Round 24: Sharks v Titans preview
Sharks look to take the bite out of Titans
The Cronulla Sharks will be looking for some confidence as they prepare their finals charge when they go head to head with the Gold Coast Titans.
The Sharks bounced back in an emphatic way with a 26-16 victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Perth last weekend. They produced a big revival with an emphasis on open attacking football completing at a high percentage and frustrating their opposition with jarring defence. Their discipline was also strong as opposed to previous weeks.
Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes continue to build their halves combination causing Souths' makeshift edges problems all night long and it could be a long night for the Titans. The impact of Jack Williams and Tom Hazelton off the bench has worked wonders and against a Gold Coast pack that has been strong this season, their impact will have to be immense. Out wide, their edges were great last start and if Jesse Ramien and Siosifa Talakai get some early ball, it will be a long night.
Kiwi Test winger Ronaldo Mulitalo is back on deck so Mawene Hiroti goes to 18th Man. Jesse Colquhoun returns on the bench after being 18th Man last week and Thomas Hazelton is out after being heavily concussed in the win over South Sydney.
Gold Coast's slim finals chances came to a crashing halt despite a brave performance. They played the best part of an hour down to 12 men after Mo Fotuaika was sent off for an ugly high tackle, also throw in the fact they lost AJ Brimson minutes before kick-off and it's one of the bravest losses of the season.
The Titans played some enterprising attacking footy which could bring Cronulla unstuck. Second phase play has been a highlight of their season and finding open space for Lofi Khan-Pereria. He has speed to burn on the left hand side. Meanwhile, their forwards have been an underrated part of their game with David Fifita enjoying a career revival and will be looking to give his opposite number nightmares.
Fotuaika's suspension is overshadowed by the return of Tino Fa'asuamaleaui from a 3 match ban. Fullback AJ Brimson will be rested again as he continues to battle a minor rib injury but Jaimin Jolliffe is back on deck after missing four games with a broken hand. Isaac Liu goes back to the bench and Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui to 18th Man. Kruise Leeming has been added to the bench with Sam Verrills set to miss the rest of the season.
Last meeting: Round 15 2022 - Sharks 18 Titans 10
Players to watch: The off-the-cuff running of Jayden Campbell brought the Warriors to a standstill last week. With a scintillating 90m try If he gets some open running against Cronulla, there's every chance he can break the game open. With Des Hasler planning on trialling AJ Brimson in the centre jersey next season, Campbell can put any critics of the move to one side with an enthralling performance against the Sharks.
Cronulla's game was boosted by Braydon Trindall as he gave Nicho a steady hand and allowed him to focus on running the side and orchestrating the team to victory. His individual try in the second half last week showed his impact on the side while his short kicking game was instrumental. With 51 touches of the football, Trindall's touches of the footy will increase in coming games.
Favourite: Cronulla come into this match as favourites, since 2007 these sides have met 25 times. Cronulla have won 16 of 25 matches, having not lost to the Titans since 2017.
My tip: I'm going nice and easy for this one. I feel the loss of Fotuaika is made easier with Tino's inclusion but they really miss the impact both big forwards provide. Cronulla will have it all to play for in front of their home fans and will keep on their finals charge. Sharks by 6.
