The Cronulla Sharks are eager to ensure a winning return to PointsBet Stadium as they fight to remain inside the top four when they host South Sydney on Saturday.
The Sharks fell to fourth on the ladder with a 30-22 loss to North Queensland in Townsville last Saturday night. They now sit just two points clear of the Bulldogs and Cowboys who are fifth and sixth respectively.
Given the importance of finishing inside the top four and securing a second chance in the first week of the finals, Saturday’s match shapes as a crucial opportunity to return to form.
The stakes are also high for South Sydney as they look to keep their slim finals hopes alive. 
The Rabbitohs’ top-eight chances took a blow last Sunday night with a 32-12 loss to the Raiders. The defeat came at a cost with Alex Johnston suffering a season-ending Achilles injury early in the match.
South Sydney fell to 15th on the ladder after last week’s loss however they remain four points outside the eight and can still play finals football if they reel off a string of victories during the final six rounds.
Sharks: Will Kennedy is back from suspension in the No.1 jersey but the Sharks lose Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee) so Sam Stonestreet will play on the wing. Royce Hunt returns after missing last week’s trip to Townsville due to illness. He comes in at prop for Tom Hazelton (foot) while Jack Williams returns from a wrist injury on the bench.
Rabbitohs: Skipper Cameron Murray is back from his two-game ban in a big boost for the Bunnies so Tallis Duncan goes to the bench. Former Knight Fletcher Myers makes his NRL debut on the wing in place of Alex Johnston (Achilles). Richie Kennar returns from concussion protocols in the centres so Michael Chee Kam reverts to the bench. Peter Mamouzelos and Liam Le Blanc drop to the reserves.
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