NRL Round 8 Preview and Prediction - Cronulla Sharks v Gold Coast Titans @ Shark Park
Cronulla Sharks v Gold Coast Titans @ Shark Park
Preview - The reigning Premiers are on a roll and looking for a 5th straight victory when they take on the reeling Titans at Shark Park on Saturday night. The Sharks have really stepped up the gears in the past 2 weeks with emphatic victories over the Storm and Panthers, showcasing that this team, at its best, is more than capable of defending their title in 2017. The Titans’ hearts were broken last week after their best performance of the season went unrewarded, when a last minute James Roberts try sunk them 26-22 at Suncorp Stadium. The Titans’ halves Ash Taylor and Kane Elgey combined well in this game and a brave effort by the rest of their troops nearly sealed a huge upset victory. However, with just 1 win now from their opening 7 games, their season is fast slipping away and, with a match with the defending premiers, it doesn't get any easier this week.
History - Last season these 2 teams fought out 2 real close encounters. The Sharks survived 25-20 when the sides meet at Shark Park in a game where the Titans had opportunities to win it later. Later in the season the Titans had a victory of sorts where they brought the Sharks 15-game winning streak to a halt with an18-18 draw on the Gold Coast. Whilst the Titans have won just 3 from 9 at Shark Park overall, they have won 2 of their past 3 encounters there.
Cronulla Sharks’ Scouting Report - The Sharks are unchanged once again which is no surprise given the form they are in. In fact, the Sharks halves and their entire starting forward pack have played every game this year giving you an indication of the continuity that Shane Flanagan has been blessed with this season. Defensively, the Sharks have been unbelievable the past 2 weeks, not giving up a try against 2 attacking powerhouses in the Storm and Panthers on the road.
Gold Coast Titans’ Scouting Report - The Titans have major inclusion this week with Jarryd Hayne, Kevin Proctor, Konrad Hurrell, and Joe Greenwood all named to return this week. The Titans really need Hayne to get back to somewhere near his best, as his performances since joining the Titans have been a little underwhelming, considering the hype of his arrival. Whilst both Hurrell and Proctor has been named, Neil Henry declared both "touch and go" in relation to them returning this week.
Verdict - Sharks by 8-16 in a high scoring game
If the Titans get those 4 players back, I see them putting up a competitive performance here. They are one of those Clubs that seem to give the Sharks a run for their money every year, and I think given the Shark’s patchy form at home, and the fact the Titans have won 2 of their 3 past encounters at Shark Park, this game might be a little closer than what people anticipate. However, there is no way I can tip against the Sharks here given their last 2 victories, with last week for mine being the best display from any side I have seen this season. They are fully fit, confident and I think they will be desperate to translate some of their road form to their home ground where they have struggled this year. I’m not sure if they can maintain that unbelievable defensive intensity again this week, however I think they can outscore the Titans and get another win here to solidify their place in the Top 4.