NRL Match Preview: Round 1 v Titans

Author: Troy Whittaker Sharks Media
Timestamp: Fri 6 Mar 2026, 12:02 PM

The Sharks are out to christen their newly named Ocean Protect Stadium with a hard-earned victory when they tackle the Titans in a season-opening Saturday night showdown.

NRL Game Day Guide: Everything You Need To Know!

Ten years on from their maiden premiership, Cronulla are dreaming of celebrating the anniversary with another title after reaching back-to-back preliminary finals.

But Craig Fitzgibbon's men will take nothing for granted this year as they aim to scale the steep NRL mountain – starting their journey against a familiar face.

The much-anticipated Round 1 clash will see former Sharks assistant coach Josh Hannay return to the Shire after taking charge of the Gold Coast over the summer.

The early signs have been promising for the Titans, who handily beat the Dolphins and Storm to go through the Pre-Season Challenge undefeated.

Cronulla also showed glimpses of their best form in the trials, storming to a 48-6 win over the Raiders in their second and final hit-out a fortnight ago.

Quizzed by the media about whether Hannay may have inside knowledge of the Sharks systems, star prop Addin Fonua-Blake swatted away any concerns.

"Every team sort of knows what style the other team plays; it's just they've got to come up and try and stop it," the Tongan international said this week.

"He might know what we're going to do, but at the end of the day they've got to stop it. We're going to come out guns blazing and we'll see how we go from there. We're going to go out there and give it our best crack from the start.

"It's up to them to match it."

Round 1 Media: Addin Fonua-Blake

The battle between Fonua-Blake – the reigning Sharks Player of the Year – and Gold Coast captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui makes for the headline match-up.

The two behemoths are arguably the most impactful forwards in the game, combining raw power with surprising agility and unstoppable motors.

"It's a hard one, man," Fonua-Blake said of his opponent.

"He's such a genetic freak and he's such a good player. I feel like if you focus too much on Tino, you allow the other players in his team to get it over you.

"We're going to definitely have our hands full in the middle, but these are the games you want to play in. You want to put yourself up against the best.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge and I'm sure he is."

Head-to-head history favours Cronulla, who have won 11 of their past 12 games against the Titans including a 54-22 drubbing at Ocean Protect Stadium last year.

Underlining their dominance, the Sharks have piled up 98 points and conceded just 22 in their two most recent meetings with the Gold Coast.

Round 1 Media: Tom Hazelton

Regardless, Fitzgibbon's men are aware nothing will be handed to them and they must fight for every metre. A fervent home crowd will provide an extra boost.

"We've got vocal fans and they love coming here and packing out our stadium. I'm sure they'll be out in numbers on Saturday night," prop Tom Hazelton said.

"We can't wait to have them here getting behind us."

Officially announced as co-captain last week, hooker Blayke Brailey will lead the Sharks solo with Cameron McInnes still recovering from an ACL injury.

Fresh off signing a four-year contract extension, talented lock Jesse Colquhoun will again wear the No.13 jersey in McInnes' absence.

Round 1 Media: Jesse Colquhoun

Ronaldo Mulitalo (ACL) and Teig Wilton (recovering from off-season shoulder surgery) are also in the casualty ward, providing golden opportunities for winger Sam Stonestreet and second-rower Billy Burns to start in their place.

For the Titans, livewire playmaker Jayden Campbell was ruled out with a hamstring injury earlier in the week. New signing Lachlan Ilias will partner AJ Brimson in the halves, while Siale Faemani is set to debut on the flank.

Kick-off is at 5.30pm AEDT. CLICK HERE to secure your tickets!

The match will be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo.

See the squads below.

Round 1 - Round 1 - Saturday 7 Mar

6:30 am

Sharks

Titans

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy

Fullback for Titans is number 1 Keano Kini
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa

Winger for Titans is number 2 Sialetili Faeamani
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien

Centre for Titans is number 3 Jojo Fifita
Centre for Sharks is number 4 KL Iro

Centre for Titans is number 4 Max Feagai
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Samuel Stonestreet

Winger for Titans is number 5 Phillip Sami
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall

Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 AJ Brimson
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes

Halfback for Titans is number 7 Lachlan Ilias

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake

Prop for Titans is number 8 Moeaki Fotuaika
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey

Hooker for Titans is number 9 Sam Verrills
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Thomas Hazelton

Prop for Titans is number 10 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora

2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Arama Hau
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Billy Burns

2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Beau Fermor
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Jesse Colquhoun

Lock for Titans is number 13 Chris Randall

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Siosifa Talakai

Interchange for Titans is number 14 Kurtis Morrin
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Toby Rudolf

Interchange for Titans is number 15 Tukimihia Simpkins
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Oregon Kaufusi

Interchange for Titans is number 16 Klese Haas
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Braden Uele

Interchange for Titans is number 17 Cooper Bai
Interchange for Sharks is number 18 Hohepa Puru

Interchange for Titans is number 18 Luke Sommerton
Interchange for Sharks is number 19 Chris Vea'ila

Interchange for Titans is number 19 Zane Harrison

Reserves

Reserve for Sharks is number 20 Jayden Berrell

Reserve for Titans is number 20 Jaylan De Groot
Reserve for Sharks is number 21 Michael Gabrael

Reserve for Titans is number 21 Jensen Taumoepeau
Reserve for Sharks is number 22 Niwhai Puru

Reserve for Titans is number 22 Josh Patston