The Sharks will be hoping the North Coast can bring some better fortunes when they host the Titans in Coffs Harbour on the back of two narrow defeats.
After going down to the Dolphins by just two-points in Round 16, Cronulla were once again on the wrong end of a tight contest last Friday after a Matt Burton field goal stripped them of another victory against the Bulldogs.
Having slipped to fourth on the ladder after losses in four of their past five matches, Cronulla will be looking to rediscover the form that carried them to seven wins on the trot.
The Titans, meanwhile, will be well rested after a Round 17 bye and eager to continue the form that saw them demolish the Warriors 66-6 in Round 16.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Sharks v Titans
Team News
Sharks: A change on Thursday with Toby Rudolf dropping out of the squad and Tuku Hau Tapuha elevated to the bench. Daniel Atkinson comes in on the wing for Sione Katoa (concussion protocols). Just one change on Friday afternoon, Royce Hunt will start with Tom Hazelton reverting to the bench. Uncapped winger Tom Rodwell remains in the squad as 18th man.
Titans: AJ Brimson's comeback has been put on hold with Titans medical staff choosing to give him another week to overcome a groin injury. Centre Phil Sami has also been ruled out after suffering a calf strain ahead of Thursday's captain's run. Tanah Boyd is the new five-eighth and Jacob Alick-Wiencke comes into the side. Winger Jojo Fifita is back after missing the Warriors game due to illness. Moeaki Fotuaika's return from Maroons duty sees Josiah Pahulu revert to the bench. Alick-Wiencke was initially named to start in the centres as Brimson's replacement, however Des Hasler has made a late switch, with Alick-Wiencke moving to the back row and Beau Fermor starting at centre.
Match: Sharks v Titans
Round 18 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Titans
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William KennedyFullback for Titans is number 1 Keano Kini
-
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Daniel AtkinsonWinger for Titans is number 2 Alofiana Khan-Pereira
-
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse RamienCentre for Titans is number 3 Brian Kelly
-
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Kayal IroCentre for Titans is number 12 Beau Fermor
-
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo MulitaloWinger for Titans is number 5 Jojo Fifita
-
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon TrindallFive-Eighth for Titans is number 18 Tanah Boyd
-
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas HynesHalfback for Titans is number 7 Kieran Foran
Forwards
-
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Oregon KaufusiProp for Titans is number 8 Moeaki Fotuaika
-
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke BraileyHooker for Titans is number 9 Sam Verrills
-
Prop for Sharks is number 15 Royce HuntProp for Titans is number 10 Erin Clark
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora2nd Row for Titans is number 11 David Fifita
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Siosifa Talakai2nd Row for Titans is number 20 Jacob Alick-Wiencke
-
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnesLock for Titans is number 13 Chris Randall
Interchange
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 8 Thomas HazeltonInterchange for Titans is number 14 Isaac Liu
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Jack WilliamsInterchange for Titans is number 15 Josiah Pahulu
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Teig WiltonInterchange for Titans is number 16 Keenan Palasia
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 21 Tuku Hau TapuhaInterchange for Titans is number 17 Joe Stimson
Reserves
-
Replacement for Sharks is number 19 Tom RodwellReplacement for Titans is number 22 Jaylan De Groot
Match Officials
- Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Sharks have won their past nine games against the Titans.
- The Titans have won only two from seven away from home this season.
- The Sharks have won three from three in Coffs Harbour.
- Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored eight tries in his past five games.
Match: Sharks v Titans
Round 18 -
home Team
Sharks
4th Position
away Team
Titans
15th Position
Venue: C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Harbour
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
