NRL Round 20 Preview and Prediction

Cronulla Sharks (5th) v South Sydney Rabbitohs (14th) @ Shark Park 
 
Preview - The Sharks will be looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat when they take on the Rabbitohs in a matchup of two Southern Sydney sides at Shark Park on Friday night. The Sharks heavy 30-10 loss to the Titans saw them dive out of the Top 4, sitting in 5th spot and desperate to climb back into the Top 4 to give themselves the best possible chance of going back-to-back this season. The Rabbitohs looked like a side that have waved the white flag for the season after a listless 23-10 defeat to the Cowboys in Cairns on Sunday. Souths made 10 errors in the 2nd half alone in a display that will have encouraged none of their fans as they remain rooted in 14th place, with just 6 wins for the season to date. 
 
History - These sides have traded wins over the past years with the last 10 games split at 5 victories each. Last season, the Rabbitohs scored a massive upset win over the Sharks at ANZ Stadium. However their record at Shark Park is far less impressive, with just 1 victory from their last 5 games. 
 
Cronulla Sharks’ Scouting Report - The Sharks welcome back five-eight James Maloney after he was rested last week against the Titans, with Jack Bird moving back to the centres. Fa’amanu Brown retains his spot in the hooking role, with James Segyaro expected to come on from the interchange bench. 
 
South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Scouting Report - Souths make just the one change with Aaron Gray coming back into the team for Braidon Burns. Some of their senior players were extremely poor against the Cowboys and will be looking to make amends. Robbie Farah and George Burgess both made a number of errors, while Sam Burgess had a rare poor game. John Sutton and Adam Reynolds need to have more impact in the halves after poor games against the Cowboys. 
 
Verdict - Sharks 30-42 Rabbitohs 6-16

 I can't see the Rabbitohs getting close to the Sharks here. I know the Sharks were poor last week, however they are a quality side and often bounce straight back from a poor display which is what they served up against the Titans. The Rabbitohs look done and dusted for the year for mine, given the rubbish they served up against both the Roosters and Cowboys in winnable games. I think some of Souths’ senior players have really hit the wall and they appear a side playing without much confidence or intent at the moment. The Sharks enjoy playing Friday night games at home, and desperately need this win to get themselves back into the Top 4. I think the Sharks can win this game by 20+ provided they turn up with the right attitude.