Match Preview: Flegg fairytale continues with prelim final

Author: Sharks Media
Timestamp: Fri 20 Sep 2024, 05:32 PM

A fairytale Jersey Flegg Cup run for Cronulla has set up a mighty preliminary final showdown with minor premiers Canberra at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.

It was little more than two months ago that the under-21 Sharks' season was on life support, needing to win their remaining seven games to press for the finals.

They duly obliged, unlocking a fearsome attacking flair to catapult themselves into fifth place before handily defeating the Knights and Panthers in knockout clashes.

The remarkable nine-game winning streak has led the Andrew Dallalana-coached side to a date with the Raiders, who finished first but have suffered three straight losses including last week's heartbreaking 15-14 loss to the Bulldogs in overtime.

The Sharks have lost both encounters with Canberra this season, falling 30-4 in Round 4 and 30-16 in Round 8 – games where the Raiders dominated possession.

Encouragingly, Cronulla outscored Canberra 16-10 in the second half of their most recent contest, proving they can match motors with an even split of the ball.

The longer the season has progressed, the more the Sharks have improved. They've piled on 400 points throughout their winning streak – an average of 44.4 points per game – and crossed for seven tries in last week's 40-26 triumph over Penrith.

NRL-contracted centre Michael Gabrael bagged a hat-trick in that performance, while Siteni Taukamo, also part of the senior training squad, touched down twice.

Other players to keep a close eye on include classy halfback Riley Pollard, a former Australian Schoolboys representative who graduated from SG Ball to Flegg this year.

Props Lachlan Crouch, Salesi Ataata and Felix Faatili have dominated through the middle, setting a tremendous platform for dummy-half Chaz Jarvis.

Fans will notice some famous surnames in Cronulla's line-up, with outside back Talanoa Penitani the brother of Sharks NRLW captain Tiana and bench hooker Taj Brailey the sibling of NRL stars Blayke and Jayden.

Kick-off is at 11am, with a NSW Cup fixture between the Jets and Raiders to follow.

Entry to the game is $10 (no student concession or seniors card discounts). People 12 years and under and aged pension card holders will get into the ground for free.

Street parking is available nearby on Mary Street, Glover Street and along the waterfront on Frazer Street. It's advised to arrive early to ensure you find a spot.

CLICK HERE to plan your trip with public transport.

The match will be livestreamed on NSWRL TV.

Lead image courtesy of Bryden Sharp

Finals Week 3 - Finals Week 3 - Saturday 21 Sep

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Raiders

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Keahn Skipps

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 Siteni Taukamo
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Siamani Leuluai

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Kristian Dixon
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Regan Carr

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Michael Gabrael
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Prinston Esera

Centre for Sharks is number 4 Talanoa Penitani
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Kane Rushton

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Te Wehi Waitere
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jalen Afamasaga

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Taj Ford
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Mitch Henderson

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Riley Pollard

Forwards

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Jake Clydsdale

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Lachlan Crouch
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Shaun Packer

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Chaz Jarvis
Prop for Raiders is number 19 Caleb Garvie

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Salesi Ataata
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Jaxon Lavender

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Max McCarthy
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Joe Roddy

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Dylan Coutts
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Mitchell Prest

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Samuel McCulloch

Interchange

Interchange for Raiders is number 10 Jordan Uta

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Taj Brailey
Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Ethan Alaia

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Felix Faatili
Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Delahia Wigmore

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Ethan Cocco
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Tahrell Feaveai

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Jacob Taulani