Sharks v Broncos preview

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Sharks. Broncos. Who will make it six straight wins?

Holding off a spirited Panthers outfit last week, Cronulla play host to Brisbane on Sunday in a highly anticipated clash. Having won their past five matches, the Sharks will be full of confidence as they look to become only the second team to defeat the Broncos in 2016. Retaining the same side that prevailed 20-18 against Penrith, fullback Ben Barba is set to play his 150th game in first grade, after previous stints with Canterbury and Brisbane. Having claimed three of the past four encounters against the Broncos, coach Shane Flanagan will be readying his side for a season defining match on Sunday.

Continuing their remarkable start to the season, the Broncos accounted for South Sydney in a highly spirited match. While the fulltime scoreline against the Rabbitohs may have indicated a one-way affair, Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett will have his side prepared for an ambush on Sunday, as the Sharks circle to take down the competition heavyweights. With Alex Glenn returning in place of Herman Ese'ese, the side will be bolstered up front, however the loss of Andrew McCullough sees Kodi Nikorima start his first NRL game, with experienced hooker Travis Waddell to share the hooking duties off the bench. Having debuted for the club a decade ago, fullback Darius Boyd will play his 100th game for Brisbane on Sunday; set to return to the Kangaroos next Friday, Boyd will have no shortage of motivation for a big performance against Cronulla.

Last meeting: Round 2 2015 - Sharks 2 Broncos 10

Who to watch: He may divide players and fans alike, but there is no doubting the influence Michael Ennis has had on Cronulla since arriving last season. Reinvigorating himself since departing the Bulldogs, the tenacious hooker has been instrumental in the Sharks resurgence, taking the former wooden spooners to title contenders. Facing off against Brisbane, Ennis will have his sights set firmly on upsetting the competition heavyweights, with his competitive streak vital to the Sharks success. 

Set to make his first appearance in the NRL since the final round of 2014, hooker Travis Waddell will be out to make the most of his Brisbane opportunity. With Andrew McCullough set to miss the next six weeks, the former Canberra and Newcastle utility looks set to offer spark off the bench for the high flying Broncos. Capable of breaking a game open, the 26-year-old will be raring to go in his return to first grade.

The favourite: Going down just once so far in 2016, the ladder leading Broncos are expected to make it six wins in a row heading into the representative round.

My tip: In the words of Phil ‘Gus' Gould: "Cronulla is like the Bermuda Triangle. So many good teams and players have played here throughout the years, but have failed to succeed". Sharks by 7.

1. Ben Barba 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 14. Gerard Beale 5. Valentine Holmes 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 16. Matt Prior 11. Jayson Bukuya 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 4. Ricky Leutele 15. Chris Heighington 10. Sam Tagataese 17. Luke Lewis

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Jack Reed 4. James Roberts 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 17. Travis Waddell 15. Sam Thaiday 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 9. Kodi Nikorima 16. Jo Ofanhengaue 18. Herman Essese

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Adam Devcich; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Jeff Younis; Video Referees: Ben Galea, Jason Robinson, Bernard Sutton;