NRL Match Preview: Round 3 v Rabbitohs

Author: Troy Whittaker Media Coordinator
Timestamp: Fri 21 Mar 2025, 02:59 PM

Cronulla are determined to defend their fortress against South Sydney when they play at a sold-out Sharks Stadium for the first time this season on Saturday afternoon.

The Sharks are delighted to be at home after racking up the air miles with trips to Las Vegas and Townsville over the opening two rounds, having won an imposing seven of 10 matches at their Sutherland Shire base last year.

With a stacked program also featuring Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup matches, Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon is looking forward to harnessing the local support.

24-hour squad update

"It's old-school Saturday arvo footy. It's awesome for the community to get down. It's the first look they get in person," Fitzgibbon said.

"It's important. We obviously want to do the community proud, play for them and play for each other in front of them."

Having opened their account with a 36-12 win over the Cowboys last week, Cronulla are now focused on taking down Wayne Bennett's Rabbitohs, who sit in fifth place after narrow wins over the Dolphins and Dragons.

"They look like they know what they're about, what kind of team they want to be," Fitzgibbon said.

"They've had to work very hard for both their victories and deservedly so."

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The Coach's Mail - Round 3

In relieving news for the Sharks, Fitzgibbon has declared halfback Nicho Hynes a certain starter after shaking off a corked leg. The playmaker won't be restricted with his general play or goal kicking.

Cronulla are set to retain the same 17 that accounted for the Cowboys, with Billy Burns, Mawene Hiroti and Niwhai Puru dropping off the extended bench on Friday. Hohepa Puru has replaced Burns as the 18th man.

Hynes will oppose new Souths hero Jamie Humphreys – a former De La Salle junior teammate of Sharks winger Sam Stonestreet – who booted the Rabbitohs to victory with a field goal against St George Illawarra in Round 2.

While they're missing injured stars Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray, the Rabbitohs will pose an attacking threat with livewire fullback Jye Gray and veteran five-eighth Cody Walker possessing game-breaking qualities.

Jack Wighton will return in the centres after sitting out last week due to suspension, while former Dragons winger Mikaele Ravalawa is poised to make his debut in the cardinal and myrtle after joining the Burrow on Sunday.

After an improved showing against North Queensland – spearheaded by the back five, who ran for more than 850 metres collectively – Fitzgibbon is confident his team will be up for the fight. The squad has overcome the illnesses that hampered their preparation last week.

"In the current era or climate, you need everyone to perform," he said.

"I thought we had a couple of blokes who were off against Penrith (in Round 1) ... But last week I thought everyone did their job really well and none more so than the outside backs.

"The outside backs had a big job on their hands (against the Cowboys). They knew what was coming and they accepted that challenge," the coach added.

"We don't see any difference this week, to be honest. Souths are playing that long game really well and holding the ball, high completions and getting in the arm wrestle. They'll know that it's coming again."

Flying flankers Stonestreet and Ronaldo Mulitalo, who both crossed the line last start, are looking to strengthen their phenomenal try-scoring records.

Stonestreet has notched up 10 tries in just seven NRL appearances, including four doubles, and scored in all three of his Sharks Stadium games.

Mulitalo, meanwhile, has collected 37 tries in 33 matches at the venue, with five from his past three games on home soil. The Kiwi international has also nabbed five four-pointers from his six encounters with the Rabbitohs.

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Round 3 Media: AFB

Star front-rower Addin Fonua-Blake is eager to show his appreciation for the crowd as he makes his home debut as a Shark in the club's 1400th premiership match.

"We're really grateful to get the next two games at home," Fonua-Blake said.

"I get to run out here for the first time and feel the energy of the fans. I can't wait."

NRL kick-off is at 3pm AEDT. While public allocation is exhausted, there's still a chance to secure a ticket through the Member Seat Resale option on Ticketek.

Heading to the game? CLICK HERE for everything you need to know.

See the updated team lists below.

Round 3 - Saturday 22nd March

Full Time

Sharks

Rabbitohs

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 Samuel Stonestreet

Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Isaiah Tass
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien

Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Jack Wighton
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Kayal Iro

Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Campbell Graham
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo

Winger for Rabbitohs is number 18 Mikaele Ravalawa
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall

Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody Walker
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes

Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Jamie Humphreys

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake

Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Sean Keppie
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey

Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Peter Mamouzelos
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Oregon Kaufusi

Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Davvy Moale
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora

2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Keaon Koloamatangi
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton

2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Jai Arrow
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes

Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Tallis Duncan

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Daniel Atkinson

Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Jayden Sullivan
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Siosifa Talakai

Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Siliva Havili
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Braden Hamlin-Uele

Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Liam Le Blanc
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Tuku Hau Tapuha

Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Tevita Tatola