Sharks v Tigers: Hynes, Talakai out; Papali’i nears return
After their third straight close loss, the Sharks will be hoping their fortunes change when they host an improving Wests Tigers at PointsBet Stadium.
Cronulla have gone down in their past three matches by a margin of four points or less. Last week they fought back from a 12-0 deficit at half-time against the Titans and scored three second-half tries at Coffs Harbour, but it was too little too late.
In a big blow before this week’s game, Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes has been ruled out after injuring his ankle at training on Monday. The 28-year-old will be sent for scans to determine the severity of the injury.
Cronulla with also be without Siosifa Talakai after he accepted a one-match ban for a high tackle on Titans hooker Sam Verrills.
The Tigers went down fighting against the Storm in Round 18 and even stunned the top-of-the-table team by scoring the first try of the match, but they could not maintain their focus, with their inconsistency proving a hurdle to overcome this season.
Tigers captain Api Koroisau will be free to play with an early guilty plea after being charged with dangerous contact, as will prop David Klemmer who was charged for a high tackle. In a boost for the side, Isaiah Papali’i (foot), Starford To’a (hamstring) and Junior Tupou (ankle) could make a return.
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