Sharks v Warriors preview

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Red hot Sharks aim for 11 straight against resurgent Warriors. 

After having been in the match of the round two weeks ago, the Cronulla Sharks find themselves in another tantalising clash this weekend when they take on the New Zealand Warriors who have surprised many sides of late by stringing together a nice little run which has included 3 wins on the bounce. Try have climbed up to tenth position on the table but will want to continue to ride this wave of momentum against the table topping Sharks.

The shire based club have been nothing short of remarkable this year with their attractive style of attacking football seeing fans flock to their games in droves. Their defence has again been solid and stout like in previous years and there is genuine excitement in the Sutherland Shire that this could be a watershed year for the Sharkies. They won't want to take this game lightly as the Warriors are a side that can turn it on attacking wise at any time. The Sharks lost in the siren in their last game against the Warriors at Southern Cross Group Stadium and will want revenge for that painful defeat in 2015. This has all the makings of an explosive, attacking game of football with two of the form teams of the competition over the past month. 

Last meeting: Round 21 2015 - Warriors 14 Sharks 18

The Sharks won the last meeting between these two after suffering heart break at home against the Warriors earlier in 2015. Dating back to 2012, the Sharks have won 6 of the past 8 against the Warriors. At Southern Cross Group Stadium the ledger is 11-5 in favour of Cronulla with the Warriors having won just 5 games out of 16 played in the shire.

Who to watch: Look for another gallant effort by the Sharks forwards to lay the platform for their backs to run riot. One of the players whose name isn't often mentioned is that of Sharks prop Matt Prior. After taking a little while to settle in after his love from cross town rivals St George Illawarra Prior has blossomed into a hard working and defensive stud at the Sharks. He has become well known in 2016 for his big hits and solid attitude in defence. This has rubbed off on team mates and there is definitely a shift in attitude when he comes on. 

His offloading ability is also dangerous and the Warriors big forward pack will need to be at their best to minimise his impact on Saturday night.

For the visitors, look for Thomas Leuleuai to add a composed performance to let Shaun Johnson do his thing. Since moving into the halves, the Warriors attack looks a lot more direct and the organisational skills of Leuleuai have helped in this department. He also has a deft kick and his passing out on the left hand side of the Warriors attack is starting to look more dangerous by the week. Defensively he is strong and look for him to have a say in what goes down on Saturday night. 

The favourite: With the Sharks at home and riding a 10 match winning streak the Shire boys are firm favourites.

My tip: Sharks to have to much muscle and fire power for the Warriors in this clash. Will be decided through the middle of the field in the opening 20, Warriors will need a very good performance to win and need to eliminate school boy errors. Sharks by 12.

1. Ben Barba 14. Ricky Leutele 3. Jack Bird 4. Gerard Beale 5. Valentine Holmes 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 16. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 15. Chris Heighington 17. Sam Tagataese 18. Jayson Bukuya 19. Joseph Paulo

2. David Fusitua 21. Jonathan Wright 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Issac Luke 10. Albert Vete 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 1. Tuimoala Lolohea 15. Sam Lisone 16. Ben Matulino 17. Charlie Gubb

Referees: Grant Atkins, Matt Noyen; Sideline Officials: Jason Walsh, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Matt Cecchin, Bryan Norrie