NRL Match Preview: Round 26 v Warriors

Author: Troy Whittaker Media Coordinator
Timestamp: Fri 30 Aug 2024, 07:34 PM

Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes will return from a seven-week injury layoff against the Warriors at PointsBet Stadium tomorrow night, however Siosifa Talakai has withdrawn with a lingering calf issue.

Talakai's absence means playmaker Daniel Atkinson, who has been ultra impressive in Hynes' absence, will remain in the starting line-up at centre.

Inspired by fearless leader Cameron McInnes in his 200th top-grade appearance, third-placed Cronulla will be fired up to secure an important win on Old Boys Day.

Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon declared the talismanic Hynes is fit and raring to go after recovering from a ruptured syndesmosis and tibia fracture.

"To have a player of Nicho's calibre getting ready to play, it's important for the team ... After an extended period out, he's got to get the basics of the game right and so does the whole team, really," Fitzgibbon said on Friday morning.

"At this stage of the year you can't skimp on the basics and the hardest parts of the game, and that's what we want out of Nicho. Knowing Nicho, if he feels good he'll go after the game. That's the way he plays; he's a front-foot player.

"But he's also coming back into a team that's been playing well, and he knows that. He's just got to get his job done," Fitzgibbon added.

Hynes will rekindle his halves partnership with Braydon Trindall.

A capacity crowd is expected for Cronulla's final home match of the regular season on a night where Warriors champion and former Sharks star Shaun Johnson will bring down the curtain on his distinguished 14-year NRL career.

More than 150 former Sharks players from various eras will proudly complete a pre-game lap of honour led by recently retired warhorse Dale Finucane.

But despite being one to avoid the limelight and simply focus on the task at hand, McInnes is the man of the hour as he prepares to mark a significant milestone.

The hard-as-nails lock will spearhead his team's efforts to claim two vital competition points and bed down a top-four spot. A victory will also keep the Sharks in the hunt for a second-place finish and a valuable home semi-final.

Fitzgibbon lauded the battle-hardened McInnes as one of the league's most revered players for his tenacity and hundred-mile-an-hour mindset.

"He's a player that everyone loves playing alongside," he said.

"Players like Cam are respected game wide by the way they carry themselves – no fuss, no frills, play with maximum intensity and potential every time they take the field. These games are really enjoyable to watch guys get celebrated who deserve it."

Riding a four-match winning streak, Cronulla are aiming to make it 12 victories from their past 16 encounters with the Warriors. They fought back from 12-0 down to defeat the New Zealand team across the ditch in a gritty Round 1 effort.

Having lost four straight, the 14th-placed Warriors are desperate to end their campaign on a high note and send Johnson out a winner ahead of a bye next week.

"We're always respectful of our opponents," Fitzgibbon said.

"In the NRL, if you don't have the adequate attitude or approach the game in the right way, anyone can beat anyone. Now, for the Warriors, it's Wayde Egan's 100th game, it's Shaun's final game and a number of players are leaving the team.

"They'll come here with an energy and wanting to finish the year off strong. Their year hasn't panned out the way they would've liked, but that's still a strong squad. They're well coached, they're well prepared, so we're taking it seriously."

Kick-off is at 7.35pm. CLICK HERE to secure a ticket (if the game is sold out, the only way to score a ticket is through our Member Seat Resale option on Ticketek).

The action will be broadcast live on Foxtel, Kayo, Nine and Nine Now.

See the updated team lists below.

Round 26 - Round 26 - Saturday 31 Aug

Full Time

Sharks

Warriors

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy

Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Taine Tuaupiki
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa

Winger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Kayal Iro

Centre for Warriors is number 3 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Centre for Sharks is number 6 Daniel Atkinson

Centre for Warriors is number 4 Ali Leiataua
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Samuel Stonestreet

Winger for Warriors is number 5 Marcelo Montoya
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 22 Nicholas Hynes

Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Luke Metcalf
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Braydon Trindall

Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Shaun Johnson

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Toby Rudolf

Prop for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey

Hooker for Warriors is number 14 Freddy Lussick
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Oregon Kaufusi

Prop for Warriors is number 16 Jazz Tevaga
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora

2nd Row for Warriors is number 10 Mitchell Barnett
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton

2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Kurt Capewell
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes

Lock for Warriors is number 13 Dylan Walker

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Jack Williams

Interchange for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Royce Hunt

Interchange for Warriors is number 11 Marata Niukore
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Braden Hamlin-Uele

Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Tom Ale
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Thomas Hazelton

Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Demitric Sifakula