2021 NRL – Cronulla Sharks vs Canterbury Bulldogs Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Cronulla Sharks vs Canterbury Bulldogs taking place? Saturday 24th April, 2021 – 08:30 (UK)
Where is Cronulla Sharks vs Canterbury Bulldogs taking place? Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
Where can I get tickets for Cronulla Sharks vs Canterbury Bulldogs? Click here for ticket information on 2021 NRL matches
What channel is Cronulla Sharks vs Canterbury Bulldogs on? Sky Sports Arena will be televising selected NRL games in the UK and you can find their schedule here. For Australian broadcasters, you can find a list here
Where can I stream Cronulla Sharks vs Canterbury Bulldogs? If televised on Sky Sports, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go. Alternatively, the match will be available to subscribers of Watch NRL
THE TEAM NEWS
CRONULLA SHARKS
Starting 13: Kennedy, Hiroti, Dugan, Ramien, Tracey, Moylan, Townsend, Hamlin-Uele, Brailey, Woods, Nikora, Wilton, Rudolf – Interchanges: Magoulias, Johnson, Jack Williams, Talakai – Reserves: Trindall, Chambers, Pele, Taumoepeau
Unavailable: Bronson Xerri (Suspended), Jack A Williams (Injured), Royce Hunt (Injured), Sione Katoa (Injured), Wade Graham (Injured), Andrew Fifita (Suspended), Ronaldo Mulitalo (Injured) Aidan Tolman (Suspended)
- Cronulla Sharks looked set to provide a great response to the departure of head coach John Morris but they conceded a late try in their game with Newcastle Knights last week as they ultimately succumbed to a fourth loss in five matches.
- The Sharks were game for much of that match and will have been left frustrated that they failed to hold on to their lead in the dying stages of the contest but interim head coach Josh Hannay will hope his side can build on their efforts in that, especially with Shaun Johnson slated to make his first appearance of the year.
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
Starting 13: Watene-Zelezniak, Cotric, Hopoate, Allan, T. Katoa, Averillo, Flanagan, Napa, S. Katoa, Thompson, Elliott, Smith, Waddell – Interchanges: Deitz, Atoni, Seumanufagai, Doorey – Reserves: Lewis, Stimson, Meaney, Ogden
Unavailable: Jayden Okunbor (Injured), Christian Crichton (Injured), Raymond Faitala-Mariner (Injured), Jeremy Marshall-King (Injured), Josh Jackson (Injured), Jack Hetherington (Suspended), Jackson Topine (Injured)
- Canterbury Bulldogs were beaten once again as their miserable start to the year continued with North Queensland Cowboys the latest side to get the better of them in what was another disappointing performance last week.
- The Bulldogs were 18-6 down when Jack Hetherington was shown a red card for a high shot and while the Dogs were able to respond with a couple of tries, it was not enough with Trent Barrett still searching for his first win in charge.
THE PREDICTION
Cronulla Sharks will feel their record does not reflect their performances so far in 2021 having won just two of their six matches. The return of Shaun Johnson is a big plus for the Sharks and they will hope to return to winning ways having suffered back-to-back losses. Will Chambers could also be included having made a return to rugby league earlier in the week with the Sharks’ injury woes beginning to subside. They take on winless Canterbury Bulldogs in this one who have looked poor in all of their games so far this season and there is little to be confident about in terms of their chances. The Bulldogs' points difference stands at an alarming -152 after just six matches and another big loss appears to be on the cards here with the Sharks able to win by 13+ points.
