NRL Round 25 Preview and Prediction - Cronulla Sharks v Sydney Roosters @ Shark Park

Cronulla Sharks (4th) v Sydney Roosters (3rd) @ Shark Park
 
Preview - There is plenty at stake when Premiership aspirants the Sharks and Roosters collide at Shark Park on Saturday night. With the Sharks sitting in 4th and the Roosters in 3rd, a victory for either side would just about lock up an all-important position in the Top 4 as the stakes start to heat up towards the end of the regular season. The Sharks ambushed the injury riddled Cowboys last week in Townsville, getting out to a massive half time lead, before holding on for a convincing 26-16 victory to stay in 4th spot with 2 weeks to play. The Roosters were given a massive fright by the 15th placed Wests Tigers, before a late try to Latrell Mitchell gave them a 22-18 victory, after they had squandered an early 16-0 lead. 

History - The Sharks have completely dominated the Roosters of late having won their past 6 clashes against the tri-colours. Back in Round 17 the Sharks hammered the Roosters in Gosford 44-12. In the corresponding fixture last season the Sharks beat the Roosters 37-12, although the Roosters were sitting in 15th late in the season with little to play for. The Roosters have only on 1 from their past 6 at Shark Park however overall the Roosters have won 56 games to the Sharks 34 at all venues. 
 
Cronulla Sharks’ Scouting Report - The Sharks have named an unchanged side for this match, with Jack Bird still a week away from returning from a shoulder injury. The Sharks have been indifferent at home this season. However, this is a massive opportunity for them to make a statement that they mean business in defending their Title, against a side they have dominated of late.
 
Sydney Roosters’ Scouting Report - The Roosters have named the same side that was unconvincing but ultimately got the job done against the Tigers. Michael Gordon had a scratchy game at the back in his return to the side and should  be better for the run this week. The Roosters’ forwards need to step up here against a hardnosed Cronulla pack, sure to give them some verbals. 
 
Verdict - Roosters by 1-6 in a fiery, high quality game

This should be an absolute cracker as these two Clubs generally don’t get on and, with so much at stake, there could be fireworks at Shark Park. The Roosters were belted by the Sharks earlier this season, so I am really expecting some sort of reaction to that here. The Sharks, however, do have a great record against the Roosters of late, and have a habit of getting under their skin. I expect this game to be very physical and quite low scoring with a semi-final intensity about it. I just think the Roosters are going a bit better than Cronulla at the moment, and this could be the performance that really springboards them towards the finals. Roosters to win by a try or less.