NRL Round 7 Preview - Sharks v Panthers @ Shark Park

Cronulla Sharks v Penrith Panthers @ Shark Park

Preview - The Sharks will be desperate to avoid two straight defeats when they face the Panthers at Shark Park on Sunday afternoon. The Sharks have been beaten comprehensively two weeks in a row by both the Roosters and Dragons, going down 40-20 at WIN Stadium last Friday night to topple to 2-4 on the season. The Panthers are at the opposite end of the spectrum, having won 5 from their opening 6 games to be flying high in third spot on the competition ladder. Last week they made light work of the Titans, accounting for them 35-12 at Pepper Stadium. 
 
Cronulla Sharks’ Scouting Report - The Sharks are really under the pump this week having lost co-captains Paul Gallen (knee) and Wade Graham to injury, with Kurt Capewell to start in the back row and Joseph Paulo at lock. Scott Sorensen and James Segeyaro are the new names on the bench. Prop Andrew Fifita and back-rower Luke Lewis have both been named, despite suffering knee injuries last week, with the latter to captain the side pending fitness checks. Braden Uele and Jack Williams have been named in the reserves as cover. The fullback merry-go-round continues with Josh Dugan taking over once again, pushing Matt Moylan to the halves and Trent Hodkinson to the reserves, with Jesse Ramien back at centre.
 
Penrith Panthers’ Scouting Report - One big name backline player replaces another at Penrith with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak to return early from a broken jaw in place of winger Josh Mansour (broken cheekbone). Corey Harawira-Naera replaces fellow back-rower Isaah Yeo in the centres with Yeo returning to the pack.
 
Verdict - Sharks by 1-6 in a low scoring game

Sneaky feeling the Sharks might lift for this one at home and grind out an ugly victory. It’s hard to make a case for them on form, however they have a habit of playing better as underdogs at home, and the Panthers might be due a flat performance. The Panthers have won well the past three weeks, however their three victories against the Eels, Titans and Cowboys have come against sides that are playing really poor football at the moment. I just think it’s desperate stakes already for the Sharks and they can grind out a close victory to stay in touch with the Top 8.