Three losses in succession was somewhat unexplored territory for coach Tony Herman and his NSW Cup Sharks, the defending competition premiers.
Things however took a turn for the better as the Sharks bounced back to form with a bang when they ran up a 30-4 half time lead before getting the points against the Sea Eagles last Sunday.
Again with a strong side on paper the NSW Cup Sharks will be looking for more of the same when they host the Jets on Saturday, however the Newtown side, with a sprinkling of NRL experience themselves, will certainly be no pushovers.
The Jets scored their first victory of the 2014 season last week and will arrive at Remondis Stadium with plenty of confidence.
Brad Preston of NSWRL.com has provided his weekly match preview.
Summary: The Sharks managed to stop their three game slide last weekend when they blew away Manly to the tune of 38-10 at Brookvale, while the Jets notched up their first win of 2014 as they accounted for Wenty 30-22 at Henson Park.
The Sharks have named another extremely strong side here for this encounter with nine of their starting 13 having tasted the NRL, with another couple on the bench also having done so.
Their newest signing in Mark Mexico was strong for the Sharks last weekend and he has retained his place in the starting side for this one.
For the Jets, Brett Lane is missing due to injury and his place will be taken by young Tautau Moga. Remi Casty has also been named here for Newtown, so that should help them counter the likes of Mexico and Moors up front for the Sharks.
The Jets lost to the Sharks three times last season however on two of those occasions they ran the Sharks right down to the wire and they will be hopeful of a similar performance here as they chase their second win of the season.
Fingers Crossed: Still just 20 years of age, Tautau Moga has already spent as much time on the sidelines during his short career as most 30-year-old veterans would during their entire careers. Returning after his second successive ACL injury, Moga will be hopeful that his injury woes are well and truly behind him.
A player who has already been compared to Roosters club mate Sonny Bill Williams, Moga has an abundance of talent, and now we all cross our fingers that we finally get to see some of it on the park and not sitting on the sidelines.
Prediction: If the Sharks from last week turn up again, they should be winning. Sharks by 8.
Cronulla Sharks Vs Newtown Jets
Remondis Stadium, Saturday, April 19
Kick-off: 3.15pm
Referee: Brett Suttor
