NRL Round 10 Preview and Prediction - St.George Illawarra Dragons v Cronulla Sharks @ Kogarah Oval

St. George Illawarra Dragons v Cronulla Sharks @ WIN Jubilee Stadium
 
Preview - We get the second instalment of the Southern Sydney Derby in 2017 here as the Dragons host the Sharks at what is sure to be a packed Jubilee Stadium. This is sure to be another blockbuster between the two arch rivals, with the Dragons sitting in 2nd place on the competition ladder and the Sharks right behind them in 3rd place. The Dragons are coming off back-to-back losses for the first time this season, after they went down 34-24 to the Melbourne Storm in a match where they were blown away in the first half. The Sharks came from behind for a gutsy 22-16 win against the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval, despite dropping a lot of ball and playing well below their best. It was the Sharks 5th straight road win to start the season and they will want to maintain that 100% record on Friday night. 
 
History - The Dragons have the wood on their biggest rivals of late, winning 7 of the past 10 encounters. Earlier this season, back in Round 3, they created a big shock, holding on for a gripping 16-10 victory at Shark Park in a game that was fiercely contested in the forwards. In 2016 the sides traded 2 wins apiece, however overall the Dragons hold a slender advantage with 20 victories and 18 defeats. 
 
St. George Illawarra Dragons’ Scouting Report - With Josh Dugan out until Round 13 with a fractured cheekbone, the Dragons are now missing their two biggest name players in Dugan and Widdop. Jason Nightingale shifts back to fullback with Taane Milne coming on to the wing. 
 
Cronulla Sharks’ Scouting Report - The Sharks are missing Luke Lewis once again with a hamstring injury. Wretched luck for his replacement, Tony Williams, who suffered a season ending knee injury playing for Tonga last weekend against Fiji.  
 
Verdict - Sharks by 6-12 in a low scoring game
 
I like the Sharks here to get revenge for their Round 3 loss to the Dragons by turning the tables on their arch rivals here. Couple together the Sharks outstanding away form, with the fact the Dragons are missing their two biggest name players in Widdop and Dugan, and I think the Sharks will have an edge in terms of quality and class on the paddock. The Dragons have shown against the Roosters and Storm that they won't roll over for anyone this year though, despite their injury problems, so I expect this game to be tight and tense. Expect the battle in the forwards to be extremely physical here with fair bit of niggle. The Dragons’ forwards dominated the Sharks earlier this year, so I think the Sharks’ experienced pack will be intent on putting down a marker here. I think this game will be pretty low scoring, however the Sharks should get over the top of the Dragons in the final 20 minutes.