NRL Match Preview: Round 15 v Dragons

Author: Troy Whittaker Media Coordinator
Timestamp: Wed 11 Jun 2025, 07:49 PM

Local rivals Cronulla and St George Illawarra are desperate to rebound from heavy losses when they compete for the Monty Porter Memorial Cup to kick off the round at Sharks Stadium on Thursday.

24-hour squad
Game Day Guide

The fifth-placed Sharks are determined to shake off a two-match slump and celebrate Briton Nikora's 150th game in style against the Dragons (11th), who suffered a 56-6 shellacking at the hands of the Dolphins last weekend.

Normally defensively resolute, Cronulla have conceded 40 points in their two most recent outings against the Roosters and Warriors. Coach Craig Fitzgibbon is expecting a much steelier display from his troops this time around.

"We've let in quick ones early and simple kick tries, but they're still worth the same amount of points as normal tries," Fitzgibbon said on Wednesday morning.

"We've worked hard on that. We've been disappointed in our defence for the last couple of weeks considering how we were defending prior to that.

"It's been a slip that we've had to address."

Meanwhile, it's been rocks and diamonds for St George Illawarra, who scored consecutive wins over the Broncos and Knights before last week's stumble.

The visitors must defy history if they're to return to form in the local derby, with the Sharks having won nine head-to-head games in a row and 11 of the past 12.

While the statistics favour the Sharks, they carry little weight for Fitzgibbon.

"There's no 'given' record for anyone in the NRL," the mentor said.

"Every time we play a team it's a different set of circumstances. Sometimes the line-ups are slightly different ... You never really rely on a history bank to suggest who's going to perform. Being a local derby and rivals, you know it doesn't matter where the teams are at – it's going to be a hard game."

In an unfortunately familiar pattern, the Sharks will regain one big name but lose another. Energetic winger Ronaldo Mulitalo is back from a one-week suspension, but centre KL Iro (pectoral) has been sidelined amid a historic try-scoring run.

With Mulitalo reclaiming his spot on the left flank, Mawene Hiroti will shuffle infield to cover for Iro in the only change to the Round 14 side. However, prop Toby Rudolf (ankle) remains on the extended bench as he nears a comeback.

The Dragons are without strike centre Valentine Holmes, who is on Queensland Origin duty, while winger Christian Tuipulotu (hamstring) is also unavailable. Speedster Tyrell Sloan and Corey Allan have been called up in their places.

Like the Sharks with Nikora, the Red V are hellbent on marking an individual milestone with a win as outside back Moses Suli notches up his 150th match.

It's a crucial fixture for both sides as the Sharks look to keep in touch with the top four and the Dragons fight to ensure they remain firmly in finals calculations.

The teams met twice in 2024, with the Sharks claiming the spoils with a dogged 20-10 victory at home before defeating the Dragons 38-10 in Wollongong.

Cronulla are fired up to keep the Monty Porter Memorial Cup in their possession. The teams have faced off for the silverware since 2012, honouring a legendary player and administrator who served both clubs with distinction.

A member of multiple Grand Final teams with St George during their golden run through the 1950s and '60s, Porter became the foundation Cronulla captain in 1967 before serving as the club's long-time secretary. He died in 2011 aged 76.

Kick-off tomorrow is at 7.50pm. CLICK HERE to secure a ticket.

For those watching at home, tune into Nine, Nine Now, Foxtel or Kayo.

See the updated team lists below.

Round 15 - Thursday 12th June

Full Time

Sharks

Dragons

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy

Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Clinton Gutherson
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa

Winger for Dragons is number 2 Nathan Lawson
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien

Centre for Dragons is number 3 Moses Suli
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Mawene Hiroti

Centre for Dragons is number 21 Nick Tsougranis
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo

Winger for Dragons is number 5 Tyrell Sloan
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall

Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Lyhkan King-Togia
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes

Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Kyle Flanagan

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake

Prop for Dragons is number 8 Emre Guler
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey

Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Damien Cook
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Oregon Kaufusi

Prop for Dragons is number 10 David Klemmer
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora

2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Luciano Leilua
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton

2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Toby Couchman
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes

Lock for Dragons is number 13 Jack De Belin

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Jesse Colquhoun

Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Jacob Liddle
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Siosifa Talakai

Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Hamish Stewart
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Braden Hamlin-Uele

Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Loko Pasifiki Tonga
Interchange for Sharks is number 21 Toby Rudolf

Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Hame Sele