NRL Round 24 Cronulla Sharks v South Sydney Rabbitohs Preview

A lot is on the line down in the south of Sydney to cap off "Super Saturday". The Sharks will be searching for answers to get their season completely back on track against a Rabbitohs side that was brought crashing back to earth against Manly. The Sharks looked as though they were back on track after a very dominating display against the Warriors in NZ, yet that form perhaps is misleading. The Warriors are in a tough place at the moment and although the Sharks put 40+ points on them, they still faced a very tough test against Newcastle. The Knights came ready to play and forced the Sharks into very amateur mistakes that cost them dearly. Their kicking game was poor and their usual, hard nosed defence looked broken as too many first up tackles were missed. Interestingly, yet not as bad as the Sharks, the Rabbitohs also made crucial errors. Yet many people suggested that the loss for the Rabbitohs will be better for the loss. It did show a lot of problems still to be fixed within their side, especially their execution when they are under pressure. Coach Michael Maguire will definitely make sure that his side is back on task this week though and those elementary errors should disappear from their play. The good thing for the Rabbitohs fans is that they are still firmly in the Top 4 and should finish the season there, and in doing so they get a "second chance" in the semi finals. The Sharks get a first hand look of what is required of them to be a great team. Unfortunately, this game will be played on a Saturday night where not many people get to view the game, especially when it is a finals preview. Both sides could very well meet in September. Either way, this game means a lot to their current momentum and confidence; and should be a great clash!

Cronulla Sharks

The Sharks have a relatively unchanged lineup from the side that was poor against the Knights. Bryce Gibbs and Wade Graham were late inclusions for that clash yet only Gibbs features in this side. He returns immediately to the starting side and Mark Taufua drops back to an extended bench. Graham has unfortunately re-injured his sternum in the game and will find it hard to return to this game. One of the late withdrawals from the Sharks side, Anthony Tupou has been named. There was little information around about his withdrawal and some suggest it was just to make way for Graham. Jayson Bukuya who took Tupou's spot in the starting side (promoted from the bench), has agains been named on the interchange. The Sharks definitely have a capable forward pack but they will have to be ready for a titanic battle this week against a very capable Rabbitohs team. Carney and Robson were under a lot of pressure in MNF due to the poor field position their forwards were leaving them in and the failure to continually get over the advantage line. If the Sharks get it right, they could have a lot of strike power coming off their bench to maintain a high intensity for 80 minutes. There is also a few problems with the back 3 for the Sharks. Not to sure how they can fix this up at this stage in the season but expect them to achieve extra attention.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

First and foremost, Souths fans will collectively rejoice as Greg Inglis returns to the starting side after serving a 3 match suspension for dangerous contact on Dean Young. There was a lot of hype around this decision but there are a lot of positives as Inglis will certainly come back fresh and ready to fire. Nathan Merritt, who is a very exciting player that filled Inglis' role, shifts back to the wing and Justin Hunt is relegated to the extended bench. The Rabbitohs other bad boy, Isaac Luke also returns to the starting side as Nathan Peats shifts back to the bench. Luke returned from his suspension last week but came off the bench and was limited to 43 minutes. Be sure that Souths look at their best when he is on the field. It will take time for him to find his feet again but when he does, look out. The forwards remain the same and have one of the best packs in the competition. Interestingly, Roy Asotasi is again named in the side on the bench, but there is still doubt over his return. The Rabbitohs will look to keep the game within the forwards, who hopefully set a platform for their outside backs, including Inglis, to work from.

Recent History
Overall = Sharks 40 - Draw 3 - Rabbitohs 35

Last 5 games = Sharks 1 - Rabbitohs 4

At Toyota Stadium = Sharks 26 - Draw 1 - Rabbitohs 11

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Sharks $2.75 Rabbitohs $1.47

Centrebet = Sharks $2.70 Rabbitohs $1.48

Sportsbet = Sharks $2.70 Rabbitohs $1.48

Betfair = Sharks $2.82 Rabbitohs $1.50

Verdict
Whilst they are in the Top 8 now, the Sharks need to find one more win in their last three remaining games to cement themselves in the 8. They have a tough 3 games ahead including this one, but they also face the Storm and Cowboys. They need to pull a win from somewhere. They were comprehensively beaten by the Knights and that was largely due to their mistakes. The Rabbitohs are also a team that is coming off a last start loss and will look to build some momentum back and looking towards the semi finals. As you compare the two sides it is hard to go past the Rabbitohs. All over the park they appear to have a superior side. In saying that, the clash of the two forward packs will be great to watch and the game will be won or lost there. This "semi final preview" will be great viewing and the Rabbitohs should be too strong.

Suggested Bet
Rabbitohs @ $1.50 (with Betfair)

Cover it all = Rabbitohs -6.5 @ $1.95 - I am amazed that the line is 6.5 as opposed to 8.5 or even 10.5. The Rabbitohs have shown this season that they are a very potent attacking team and they will only be boosted by the return of Inglis.

Welcome back Inglis = Inglis First ($9) and/or Last ($9) - Last time these two teams met this season he scored a hat-trick. This week he is returning fully fit and ready to explode after serving a 3 match suspension. Lets hope he gets involved early.

Good luck!
Scooby

@scoobystips