Round 18: Sharks v Titans preview
Friday action returns to the New South Wales North Coast as the Cronulla Sharks look to return to the winners circle up against the Gold Coast Titans.
The Sharks started the season fast but have been out of form in recent weeks have won just one of their past five matches to find themselves trying to keep themselves in the NRL top four. The performances for the Sharks have been concerning after their fans pumped their tyres about how good they were for winning against the Storm and Roosters, they were brought back to earth against the Panthers losing 42-0 and then only picking 1 win in the four games after that over the Broncos.
The performance from the Sharks will have been demoralising as they came from 12-0 down against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs to fall to a 15-14 defeat after they lead 14-12. The big concern for the Shire side is that they started slowly but then both in regular time and golden point their star playmaker Nicho Hynes couldn't seal the game with a field goal from close range.
A delayed concussion for Sharks winger Sione Katoa sees him ruled out with Daniel Atkinson coming onto the wing. The only other change is Tom Hazelton has been named to start with Toby Rudolf benched after an ill-disciplined performance last week.
Prior to having the bye, the Gold Coast Titans left the NRL world stunned following their 66-6 win over the New Zealand Warriors on the Gold Coast a couple of weeks ago. The Titans have languished towards the bottom of the NRL ladder sitting currently in 15th spot on the ladder with just for wins to their name for the season where they have struggled but already put through some strong performances this season.
The win prior to the bye for the Gold Coast left many in surprise and many fans asking where has this been as they ran riot in a 60-point thrashing over the Warriors. Things just went right for the Gold Coast where they were able to run in 11 tries including 4 to Alofiana Khan-Pereira. The performance was probably one of the best for the Titans especially putting a bad show in the week prior at Leichhardt Oval.
The Titans have had mixed news on the injury front with Jayden Campbell ruled out with a hand injury but in positive news, QLD origin star AJ Brimson is back in the side with a groin injury whilst Jojo Fifita also returns after missing the Warriors game through illness. The other change sees Mo Fotuaika returning from Origin with Josiah Pahulu dropping back to the bench and Jacob Alick dropping to the reserves.
Last meeting: Round 24 2023 - Sharks 36 Titans 6
Who to watch: Naturally there is going to be a lot of focus on Nicho Hynes because there has been a lot of focus on his "clutchness" given that twice in recent weeks, the NSW representative had two chances to make important plays for Cronulla went a miss with a tough missed conversion from the sideline against the Dolphins and then a simple field goal from in front going wide. The pressure has been plied onto Hynes shoulders for a while and an indifferent Origin performance prior adds more interest.
The return of AJ Brimson to the Titans team is going to bring a big focus on his performances and how the Gold Coast are going to perform against the Sharks. The return of Brimson into the side is the boost that the Gold Coast need with Jayden Campbell out. A game like this is a big test for the Titans and having Brimson in might be a big boost up against a Sharks side looking without confidence.
The favourite: Cronulla are well backed to return to the winners circle on the Mid-North Coast.
My tip: Despite having a good record in their three appearances in Coffs Harbour, the Sharks have been too shaky of a team in recent weeks and the Titans will have a tonne of confidence after their win against the Warriors a fortnight ago and are arguably strengthened with returning players. Titans by 4.
