Teetering on the edge of the top eight the NSW Cup Sharks face an important match up on Saturday when they clash with traditional club rivals the Manly Sea Eagles.
Downed by the Warriors by just four points at their last start, the seventh-placed Sharks now have some competition for a place in the top eight, with Manly one of four teams closing in and challenging for a finals berth.
The Sharks will however go into the game with a good deal of confidence, considering at their last meeting they managed to score a comprehensive 38-10 victory over the Sea Eagles in a match played at Brookvale Oval.
Also giving them cause for optimism will be the inclusion of experienced campaigners Daniel Holdsworth in the halves and Melbourne’s George Rose in the forward pack.
The match is the second of three games to be played at Remondis Stadium on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 5.15pm.
Once again NSWRL.com has provided its weekly match preview.
Summary: The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles were in white hot form against the Bears last round and will be looking to keep that going here when they face the reigning premiers at Remondis Stadium on Saturday night.
The Sea Eagles put ten tries past the Bears with the likes of Gutherson, Hodges, Hopoate and Rudolph having a day out against the bottom placed side.
They are unlikely to get it all their own way here though, as the Sharks will be smarting following a tough four point loss to the Warriors in Gisborne last Saturday.
Both Travis Robinson and Daniel Holdsworth have been named for the Sharks here which should definitely spark their attack while the Sea Eagles have moved David Williams to fullback and switched Clinton Gutherson to six to cover for the missing Rudolph.
These two sides met at Brooky back in round six, and it was a comfortable win to the Sharks on that occasion. This wouldn’t have been forgotten by Manly though so look for the visitors to be fired up come kick off.
Georgie Boy: George Rose already turned out against his former club at NRL level for Melbourne earlier this year, but you still get the feeling that George would be licking his lips at getting to have a run against them again, albeit in the VB NSW Cup.
We for one would like to see David Williams get into the clear for Manly and then look over his shoulder to see big George chasing after him. George would probably back himself to catch him!
Prediction: The Sea Eagles will be full of the confidence but the Sharks should win at home. Sharks by 10.
Cronulla Sharks Vs Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Remondis Stadium, Saturday, June 21
Kick-off: 5.15pm
Referee: Adam Cassidy
