NRL Round 21 - Monday Night Preview

Gold Coast Titans v Cronulla Sharks @ CBUS Super Stadium

 The rampant Sharks go in search of a 16th straight win as they head to the glitter strip to take on the Titans on Monday Night. The Roosters all time winning streak of 19 is within Cronulla's reach as they stream roll their way towards the minor premiership. The Titans have ambitions of their own, currently sitting inside the Top 8, they are the surprise packets of the season and will be looking to cause a major boil over. 

 A Monday night game on the Gold Coast must loom as somewhat of a danger game for Cronulla despite their recent form. In an entertaining encounter back in Round 6 the Sharks were taken right to wire in beating the Titans 25-20 at Shark Park. Recently the Sharks attack has been firing on all cylinders, particular with the ball in hand. The likes of Barba, Valantine-Holmes and Jack Bird have been seeing plenty of early ball and causing havoc for opponents. James Maloney, in my opinion though has been the key signing for Cronulla. Last season the Sharks had plenty of talent, but no one to bring it all together. Maloney, along with the under rated Chad Townsend have put the polish on a forward pack that is experienced and roll down the field with ease. 

 The Titans will be looking to make it 3 wins in a row after convincing wins over the Dragons and Eels. With the mid season signings of Konrad Hurell and Nathan Peats, the Titans attack has really clicked into gear of late. They have racked up 30 plus points in the past 2 games and will fancy their chances of causing some headaches for a Cronulla defence that can leak tries on occasions. Greg Bird is back from suspension and will add much needed aggression to the Titans pack against the hard heads of Cronulla. I'm sure Bird and old mate Paul Gallen will try and mix it up a couple of times which will add to this encounter. 

 Verdict - I expect this to be a high quality affair. I expect the Titans to stick with the Cronulla pack in a physical encounter. However out wide I think Cronulla's freakish outside backs can create an extra try or two. I think it ill be high scoring and entertaining, but Cronulla at full strength just have more weapons. Cronulla by 12.