The Sharks definitely fought back from a bad loss to Parramatta two weeks ago to forge a win over the inform Titans minus their Origin players. It was certainly a great win considering what the consequences were had they lost. They would have been at the wrong end of the Top 8 and sliding fast. But instead they are firmly in the 8 and take some momentum into this game. The Warriors also played a good game against Penrith away from home. They did suffer a minor blip on the radar when the Panthers scored a few points before halftime and actually led the match. But then they kept the Panthers scoreless in the second half. Both teams have a win in their last match and take some positives going into this match. It should be a great contest but as per usual it'll be wet, cold and windy down at Shark Park!
Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks obviously have players returning from SOO and they are the two key players in this game, Paul Gallen and Todd Carney. Gallen is in some doubt with a knee injury but I believe that he will probably play because of his ability to play through pain. They will relish Carney coming back into the lineup but luckily they did win without him last week. They did have a hole in their attack however that he will be able to patch up. If the Sharks played so well last week without their players, then perhaps they can only lift to another level this game.
NZ Warriors
As mentioned earlier, the Warriors fought back against the Panthers and clawed their way to victory. The conditions there were similar to what they will be in this one. They have named an unchanged lineup from MNF and perhaps this is because they have a very short turn around. Also, coaches are reluctant to name a team the day after a game as injuries have not yet been sorted out. They definitely have the potential to win this game, but something has been seriously missing from the Warriors this year and they haven't been the team that everyone had expected them to be. I still haven't figured out what they are missing but perhaps it could be that "killer instinct" that great teams display when they have teams up against the ropes.
Recent History
Overall = Sharks 13 - Warriors 14
Last 5 games = Sharks 1 - Warriors 4
At Toyota Stadium = Sharks 8 - Warriors 4
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Sharks $2.45 Warriors $1.55
Centrebet = Sharks $2.60 Warriors $1.52
Sportsbet = Sharks $2.45 Warriors $1.47
Verdict
I am going to take an upset here and go the Sharks. I have been guilty this year of believing that this Sharks team is like Sharks teams of recent years who have lost crucial games like this one. But they keep surprising with each performance. They are hard to go past in this game. I think it will be a close game however because of the weather conditions that are currently gripping Sydney. They may not have a good record against the Warriors in recent games but do hold a superior record at their home ground, the same ground where they beat the undefeated Storm a few weeks ago.
Suggested Bet
Sharks @ $2.60 (with Centrebet)
Line = Cronulla +3.5 @ $2.00 - Great value if it going to be a close game.
Margin = Cronulla 1-12 @ $3.65 - If is going to be a close game and I believe that the Sharks will win, then why not add a bit of value to your bet and take the margin?
Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips
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