The last time the Holden Cup Sharks met the Raiders the lop-sided score line provided somewhat of a glimpse into what was to come.
After a narrow round one loss to the Broncos the Sharks faced what many thought would be a difficult road trip to Canberra for their second game of the 2017 season, however after 74 points scored in a powerhouse attacking display the young Cronulla side had certainly left a lasting impression.
Round three was another convincing performance in beating the Dragons, before a slight hiccup when beaten by the Eels in round four.
Since then it has been smooth sailing for the NYC Sharks who last week recorded a 14th win, to go with one draw, in what has been a dominant season to date.
It took just two minutes for the Sharks to assert their authority on the match last weekend against the Warriors, a Ryan King try opening the scoring and when hard-running winger Josh Tuilagi crossed soon after the most difficult thing was to keep focused and to maintain the momentum built up over the last 14 weeks.
The Sharks would cruise to a 42-4 triumph over the Kiwi side in moving seven points clear at the top of the NYC ladder, almost confirming the minor premiership with still five rounds of the regular season remaining.
As for their opponents this weekend the Raiders have somewhat recovered from their round two thrashing and in sitting in 11th position aren’t without a chance of pushing their way into the top eight.
A win over the high-flying Sharks would be needed to kick start a late season Raiders rally should they hope to play finals football.
Sharks coach John Morris has predictably stuck solid with the team that beat the Warriors, with the only change on the team sheet being the promotion of prop Daniel Vasquez into the run-on 13.
A Sharks local junior and a NSW under-18’s representative, Vasquez has recently returned from a long-term leg injury.
The only real injury concern facing the Sharks is the continued absence of five eighth and Captain Jack Williams, however NSW Under18’s half back Luke Metcalf has proved to be an extremely capable back up over the past few weeks.
Lock Billy Magoulias, who has been training with the Sharks NRL squad, has taken over the captain’s role.
The Sharks v Raiders NYC match is scheduled to get underway at 5.15pm, with gates to Southern Cross Group Stadium to open at 5.00pm.
NYC Team List – Round 22
Sharks v Raiders
Saturday, August 5
Southern Cross Group Stadium
Kick-off – 5.15pm
1 William KENNEDY
2 Sione KATOA
3 Isaac LUMELUME
4 Bessie AUFAGA-TOOMAGA
5 Josh TUILAGI
6 Luke METCALF
7 Kyle FLANAGAN
8 Ryan KING
9 Blayke BRAILEY
10 Daniel VASQUEZ
11 Briton NIKORA
12 Tony MATAUTIA
13 Billy MAGOULIAS
Interchange
14 Eddie FAALUA
15 Brock ILETT
16 Joshua CARR
17 Jackson FERRIS
18 Zachary FAULKNER
19 James Roumanos
20 Lane FERLING
21 Teig Wilton
22 Jesse Ramien
23 Clayton Uia
