The 2018 NRL Draw has thrown up some enticing rivalry clashes for Sharks Members and fans the country over.
Although not a traditional rival, the North Queensland Cowboys certainly have turned into one of our fiercest competitors, with the majority of our more memorable Finals matches coming against the men from Townsville.
Following on from the 2017 Elimination Final, 2016 Preliminary Final and the 2015 Elimination Final, there certainly is feeling between these two sides so bring on Round 1 we say!
The Dragons here in the Shire. Need we say more!?
Our most traditional rival, the clash against the Dragons be it home or away is always one to look forward to. And with the Dragons taking the spoils in the corresponding game in 2017, the Sharks will be out for revenge over the Red V.
It’s our first home game of 2018 so that Thursday night at Southern Cross Group Stadium is set to be rocking!
The Premiers. One of the great match-ups over recent years.
Right from the top, with Craig Bellamy and Shane Flanagan being friends and having a mutual respect for each other as coaches to the rookies, this encounter always produces.
We need look no further than Round 6 of the 2017 season where emotion ran high on a wet Sunday afternoon at AAMI Park in Melbourne. That match was the first time the two sides had met since the memorable 2016 NRL Grand Final so that was to be expected.
The Round 4 match-up at Southern Cross Group Stadium will be the Sharks’ first chance to take on the new reigning Premiers and truly test where they are at.
In yet another HUGE clash early on in the 2018 season, the Sydney Roosters travel to Southern Cross Group Stadium for a Round 5 clash on Friday, April 6. The 16-14 victory for the Roosters in last year’s Round 25 game was their first victory over the Sharks since Round 7, 2014 so this clash gives the boys in the black, white and blue the best chance to get back on top and prove their mettle over the rivals from Bondi.
One of the great rivalries for our Club over recent times, the Canberra Raiders match-up always lives up to expectation.
Hosting them in Round 19, there will be plenty of feeling in this one with the away team victorious in the clash in the past nine outings.
With some great battles over recent years, none more so than the Sharks’ 16-14 Qualifying Final victory at GIO Stadium in 2016, expect this one to live up to the hype.
Let’s just hope the home team come away with the spoils…
Rounding out our top rivalries is one of the best; Manly Sea Eagles.
The boys from the Northern Beaches have had the wood on us in recent years, this clash is set to have it all.
From last year’s 35-18 victory to the Sea Eagles to our 20-12 victory in 2016, Southern Cross Group Stadium has seen these two teams go toe-to-toe and don’t the fans love it!
Set down for a Sunday afternoon, this Round 21 clash will be a big one.
Sharks Members and fans, get excited!
