NRL Match Preview: Round 13 v Eels

Author: Troy Whittaker Media Coordinator
Timestamp: Wed 29 May 2024, 07:49 PM

A five-day turnaround against the Eels offers the Sharks a chance to quickly put a disappointing defeat to the Panthers behind them.

Despite last week's hiccup, Cronulla remain two points clear atop the ladder at the midway point of the season as they prepare to navigate the State of Origin period.

Having been rewarded for their outstanding form with NSW selection, Sharks captain Cameron McInnes and half Nicho Hynes won't face Parramatta tomorrow.

Their absences coincide with the return of star Eels duo Mitchell Moses and Clint Gutherson after injury layoffs, but Cronulla will also welcome back several important players in Braydon Trindall, Toby Rudolf and Braden Hamlin-Uele.

Maroons debutant J'maine Hopgood is Parramatta's lone Origin representative.

As they've done for the past 11 seasons, the Sharks and Eels will play for the Johnny Mannah Cup to honour the memory of its namesake, who represented both clubs before tragically passing away due to Hodgkin's lymphoma aged 23 in 2013.

Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon described the loss to Penrith as a "painful lesson learnt" and said his players are champing at the bit to run onto the field.

While Parramatta sit in 15th place after losing five on the bounce, the Sharks are expecting the men in blue and gold to find their mojo with key troops on deck.

"We'll have a difficult challenge; Parramatta have got most of their squad together now, so it's not going to be easy," Fitzgibbon said on Wednesday morning.

"It's a five-day turnaround for us and them. We're happy we're getting out there sooner rather than later. They haven't had the ability to have a full complement for most of the year. I don't think there are too many people that look at Parramatta and would be critical. If they're fit and healthy, they're a decent footy team."

With McInnes in Blues camp, Fitzgibbon has handed 24-year-old second-rower Teig Wilton the honour of skippering the side for the first time.

"What we like about Teig is very consistent footy," the coach explained.

"He doesn't say much, Teig, but when he says something it's on the money. The players respect him enormously. He understands what's required for the team and I felt like he earned the right through his performances to take that (role) this week.

"He's excited for that and I think he's the sort of player that others will follow."

Cronulla have won eight of their past 11 meetings with the Eels, including a 30-26 victory at CommBank Stadium last year to retain the Johnny Mannah Cup.

Humble Sharks winger Sione Katoa will play his 100th NRL game, the latest milestone in an NRL journey that began when he debuted in 2018.

Katoa has bagged six tries in 10 starts this season and will hope to add to his tally at a ground where he's already produced several acrobatic put-downs.

Trindall, playing his first game after five weeks on the sideline, will take over from Hynes and partner Daniel Atkinson. Fitzgibbon said the pair would share the game-management load and complement each other with their kicking abilities.

Kick-off on Thursday is at 7.50pm. Secure your ticket here or catch the TV coverage on Nine, Nine Now, Foxtel and Kayo. See the updated team lists below.

Round 13 - Round 13 - Thursday 30 May

Full Time

Eels

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton Gutherson

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
Winger for Eels is number 2 Maika Sivo

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
Centre for Eels is number 3 Will Penisini

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
Centre for Eels is number 4 Sean Russell

Centre for Sharks is number 4 Kayal Iro
Winger for Eels is number 5 Bailey Simonsson

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan Brown

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Daniel Atkinson
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Braydon Trindall

Forwards

Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Thomas Hazelton
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Brendan Hands

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
Prop for Eels is number 17 Wiremu Greig

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Oregon Kaufusi
2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Kelma Tuilagi

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Bryce Cartwright

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton
Lock for Eels is number 13 Joe Ofahengaue

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Jack Williams

Interchange

Interchange for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Siosifa Talakai
Interchange for Eels is number 14 Blaize Talagi

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Toby Rudolf
Interchange for Eels is number 15 Shaun Lane

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Royce Hunt
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Makahesi Makatoa

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Braden Hamlin-Uele