2018 NRL – Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs Brisbane Broncos Preview
AT A GLANCE
When? Saturday 16th June, 10:35 (UK)
Where? Southern Cross Group Stadium
What channel is it on? UK - Sky Sports Arena
Australia - Foxtel, LIVE PASS
Where can I stream the match? UK - Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match online via Sky Go
Australia - https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Are tickets still available? http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/Show.aspx?sh=SHA1518
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
SHARKS
Head Coach: Shane Flanagan
Starting 13: Holmes, Katoa, Ramien, Leutele, Lee, Moylan, Townsend, Fifita, Brailey, Prior, Lewis, Graham, Gallen – Interchanges: Paulo, Segeyaro, Williams, Bukuya – Reserves: Capewell, Seumanufagai
Unavailable: Josh Dugan
- Cronulla produced a strong second half to claim the two points against Wests Tigers last week. Going into the break on the wrong end of a 2-10 scoreline, the Sharks ran in four tries as they turned around that deficit to seal a 24-16 win.
- The Sharks have named the same side that defeated the Tigers last week with Sosaia Feki still on the outer and unable to force his way back into the 17.
- Cronulla are on a very good run of form having won seven of their last eight games whilst they have lost just two of their seven home matches this season.
BRONCOS
Head Coach: Wayne Bennett
Starting 13: Boyd, Oates, Roberts, Kahu, Isaako, Milford, Nikorima, Lodge, McCullough, Thaiday, Glenn, Su’A, McGuire – Interchanges: Mago, Ofahengaue, Pangai Jnr, Staggs – Reserves: Tagataese, Opacic
Unavailable: Andre Savelio, Matt Gillett, Jack Bird, Payne Haas, Korbin Sims
- Brisbane succumbed to a strong finish by Melbourne last week with the Broncos unable to claim a third consecutive win. The Broncos were right in the game heading into the final 20 minutes but the Storm scored two tries in the final 11 minutes to seal a 32-16 win.
- Wayne Bennett has made just one change to his 17 from last week with James Roberts returning after being rested against the Storm following his appearance in Origin for the Blues. Tom Opacic drops to the reserves to make way.
- The Broncos have been inconsistent away from home this season with them only managing to win three of their seven away games. That matches the Broncos’ current run of form with a 3-4 record which just sees them hanging on to eighth-place.
THE PREDICTION
Brisbane head to Cronulla needing to find some more consistency to ensure they don’t miss out on finals football. That may be tough against a Cronulla side that have produced that consistency of late with seven wins from their last eight games whilst the Sharks have only lost at home twice this season. The Broncos are just two points ahead of ninth-placed Wests Tigers and need a win here to keep those in check ahead of them as well as giving themselves some breathing room from the chasing pack. The Sharks are only one place and two points ahead of the Broncos with this representing an important game for both but Cronulla should have too much on home soil.
