Monday night's are tough to get through but when you have a good game of football like the one on offer here, you almost look forward to them...almost! All the attention of the rugby league world will be focused up in Newcastle on a contest that means a lot to not only the teams involved, but the teams in and around the Top 8. The Knights are in a position whereby they just need to continue to win their remaining games if they are to push for a spot in the Top 8. They are in control of their own destiny at this point, but one loss could also spell the end of their season. The Sharks have resurrected themselves with a good win last week away to the Warriors. Before that, they were on a very rapid slide down the competition table and were in danger of losing all momentum that they had built throughout the season. They have had a horrific injury toll to contend with but as they get their full host of players back, their continuity on the field is also returning. It is a must win game for both sides but to the Knights it is again their season on the line. One would think that they have far more to lose than the Sharks. Then again, the Sharks also have to consider what position they would want to finish on in the Top 8 as home field advantage and a "second chance" can become extremely valuable. Bring on the rugby league to get over the "Monday blues".
Newcastle Knights
This week the Knights have retained the same team that went down to the Bulldogs and allowed them to score 24 points before the 20 minute mark. They have also added Zane Tetevano to the bench but he is likely to drop off out of the side. Perhaps he is named to cover for another injured player within the starting side but there is no news in and around that. There were a few positives for the Knights once they were able to recover from the mountain of points that were piled on them early. Their halves seem to be growing in stature with each performance and more importantly, they're combining very well with one another and playing to each others strengths. It also helps when their forwards are on top of the opposition, something which the Knights must look to do early against a very quality opposition pack.
Cronulla Sharks
Still no Ben Pomeroy for the Sharks and young gun Ricky Leutele remains in the sides at centre. He is certainly no slouch out wide and he is making the most of his opportunity. They have gone with the same 17 that ran a muck over the Warriors. It was a very positive performance that would have installed a lot of confidence back into their squad. The game also saw the long awaited return of inspirational captain Paul Gallen. His presence alone, lifts the Sharks to another level and the work he does around the field was certainly missed. Carney also came back and he was dominant in attack scoring a try and setting plenty up for his teammates. The Sharks will look to go on with the job and continue to develop their confidence. Carney is at his brillant best when he is working behind a pack of forwards that are continually getting over the advantage line and letting him have room to move. This is an evident strength of the Sharks and they should aim to keep the contest in the forwards for as along as possible.
Recent History
Overall = Knights 23 - Draw 1 - Sharks 15
Last 5 games = Knights 4 - Sharks 1
At Hunter Stadium = Knights 12 - Draw 1 - Sharks 4
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Knights $1.80 Sharks $2.05
Centrebet = Knights $1.75 Sharks $2.12
Sportsbet = Knights $1.80 Sharks $2.05
Betfair = Knights $1.84 Sharks $2.16
Verdict
It is very surprising to see the prices listed above. The Sharks returned to form with a dominant display against the Warriors. The best thing for the Sharks was that it was a good form guide as the Cowboys were able to come out this week and hand them a similar fate. Even more impressive is the fact that the game was in NZ. The Knights on the other hand are still a chance to make the 8 but they gathered a few wins against lesser opponents. The win they got over the Warriors now seems irrelevant considering the two losses they've had on their streak is to the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs. They are still a long way off. Yes they do have a good home record over the Sharks, but even though their season is on the line and they have more to play for, the Sharks should be too strong.
Suggested Bet
Sharks @ $2.16 (with Betfair)
Marginal Delight = Sharks 13+ @ $5 - Yes you are reading it right, the Sharks are capable of scoring a lot of points and have very good defence to hold their opposition. The Knights showed last week how they can switch off at certain points and concede points. MNF can always produce a lot of points.
Super Margin = Sharks 13-18 @ $8 - If I am looking at a 13+ victory I am considering the fact that the Sharks will probably win by 14 points. The value is there to be taken. 19+ is also at $8. Remember though, this is working on the back of a dominate Sharks performance.
Good luck!
Scooby
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