Sharks v Roosters preview

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Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Sydney Roosters Friday 6:00pm at Sharks Stadium, Woolooware / Dharawal

Friday night football comes to the Shire as the resurgent Cronulla Sharks host the Sydney Roosters in the 6pm fixture. 

Cronulla winning the battle of the sea was much needed for the club because they were quickly sliding out of the top eight which would be a disaster for them.

They always say that they don't ask how you won on scoresheets but the Sharks will still have some hang ups after that game.

The Sharks looked in control and probably could've gone on with it before they were almost pegged back then scored twice late to give it some gloss.

So, coming up against one of the other top eight contender Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon will want more from his side who have title aspirations in 2025.

Adding to that, the Sharks were embarrassed by the Roosters in Gosford during Origin while not missing any representative players so that is a big stain on their season. 

Moving to the Roosters, most of their game against the Dragons was defense optional but they got the two points and sit in eighth place.

The big thing for the tri colours was the return of halfback Sam Walker who enjoyed a mixed bag comeback with some bright moments and a sin bin. 

Now, he has a new halves partner in Youtube's own Chad Townsend after Hugo Savala was injured which throws a spanner into the works. 

There is still plenty of firepower in the Roosters line-up that should offer fireworks in this game and might be one where you get a lot of celebrations as well. 

It is a Sydney Roosters side which remains mostly unchanged which will be relief for Trent Robinson after some chopping and changing in recent weeks. 

Either way, this game shapes up as a tasty morsel for your Friday night after work and should be a game where points flow like your first beer on the weekend. 

Last meeting: Round 12 2025 - Roosters 42 Sharks 16

Who to watch: It was a wonderful performance from Nicho Hynes last week with two tries and steering his side around for an important win. The thing will be about backing that up for the Sharks halfback who comes under the spotlight recently and I think has been outplayed by Brayden Trindall in parts of 2025. 

Addin Fonua-Blake will lead the Sharks pack from the front as they try to seek some revenge for their thrashing in Gosford. He will lay the platform which should see Blayke Brailey continue his purple patch of form from the dummy half role.

He shook off the rust last week, now Sam Walker is ready to stamp his mark on another game which is important for the Roosters top eight chase. He partners Chad Townsend in the halves after the injury to Hugo Salava and the pair of have some heavy artillery to wield on Friday.

Victor Radley was back last week with a new hat! The tyro put in a typical robust performance against the Dragons including one of the more timely Try July celebrations. The big for the England international is putting in back-to-back performances and getting back to his form from a few seasons ago. 

Favourite: Cronulla are favourites with the bookies after their return to form last Friday.

My tip: This is almost a toss of a coin job really. Two sides who are right in the thick of the top eight tussle. If I had to (Tim is telling me I do) I will lean towards the Sharks due to having a more settled halves pairing. Roosters by 6.

1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 19. Chris Veaila 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 22. Jayden Berrell

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Chad Townsend 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Salesi Foketi 13. Victor Radley 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Blake Steep 16. Egan Butcher 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Ethan King 19. Taylor Losalu

Referees: Todd Smith; Sideline Officials: Phil Henderson, Chris Sutton; Video Referees: Adam Gee;