NRL.com Round 19 Preview: Sharks v Tigers
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.
Team News
Sharks: Halfback Nicho Hynes won’t play after injuring his ankle at training on Monday so Braydon Trindall shifts to No.7 and Daniel Atkinson will wear the No.6. Sione Katoa returns on the wing after missing Round 18 under the concussion protocol. Teig Wilton starts in the back row with Siosifa Talakai suspended while Jesse Colquhoun and Braden Hamlin-Uele are the new faces on the bench.
Wests Tigers: Alexander Lobb comes in on the wing with Solomona Faataape shifting to the centres and Justin Olam sidelined by a knee injury. Justin Matamua has dropped to 18th man with his place on the bench taken by Reuben Porter. Outside back Star To’a is listed among the reserves as he looks to return from a hamstring injury.
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