NRL Match Preview: Round 4 v Raiders

Author: Troy Whittaker Media Coordinator
Timestamp: Sat 30 Mar 2024, 06:14 PM

The Sharks head into an Easter Sunday showdown against the Raiders missing several key forwards, but coach Craig Fitzgibbon is eager to see others rise to the occasion.

Struck down with injuries in last week's loss to Wests Tigers, co-captain Dale Finucane (fractured eye socket), Toby Rudolf (syndesmosis) and fellow middle Royce Hunt (calf) will join suspended second-rower Briton Nikora on the sidelines.

New Zealand and Samoa prop Braden Hamlin-Uele also remains in the casualty ward ahead of a return from knee surgery.

Despite the lengthy list of unavailable players, Fitzgibbon has total faith in the squad listed to tackle Canberra as Cronulla look to recapture winning form at PointsBet Stadium.

"We're also trying not to be concerned with who's not playing and we've got (our focus on) who is playing and the opportunity for those guys," Fitzgibbon said.

The Coach's Mail - Round 4

"It happens to everyone from time to time (with injuries). You've got to work through those periods. It's popped up pretty quick and kind of unusual that it's all in the same position or similar positions.

"It's next man up. We still work on the way we want to play, we work on the way we want to defend and whoever comes into that role has got to do their job."

Among the forced changes, Kayal Iro will start at centre for his first NRL game since his debut in 2022 with Siosifa Talakai shifting to the second row.

Towering prop Tom Hazelton is set to partner Oregon Kaufusi in the run-on side for the first time, while playmaking utility Daniel Atkinson has nabbed a bench spot.

Fitzgibbon was effusive in his praise for Cook Islands international Iro, who has been 18th man for the opening three rounds.

"He was obviously knocking on the door last year, he was close ... We've been giving him some parts of his game he needs to work on and he's just had his head down and bum up," the coach said of the 24-year-old.

"I thought his second trial against the Bulldogs he looked strong. We know he's ready and we're all just really excited to watch him play.

"Sifa's probably been our strongest player this year, but Sifa is also a strong backrower ... Not looking at anything further than this week, but what I will say is we are so confident in Kayal coming in to play.

"That's why we did move Sifa, otherwise we would've stuck with (Talakai at centre). It's good to have that competition for spots and we trust both guys equally."

After enjoying a 2-0 start to the season, the Sharks were off the pace and beaten 32-6 by the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval in Round 3.

"It's important to take your lessons," Fitzgibbon said, adding it was now time to "do something about it" before a passionate PointsBet Stadium crowd.

"We love playing here. You're familiar with your surroundings ... It's obviously less disruptive, but at the end of the day you've got to win at home and away," he said.

"We're excited to be back here."

In the Raiders, who also began the year with consecutive victories before a last-start defeat to the Warriors, Cronulla will face a steely opponent.

Ricky Stuart's men are yet to concede a point in the 20 minutes after halftime this season, underlining their gritty approach.

Until a convincing home win in Round 27 of 2023, the Sharks hadn't toppled the Green Machine in nine straight matches.

"They're a good club. Obviously been together for a long period of time, the majority of their squad," Fitzgibbon said.

"You know every time you're playing them, whether here or there, it's going to be a difficult task.

"They've played really strongly in their opening rounds as well, so we're expecting a tough challenge and that's what you get when you play the Raiders. We're excited for that."

Kick-off is scheduled for 6.15pm AEDT tomorrow, with live TV coverage on Foxtel and Kayo. See the updated team lists below.

Round 4 - Round 4 - Sunday 31 Mar

Full Time

Sharks

Raiders

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Jordan Rapana
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa

Winger for Raiders is number 2 James Schiller
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien

Centre for Raiders is number 3 Matthew Timoko
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Kayal Iro

Centre for Raiders is number 4 Sebastian Kris
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo

Winger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier Savage
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall

Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan Strange
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes

Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Jamal Fogarty

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Thomas Hazelton

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papalii
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey

Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Danny Levi
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Oregon Kaufusi

Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Siosifa Talakai

2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton

2nd Row for Raiders is number 16 Zac Hosking
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes

Lock for Raiders is number 13 Morgan Smithies

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Daniel Atkinson

Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom Starling
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Jack Williams

Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Ata Mariota
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Billy Burns

Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Pasami Saulo
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Tuku Hau Tapuha

Interchange for Raiders is number 19 Corey Horsburgh