2019 NRL – Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs Penrith Panthers Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs Penrith Panthers taking place? Thursday 18th April, 10:50
Where is Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs Penrith Panthers taking place? PointsBet Stadium
What channel is Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs Penrith Panthers on?
UK – This match will not be televised live in the UK
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs Penrith Panthers?
UK – N/A
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs Penrith Panthers?
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500028
Penrith Panthers – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500014
THE TEAM NEWS
CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Head Coach: John Morris
Starting 13: Dugan, Feki, Xerri, Morris, Katoa, Johnson, Townsend, Fifita, J. Brailey, Prior, Nikora, Capewell, Gallen – Interchanges: B. Brailey, Bukuya, Williams, Sorensen – Reserves: Flanagan, Kennedy, Hamlin-Uele, Gray
Unavailable: Wade Graham, Matt Moylan, Aaron Woods
- Cronulla were competitive in the first half against Sydney Roosters but a try just before half-time gave the Roosters the boost they needed to open up a 0-30 lead in the second half before the Sharks bagged 16 consolation points.
- The Sharks’ injury issues worsened against the Roosters with influential prop Andrew Fifita picking up a hamstring injury but he has been named in the initial side by head coach John Morris.
- Paul Gallen looks set to return to the side this week after he failed to prove his fitness in time for last week’s contest and that will see Jack Williams drops to the bench with Braden Hamlin-Uele out of the team.
PENRITH PANTHERS
Head Coach: Ivan Cleary
Starting 13: D. Watene-Zelezniak, Mansour, Whare, Blake, Edwards, Maloney, Cleary, Tamou, Egan, Grant, Kikau, Yeo, Fisher-Harris – Interchanges: Katoa, Fuimaono, Leota, Campbell-Gillard – Reserves: Luai, Martin, M. Watene-Zelezniak, Cartwright
Unavailable: Tyrone May, Sam McKendry, Frank Winterstein
- Penrith suffered a shock defeat against Gold Coast last week as they failed to build on their golden point win over Wests Tigers, with new head coach Ivan Cleary not enjoying a successful return to the club at this early stage of the season.
- Isaah Yeo has had a rough start to the season and it got even worse last week with the Panthers back-rower suffering a shoulder injury but it looks like he may be able to play through the pain having been named in the initial team.
- Reagan Campbell-Gillard has been dropped to the bench with Tim Grant taking his place in the starting line-up having made a successful return from injury in reserve grade last week, with Hame Sele dropping out. Wayde Egan is also back in the side for Jarome Luai.
THE PREDICTION
Cronulla could not hang on to the Sydney Roosters in the second half last week but have another home game to try and bounce back as they host Penrith. The Panthers have looked poor so far this season with that culminating in a shock loss against the Titans, and their top 8 credentials are already in question. They have an extremely talented squad, but they are not producing for Ivan Cleary in the early stages of the season and more questions will be asked if the Sharks edge this one, with them likely to have too much on home soil.
