NRL Round 15 Preview and Prediction - Cronulla Sharks v Wests Tigers @ Shark Park

Cronulla Sharks v Wests Tigers @ Shark Park 
 
Preview - The Tigers will be looking to break a 5-game losing streak when they travel to Shark Park to take on Cronulla on Saturday night. The defending Premiers fell to just their 4th loss of the season last week in another Grand Final rematch of 2016 when the Storm upset them 18-13 without Cooper Cronk at Shark Park last Thursday night. The Tigers put in another listless display as they were totally outclassed by a far superior Roosters outfit 40-18 at Campbelltown Stadium last Sunday. The Tigers were only spared the embarrassment of going bottom of the table when the Knights were denied by a poor Bunker decision against Manly to keep them in last place. 

History - When the sided clashed earlier this season the Sharks were forced to come from 16-10 behind to win 22-16 at Leichhardt Oval. The Tigers lost both Aaron Woods and James Tedesco in the first half in that game. The Sharks have won the past 3 encounters against the Tigers after a horror run against them when they lost 12 of 13 before that. Overall the Tigers hold a commanding advantage with 17 wins to the Sharks 9 with 1 draw.
 
Cronulla Sharks’ Scouting Report - The Sharks are missing Valentine Holmes, Jack Bird, James Maloney, Andrew Fifita and Wade Graham however they have some impressive depth to try and plug some holes in their absence. Gerard Beale slots back into the fullback role with Kurt Capewell going into the centres and Edrick Lee returning to the side on the wing. Fa'amanu Brown comes into the five eight position to partner the experienced Chad Townsend in the halves, while Sam Tagetese wins a place in the starting front row. Daniel Mortimer gets an opportunity in First Grade having signed for the Sharks at the beginning of this season as he comes off the interchange bench.
 
Wests Tigers’ Scouting Report - Despite sitting in 2nd last position, the Tigers are heavily affected by Origin missing their 2 best players in James Tedesco and Aaron Woods. Kevin Naiquama goes back to fullback, with Maa Ki Watene-Zelezniak on to the wing, while Tim Grant steps up from the bench to start in the absence of Woods. The Tigers welcome back Luke Brooks after he has missed plenty of football with a hamstring injury, with Jack Littlejohn demoted back to State Cup duties. 
 
Verdict - Sharks by 1-8 in a mid range scoring game (3-4 tries each) 

I just can't see the Wests Tigers beating anyone at the moment, despite the Sharks missing 5 Origin players. The Tigers, without Tedesco, are virtually toothless, and against the best defence in the league it’s hard to see them offering more than a try or two here. The Sharks are missing plenty of strike power, however they know how to grind out victories when they are below their best, so I'm expecting them to see this as a crucial game especially after their surprise loss at home last round. I think this game will be low scoring and the Tigers will be competitive, however the Sharks have too much to play for and I just think they will strangle the life out of this game and win by a try or two.