Peachey has played with a new lease of life in 2023, although he was found out on a few occasions last week in defence.
Speaking of which, obviously if Cronulla is any chance of pulling off an upset on Saturday night it starts with halfback Nicho Hynes. The reigning Dally M medallist had a first half to forget last week before rebounding with a few classy touches to inspire the Sharks to a late comeback. That fightback fell short though and Cronulla definitely can't afford to fall behind early against a team like Penrith. As previously mentioned, Peachey was exposed a few times in defence last week and Hynes could prove a problem for the 31-year-old given not only his ball-playing ability but his threatening running game close to the line. If Hynes keeps Peachey and the Penrith defence by extension guessing, he could find a few holes to set up early tries and set the tone for the visitors.
Favourite: Penrith is well-backed to build on its recent form.
My tip: This shapes as somewhat of a banana peel game for the Panthers, who are cruising at the moment and can't underestimate a Sharks side that can be lethal in attack when at their best. The inclusion of Wade Graham on the edge though is an interesting one as the experienced forward, while hard-working in defence, doesn't offer much in terms of speed or dynamics to match Cronulla's quick attacking raids out wide. Penrith, on the other hand, is a machine in attack and defence with few holes. It wouldn't shock if the Panthers turn up flat and the Sharks cause a boilover. But this just shapes as yet another reality check for just how far away Cronulla is from being a genuine contender. Panthers by 26.
