NRL Match Preview: Round 25 v Dragons

Author: Troy Whittaker Media Coordinator
Timestamp: Sat 24 Aug 2024, 04:04 PM

No additional motivation is needed for a local derby, but the intensity of Sunday's Sharks-Dragons clash at a packed WIN Stadium will be through the roof given what's at stake for both sides.

In the only change to Cronulla's playing 17 named earlier this week, Mawene Hiroti has been elevated from the reserves to replace winger Ronaldo Mulitalo, who is out of the squad after a flare-up of an ongoing knee injury.

The 24-hour team update also sees Tuku Hau Tapuha and Niwhai Puru drop off the extended bench, while young outside back Chris Vea'ila is now the 18th man.

As announced on Tuesday, halfback Braydon Trindall and second-rower Teig Wilton are back on deck after hamstring injuries, however forward Sifa Talakai (calf tightness) and finisher Sione Katoa (concussion protocols) have been sidelined.

Cronulla, shooting for four wins on the trot, are aiming to ward off a challenge from the Bulldogs to remain in the all-important top four with three games to go.

St George Illawarra, helmed by title-winning ex-Sharks coach Shane Flanagan, are in eighth spot and desperate to secure a finals berth for the first time since 2018.

Combine this with the inherent rivalry between the neighbouring clubs and the stage is well and truly set for an epic Round 25 encounter in Wollongong.

The Sharks are on an eight-match winning streak against the Dragons, most recently triumphing 20-10 at a sodden PointsBet Stadium in early May.

While the home-ground advantage will boost St George Illawarra, Cronulla have emerged victorious in three of their past five games at WIN Stadium. They have also held the Dragons to 18 points or fewer in seven consecutive games.

However, despite being somewhat inconsistent, the men in the Red V have found a new resolve this season, claiming the major scalps of the Panthers and Storm.

As such, the Sharks are buckling up for a war of attrition.

"It's going to be massive," centre Jesse Ramien said.

"Earlier in the year when we played them (at home) it was a massive turnout here, so I expect it's going to be the same down there.

"It's always fiery no matter where either team is sitting on the ladder. It's always one both clubs will get up for. Very fun. It's always that little bit more personal, a little bit more physical. Things probably speed up a little bit more.

"These are the games you want to be a part of."

Mulitalo echoed Ramien's thoughts prior to his withdrawal.

"A local derby is always good. They're firing on all cylinders as well. It's going to be a good contest. Looking forward to it," the Kiwi international said.

"It's always a battle every time we go against them. That's what it's built on, that rivalry. I'm looking forward to the physicality of it and I'm sure they are as well."

Mulitalo and his teammates are refusing to look past the Dragons.

"Whether we have believers or not, we come in here and we just do a job for each other," said the flyer, who scored a decisive try in last week's win over Newcastle.

"We want to re-write our (finals) story, so it's just about getting there first.

"We've still got plenty more to go. We've got to play it week by week and not worry too much about what's ahead. First thing's first – Dragons this week."

Kick-off is at 4.05pm, with the game rolling into an NRLW clash between the same teams at 6.10pm. Catch the NRL action on Nine, Nine Now, Foxtel and Kayo.

See the updated 19-man team lists below.

Round 25 - Round 25 - Sunday 25 Aug

Full Time

Dragons

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Tyrell Sloan

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Zac Lomax

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Samuel Stonestreet
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Mathew Feagai

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Max Feagai

Centre for Sharks is number 4 Kayal Iro
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Christian Tuipulotu

Winger for Sharks is number 18 Mawene Hiroti
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Jack Bird

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Daniel Atkinson
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben Hunt

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Braydon Trindall

Forwards

Prop for Dragons is number 8 Francis Molo

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Toby Rudolf
Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Jacob Liddle

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
Prop for Dragons is number 16 Blake Lawrie

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Oregon Kaufusi
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Jaydn Su'A

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
2nd Row for Dragons is number 15 Ryan Couchman

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Tom Eisenhuth

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes

Interchange

Interchange for Dragons is number 10 Jack De Belin

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Jack Williams
Interchange for Dragons is number 11 Luciano Leilua

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Royce Hunt
Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Toby Couchman

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Braden Hamlin-Uele
Interchange for Dragons is number 18 Lyhkan King-Togia

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Thomas Hazelton