NRL Round 18 Cronulla Sharks v Sydney Roosters Preview

Monday Night Football has produced a fantastic football this season and this clash should be no different. It is a great feeling on a Monday afternoon knowing that you can sit back and enjoy some quality rugby league. The Sharks have certainly been a revelation this season and their recent performance against the Broncos on Friday night has them sitting pretty on the NRL table in 3rd place (before the start of this round) and also 3rd in the Power Rankings. I keep mentioning that this is a different Sharks team than seasons gone by and punters need to start taking notice (if they haven't already). But all their good work can be undone if they don't finish the regular season off with winning football. If they don't, they may face a sudden death situation from Week 1 of the finals. This is a game that if they are the real deal, they should get through it with relative ease. The Roosters are a team that has failed to produce consistent football. They have had a very rough season and there are a few rumours circling around that all is not well in the dressing room and the players are beginning to become frustrated with coach Brian Smith. But that always seems to eventually happen with Brian Smith coached teams. They are a young side that is capable of anything but have lacked a certain spark when it is needed most. They have some very good defensive players, but can be caught out around the ruck because they are lazy. Perhaps there is an attitude problem then within the team. The Sharks should have their measure...but as the pressure of finals football grows, strange things can happen. So sit back and enjoy this game. It is at Shark park, so no doubt it will be freezing cold, wet and windy.

Cronulla Sharks

The first question that will be asked is whether or not inspiration Sharks captain, Paul Gallen, will back up after SOO? The second question will be what about Todd Carney? Both players are named and should make a return to the NRL level. It was reported after SOO that Gallen did feel quite sore and stiff in his knee and no doubt the Sharks will not want to take any risks on their star player. If he was to be rested in this game, don't be worried and think the Sharks cannot win. Last week minus Gallen and Carney, players stepped up and filled those roles enormously well. Carney should have no trouble backing up either. With the team that was named, Jeremey Smith is out due to not contesting the grading on his high tackle charge. Good move by the Sharks in terms of taking the punishment now because it could've come back to bite them later this season. Wade Graham moves into the second row for Smith. Graham was the Sharks best player in their win over the Broncos and he is growing with each game that passes by. This kid is going to be a top player and is proving why, since moving from 5/8. Anthony Tupou is named to make his return from injury on an extended bench so there are a few players to miss out, he could be one of them. Two players will have to miss out.

Sydney Roosters

The Roosters will welcome back a few first graders to their lineup this week which should boost their on field performance. Shaun Kenny-Dowell is named and Daniel Mortimer is named on the bench as Anthony Mitchell was a mid season transfer to the Cowboys. It is also the teams first game without Sam Perrett for some time. He was also a mid season trandsfer to the Bulldogs. Mitchell Aubusson moves to the centres and Joseph "BJ" Leilua out to the wing. Boyd Cordner comes off the bench to start in the second row and replacing him on the bench is Tinirau Arona. Apart from that, their team is relatively the same from the one that was demolished by the Sea Eagles, just a few players out of position. Mitchell Pearce returns from SOO and will be looking to put in a good performance after going missing at certain times on Wednesday. He has not done himself any favours in recent seasons with some poor play. He is definitely capable in defence, but is seemingly lacking a creative spark in attack. The Sharks should look to place more pressure on him.

Recent History

Overall = Sharks 27 - Draw 1 - Roosters 54

Last 5 games = Sharks 3 - Roosters 2

At Toyota Stadium = Sharks 15 - Draw 1 - Roosters 23

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Sharks $1.45 Roosters $2.85

Centrebet = Sharks $1.47 Roosters $2.75

Sportsbet = Sharks $1.45 Roosters $2.80

Verdict

The Sharks are at home and should reward their fans with a good performance in this game. As mentioned above, conditions probably won't be at their best so a good performance in this game can make the fans turn up. It will also have people taking notice of them. Many people have suggested that similar to the Rabbitohs, they can often lose games they should win. This shouldn't be the case here. The Sharks play very tough football and respect their try line. They certainly defend like their lives depend on it. When everything boils down to it, through their play this season, the Sharks have earned the right to be favorites in this match.

Suggested Bet
Sharks -5.5 @ $1.75


Specific on a Margin = Cronulla 13+ @ $2.80 - The Sharks have the potential to score points in bunches and can defend very well. If the Roosters do not throw much their way and they get a bit of momentum in attack, this one might get ugly.


First Try Hooker = Isaac De Gois @ $34 - He is always looking around to scoot from dummy half when the Sharks get close to the line. I expect that it will be the same in this game. He can be a hog sometimes in this situation (not a bad one by any means) so expect him to be looking to cross over early.


Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips