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Match Preview

Sharks v Rabbitohs: Kennedy returns; Walker ruled out

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pan66.com
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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. 

After bursting out of the gates at the start of the season, Cronulla have endured a lean couple of months and have won just two of their last eight matches. 

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. 

SportsBet Betting Preview - Sharks v Rabbitohs

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.

Team News

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. There are no changes to the 1-17 at the final team update, with Jayden Berrell, who made his NRL debut last week, remaining in the squad as 18th man. 

Rabbitohs: A blow for the Bunnies on Friday with Cody Walker ruled out after failing to overcome a calf injury suffered in last week's loss to the Raiders. Dion Teaupa will come in for Walker. Skipper Cameron Murray is back from his two-game ban 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. No further changes on Saturday night, with Peter Mamouzelos the 18th man. 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
    Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Jye Gray
  • Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
    Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Fletcher Myers
  • Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
    Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Taane Milne
  • Centre for Sharks is number 4 Kayal Iro
    Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Richard Kennar
  • Winger for Sharks is number 5 Samuel Stonestreet
    Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Jacob Gagai
  • Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Daniel Atkinson
    Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Jack Wighton
  • Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Braydon Trindall
    Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 18 Dion Teaupa

Forwards

  • Prop for Sharks is number 8 Royce Hunt
    Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Davvy Moale
  • Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
    Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien Cook
  • Prop for Sharks is number 10 Oregon Kaufusi
    Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Sean Keppie
  • 2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
    2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Cameron Murray
  • 2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton
    2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Jacob Host
  • Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes
    Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Keaon Koloamatangi

Interchange

  • Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Siosifa Talakai
    Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Michael Chee Kam
  • Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Jack Williams
    Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Siliva Havili
  • Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Toby Rudolf
    Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Thomas Burgess
  • Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Braden Hamlin-Uele
    Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Tallis Duncan

Reserves

  • Replacement for Sharks is number 18 Jayden Berrell
    Replacement for Rabbitohs is number 19 Peter  Mamouzelos

Match Officials

  • Referee: Liam Kennedy
  • Touch Judge: Jon Stone
  • Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • The Sharks are aiming for home and away wins against the Rabbitohs for the first time since 2008.
  • The Rabbitohs have won only two of their past nine games at PointsBet Stadium.
  • Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker requires two tries for a century of NRL tries.
  • Sharks winger Sione Katoa has scored six tries in five games against the Rabbitohs.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, 

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Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.