Sharks v Dolphins preview

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Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Dolphins Friday 8:00pm at Sharks Stadium, Woolooware / Dharawal

Cronulla Sharks and Dolphins face off on Friday night in a crucial mid-table clash that could shape the makeup of the top eight.

This game carries added significance for both teams. Level on 18 competition points, the Sharks trail the Dolphins only by points differential, meaning a win here could launch them back into the top eight heading into a Round 20 bye. Both teams are coming off a well-earned rest in Round 18, but it's the Sharks who desperately need to steady the ship, having lost four of their last five. The Dolphins, on the other hand, have claimed victory in four of their last five and will be looking to consolidate their spot inside the top eight with another win on the road.

Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon has opted for stability, naming the same starting 17 that took on the Storm before the bye. Despite the 30-6 loss in Melbourne, the Sharks were competitive for much of that match, only fading in the final quarter. The return of Sione Katoa to full fitness provides a boost on the wing, and the home side will be looking for a complete 80-minute performance after patchy form through the middle of the season.

For the Dolphins, Kristian Woolf has made just one forced change to the side that dismantled the Rabbitohs 50-28 in Round 17 — the highest scoring match of the season. Sean O'Sullivan steps in at five-eighth for the injured Kodi Nikorima, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, fresh off scoring four tries in that same game, is set to back up from State of Origin III. Max Feagai and Jake Averillo will swap positions in the backline, and veteran forward Mark Nicholls has been promoted to the starting side in the front row. With confidence high and combinations clicking, the Dolphins are shaping up as a serious danger side.

Last meeting: Round 15 2024 - Sharks 28 Dolphins 30

Who to watch: For the Sharks, winger Sione Katoa is one to keep an eye on. Still easing his way back from a disrupted start to the year, Katoa's explosive running game and finishing ability were on full display against the Dragons, where he ran over 200 metres and crossed for two tries. If he sees quality ball, he can break the game open.

For the Dolphins, halfback Isaiya Katoa will have the spotlight firmly on him. With Nikorima sidelined, the 21-year-old will take on greater responsibility steering the team around the park. His composure and game management have been growing with every match, and this could be his biggest test yet in 2025.

Favourite: Despite their recent slump, the Sharks are favourites heading into the match according to Sportsbet.

My tip: While Cronulla have the home-ground advantage and will be desperate to bounce back, the Dolphins are playing the better footy right now. If the Hammer backs up well from Origin and Katoa controls the tempo, the visitors should have too much firepower. Dolphins by 12.

1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Billy Burns 14. Daniel Atkinson

5. Jake Averillo 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Herbie Farnworth 20. Tevita Naufahu 6. Sean O'Sullivan 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 14. Aublix Tawha 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe 10. Mark Nicholls 15. Connelly Lemuelu 16. Ray Stone 17. Josh Kerr 18. Harrison Graham

Referees: Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Kieren Irons; Video Referees: Liam Kennedy;