An eight to ten minute period last week against the Tigers which saw the NSW Cup Sharks concede three tries was the catalyst to a disappointing two point loss, one that saw them remain in seventh position and clinging to a place in the top eight.
The Sharks however had enough good moments to make them feel good about their chances in the match with the Wyong Roos on Sunday.
With injuries and State of Origin selections affecting the NRL squad, the NSW Cup side will be missing a number of key personnel, although with the top grade call ups it does provide opportunities to the likes of Penani Manumalealii, Sione Masima and Scott Sorensen to show their wares.
Masima has been strong coming off the bench in recent weeks, while Manumalealii missed the game last weekend after starring for Samoa in the recent test match against Fiji.
NSWRL.com has provided its weekly match preview of the game with Wyong which is scheduled for a 3.00pm kickoff on Sunday.
Summary: Both sides are coming off losses in round ten. The Roos were swamped by the Jets at Morry Breen, while the Sharks went down by two to the Tigers.
The Sharks welcome back Ben Roberts in the number six jersey after Blake Ayshford returns to the NRL with Tupou Sopoaga and Tinirau Arona also recalled.
NSW Under 20s prop Dean Britt has been named on an extended bench for the Sharks but we expect him to travel up from Melbourne and get his first taste of open age football at Morry Breen Oval.
Britt will certainly know he’s been in a match as he will line up against former Blues prop Mark O’Meley and his hardnosed partner Magnus Stromquist.
It is good to see Bennett Leslie back in the VB NSW Cup. He was close to best on the field in the representative game last year and he now has a few weeks to push for another rep jersey this year.
The Sharks don’t lose three in a row very often and seem to have some key personnel back for this match.
Sione Masima: This powerful back-rower has burst onto the VB NSW Cup scene. He has been throwing experienced NRL players around like rag-dolls in recent weeks. Look for him to push himself into NRL contention sooner rather than later.
Prediction: After back to back two point losses, the Sharks may be in a mood to do some damage on Sunday. Sharks by 16.
Wyong Roos Vs Cronulla Sharks
Morry Breen Oval, Sunday, May 25
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Luke Phillips
Broadcast: NSWRL Match Centre coverage available via NSWRL.com.au
