NRL Round 22 NZ Warriors v Cronulla Sharks Preview

After a "Super Saturday" with three consecutive NRL games live, NRL fans are teated to a very rare "Super Sunday" which kicks off at Noon EST from across the ditch. The Warriors are back home in front of their fans who must be asking a whole host of questions after giving up 18-nil leads in consecutive weeks. If they do eventually miss out on the Top 8, they can only blame themselves as they have capitulated at crucial points in the match. They're failing to put teams away when it matters most and it has cost them 4 competition points, which would have them firmly in the Top 8 by now. But that is the nature of the NRL. You cannot rest for a minute if you want to be a premiership contender because there are teams out there who will be desperate to turn the tide. The Sharks on the other hand are not going through a period of "needless losses" but rather a slide that needs to be halted as soon as possible. Admittedly, they have had their fair share of injuries of late. You wouldn't even have noticed it, but since the beginning of the SOO period, Paul Gallen has only played one game for the Sharks (if that!). Then the players that have been stepping into their positions are also falling victim of a tough schedule. But if there are any positives, it looks as though they're beginning to get players back to full health. Some people have even suggested that they've purposely rested players with niggling injuries or given them the extra week to recover, so that they're ready for a tough run home. Despite this, they would've been hoping to have a few more victories against lesser opponents to their name. They were once (a few weeks ago), firmly in the top 8 and now are at the wrong end of it. Both teams will be desperate in this game, yet for very different reasons. The Sharks want to stay alive in the 8 and push themselves back into the Top 4. Whereas the Warriors are fighting to keep their season alive. One more loss could very well sound the end of their campaign. Surely they wouldn't put their fans through another "come-from-behind" loss. As the Olympics do not start until the night, get ready for a great afternoon of rugby league. This game will have an impact on not only the two teams involved, but also the hopes and dreams of those teams around them on the table. Stay tuned for a great battle.

NZ Warriors

So the time has come when the Warriors must step up to the mark. It seems as though they go through a similar thing each season and all bar last season, it doesn't end to well for them. They are definitely under achieving this season and should be much higher on the table but have failed to capitalise at crucial points in games. There is a few enforced changes this week unfortunately but the Warriors will look to adapt which ever way possible. Boom rookie Konrad Hurrell is out of the side with injury and he is replaced by Ben Henry who moves from the second row join other "forward", Lewis Brown, in the centres. Sebastine Ikahihifo comes into the starting side from the bench this week to start at lock as Elijah Taylor shifts up to the second row for Henry. Carlos Tuimavave, Steve Rapira and Ukuma Ta'Ai are the new faces on an extended bench. They have lost some firepower off the bench but can consolidate by getting longer minutes off their starting players on a regular basis. There could be a vulnerability out wide also with two back rowers playing there. The Sharks should look to isolate this if they're to win. But the Warriors will be tough to beat up front with a massive forward pack and should look to take the battle to the Sharks here.

Cronulla Sharks

The Sharks will welcome back a host of stars this weekend as they look to get their season back on track. Gallen is the most notable inclusion, closely followed by Carney. There is no question about it, Gallen is returning back from injury early because the Sharks desperately need him. Carney was rested last week as a precautionary and should be able to get through this game again with no worries, perhaps even dominate it in attack. Jason Bukuya is shifted back to the bench and Anthony Tupou is named to make a start in the second row along with Jeremy Smith. Apart from that, the Sharks side remains the same with an extended bench of 6. Jon Green and Sam Tagataese look the likely option to miss out. They're at a point where their season can easily go the wrong way with a loss here. It will be a tough battle for them as well. They're over in NZ which is a hostile environment at the best of times. But they do have a lot of tough players and as they get back to full strength, they will look to regain some of the form that had them as a very tough defensive team at the start of the season.

Recent History

Overall = Warriors 14 - Sharks 14

Last 5 games = Warriors 3 - Sharks 2

At Mt Smart Stadium = Warriors 8 - Sharks 4

Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Warriors $1.47 Sharks $2.75

Centrebet = Warriors $1.55 Sharks $2.50

Sportsbet = Warriors $1.50 Sharks $2.65

Betfair = Warriors $1.56 Sharks $2.66

Verdict

This is a game to select a winner in. You have to look at which team deserves it and will be wanting it more. With a loss, the Warriors will bow out of finals contention and the Sharks could very well slip out of the 8 if results don't go their way. I am going to have to stick with the Sharks though because of the quality player that is returning to the lineup. They have class around the field also in their halves. Throw in a more dynamic and capable bench, and they have what it takes to get their season back on track. I also am reluctant to back the Warriors as they have two back rowers playing in the centres. Whilst they will be up to it defensively, it really does limit their attacking potential.

Suggested Bet
Sharks @ $2.75


Worried about a win = Sharks +6.5 @ $1.90 - It may just put your mind at ease that little more. If they do go down, it will probably be a very close call. The Warriors will be hoping to play for the 80 minutes, unlike the two previous rounds.


By a close margin = Sharks 1-12 @ $4 - As stated above, this will be a cose run thing. So why not take the very juicy odds stated above. It would be very surprising to see the Sharks win by 13+ here.


Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips