Round 5: Raiders v Sharks preview
Two clubs that got off to good starts have both somehow forgotten everything they were doing right.
The Raiders attack was looking superb in their opening two games of the season as they spanked the Warriors 30-8 over in Vegas, which they followed up with a brilliant 32-22 over a highly fancied Broncos side in the second Round. But then everything went topsy-turvey and in the last two weeks they've lost back-to-back games and their defence has leaked 70 points against Manly and the struggling Cowboys.
The Sharks story isn't too dissimilar. They were very competitive in Vegas against the defending Premiers Penrith, losing 28-22 in a gallant display. They backed it up with comfortable wins against the Cowboys 36-12 and Souths 27-12 - two sides with solid forward packs. But last week their attack took a wrong turn somewhere and their pack was unable to gain any dominance over the Bulldogs forwards - ultimately leading to the Sharks losing 20-6.
The Sharks will be without impressive young centre Kayal Iro, who suffered a hamstring injury last week. He will be replaced by Mawene Hiroti, who will be slotting in at centre for the first time in an NRL game since 2021. He does play at centre in NSW Cup on a more regular basis, but is typically a winger when playing in the NRL. The Raiders will be targeting Hiroti relentlessly all game, almost exclusively by running different lines at him in the hope of either getting him flat-footed or out of position.
The Sharks have gone with a much beefier bench, with Thomas Hazelton, Toby Rudolf and Tuku Hau Tapuha who are all predominantly middle forwards, which suggests the Sharks are planning to make up for last weeks weak performance up front by dominating the middle. It will also force edge forward Briton Nikora to inject himself some more - something that typically leads to him having a great game.
After watching plenty of Sharks matches, one can't help but think they would be better served if their halves were swapped. When the Sharks forwards struggle, Hynes gets way too sideways and their attacking plays in the red zone become ineffective and typically end with a Hail Mary kick to Ronaldo Mulitalo on the wing.
The Raiders on the other hand rely heavily on their middle forwards in attack and then when they get into the red zone, running block plays on the edge of the ruck. They will need to throw more variation at the Sharks defence, which is typically pretty stingy. Matthew Timoko and Sebastian Kris are very good line runners, with Timoko expected to get plenty of opportunities against Hiroti. Tamale is a solid finisher and could find himself getting a few try scoring opportunities.
Last meeting: Round 8 2024 - Raiders 0 Sharks 40
Players to Watch: Tom Starling will be the most important player for the Raiders attack in this contest. His speed out of dummy half and crisp passing game is vital for the Raiders middle forwards, ensuring they get on a good roll and make plenty of post contact metres, thus providing space for their halves to work late in the set.
Addin Fonua-Blake has been making huge metres for the Sharks and will be determined to be the dominant forward in this match. He's got good foot speed and a nice step at the line which makes it hard for defenders to dominate him. He also has a knack for getting quick play-the balls away. Hooker Blayke Brailey will likely be dishing plenty of crash balls to Fonua-Blake close to the Raiders line.
Favourite: The Sharks will start this match as clear but not entirely comfortable favourites
My Tip: The Sharks stingy defence could frustrate the Raiders attack into errors and then capitalise by taking the game away from the Raiders in the second half. Sharks by 10.
