NRL Round 5 Preview - Sharks v Roosters @ Shark Park

Cronulla Sharks v Sydney Roosters @ Shark Park
 
Preview - The Sharks will be shooting for a third straight victory when they host the Roosters at Shark Park on Friday night. The Sharks have produced two straight gritty 14-4 victories, over both the Eels and the Storm, to claw their way back after a couple of losses to start the season. The Roosters have more pressing matter,s having been embarrassed 30-6 on their home turf by the Warriors on Saturday night.
 
Cronulla Sharks’ Scouting Report - The Sharks welcome back two of their big name signings in both Josh Dugan (groin) and Matt Moylan (hamstring) named after missing out last week. Dugan’s return pushes Valentine Holmes to the wing, with Edrick Lee dropping out of the 17. Moylan replaces Trent Hodkinson at five-eighth. 
 
Sydney Roosters’ Scouting Report - Trent Robinson has named an unchanged side to the one that was really disappointing against the Warriors last Saturday. Jarred Waerea-Hargreaves is a player under pressure, having run for just 67 metres as part of a Roosters’ pack that was dismantled last week by the Warriors. 
 
Verdict - Sharks by 1-6 in a low scoring game

I think the Sharks can ambush the Roosters here, and dominate this game in the forwards. The Roosters have a poor record against the Sharks over the past few seasons, and often have the ability to take the Roosters into a scrappy sort of game with plenty of niggle involved. The Roosters’ forwards have been disappointing this season and, with Tedesco having not really clicked into gear, they’re looking a little more vulnerable than I anticipated five rounds in. The Sharks get Moylan and Dugan back and look like a side ready to go through the gears. I think they will win this game and assert themselves as side to be feared in 2018.