NRLRound 24 - Monday Night Preview

Cronulla Sharks v South Sydney Rabbitohs @ Shark Park

The Sharks will be looking to snap a 3 game winless streak when they take on the Rabbitohs at home on Monday Night. Cronulla have been out of sorts there past 2 weeks suffering surprise losses to the Raiders and Dragons giving up 30 points in each game. The Rabbitohs finally had something to cheer about ending a horrible 9 match losing sequence when they crushed the Warriors 41-22 away from home. 

The Sharks welcome back Paul Gallen after he was a late withdrawal against the Dragons. The Sharks have won 5 of their past 8 games against the Rabbitohs including their last 2. Last season the Sharks flogged the Rabbitohs in the elimination final ending the season for the 2014 premiers. The Sharks will want to get more line speed and aggression in defence if they are to get back to their best. The least two games they have seen the Sharks very passive in this area and particularly leaky on the edges defending their try line.

Adam Reynolds remains in some doubt for this match which would be a he out for the Rabbits. Reynolds was instrumental last week in dismantling the Warriors with pain point short and long kicking game. Greg Inglis all had a welcome return to form running in a try and carrying the ball with more vigour then in recent weeks. Souths fans will want a victory in their quest to fins ahead of bitter rivals the Roosters who leapfrogged them with their victory over the Dragons yesterday.

Verdict - Assuming Reynolds play I expect Souths to be competitive here. Sharks will jus want a win to get back on track rather then trying to blow their opponents away I feel. I just think Cronulla will be too quick for Souths out wide here. Monday night at Shark park has proved a graveyard for opponents and I can't see the Rabbits causing a big boil over. Sharks by 12 if Reynolds plays. By 24 without Reynolds.