Andrew Pelechaty previews the Round 19 opener between the Wests Tigers and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Wests Tigers Vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Date: Thursday July 6, 7:50pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Asu Kepaoa 3. Starford To’a 4. Tommy Talau 5. Junior Tupou 6. Daine Laurie7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Jake Simpkin 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Shawn Blore 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Aistasi James 18. Justin Matamua 19. Will Smith 20. Triston Reilly 21. Brandon Tumeth 22. Josh Feledy
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Wade Graham 16. Jesse Colquhoun 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Connor Tracey 19. Braydon Trindall 20. Tuku Hau Tapuha 21. Mawene Hiroti 22. Jayden Berrell
Referee: Todd Smith
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
After a huge win over a wounded St George Illawarra last weekend, the Sharks have another chance to post a cricket score against a wooden spoon contender.
While the game against the Dragons was in the balance after 50 minutes (Cronulla-Sutherland leading 24-16), the Sharks scored the next five tries, and nine overall. Ronaldo Mulitalo and Briton Nikora scored doubles, while Nicholas Hynes scored a try and kicked eight goals from nine attempts.
The Wests Tigers – only six weeks after smashing North Queensland 66-18 at Leichhardt – were destroyed by the resurgent Cowboys (74-0) at Townsville. After a scoreless opening 14 minutes, the Cowboys ran in 42 points in just 26 minutes. They went on with it after half-time, scoring another six tries. There were 13 tries in all: a hat-trick to Murray Taulagi, and doubles to Semi Valemei, Scott Drinkwater, and Valentine Holmes (who also kicked 11 goals). Even worse, the Tigers now have an ugly -155 differential.
The Tigers (12 points) are in massive trouble. They’ve already had their three byes, while their closest rivals Canterbury-Bankstown (14) and the Dragons (12) both have one bye left. The Round 21 Dragons vs Tigers game could be the wooden spoon grand final!
A few weeks after breaking his try-scoring drought, Alex Twal goes from chocolates to boiled lollies after being charged (and sin binned) for dangerous contact against North Queensland, with Aitasi James on the bench. David Nofoaluma and Brent Naden are out with injury, replaced by Tommy Talau and Asu Kepaoa.
Cameron McInnes goes to the starting side with Dale Finucane suspended. Toby Rudolf returns from a foot injury, replacing the injured Braden Hamlin-Uele.
This game will show us how much pride the Tigers have: can they show some improvement and make a game of it? Or can the Sharks add to their impressive +110 points differential, which could be crucial in sealing a top four spot?
LAST TEN MATCHES
Sharks 9, Tigers 1
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Sharks by 30 points.
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