Crunch time has come early for the Sharks.
After copping a 38-10 thrashing from the Knights last week, they need to show they are a worthy top eight side with a strong Sunday night performance against the over-achieving Warriors.
Cronulla will be without key players and coach John Morris has his work cut out getting everybody on the same page for a must-win game.
The Warriors have exceeded almost everyone's expectations in the face of adversity, but they know they can pretty much forget about the finals if they don't knock off the Sharks.
Match: Sharks v Warriors
Round 18 -
home Team
Sharks
8th Position
away Team
Warriors
11th Position
Venue: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
The rundown
Team news
Sharks: Cronulla will start 1-17 after Braydon Trindall and Mawene Hiroti were the last two players cut from the squad. Shaun Johnson (groin/hamstring) will return and play halfback in place of the suspended Chad Townsend. Johnson will be partnered in the halves by Connor Tracey.
Siosifa Talakai has moved into the starting side to replace Wade Graham (suspended) while Toby Rudolf has been named to start at lock for Scott Sorensen.
Sorensen and Bill Magoulias were cut from the reserves on Saturday.
Sione Katoa will return from a chest injury on the wing and Andrew Fifita is on the bench. The Sharks have won six of their past seven games against the Warriors.
Warriors: The team will start 1-17, but Tohu Harris is now listed at prop and Isaiah Papali'i in the back row Josh Curran and Paul Turner were the last two players to be omitted.
Eels loan pair George Jennings and Daniel Alvaro both return. Lachlan Burr revered to the interchange after starting last week, while Tom Ale and Beale were trimmed from the reserves on Saturday.
The Warriors have lost nine from 10 against top-eight opposition in 2020.
Match: Sharks v Warriors
Round 18 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William KennedyFullback for Warriors is number 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
-
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione KatoaWinger for Warriors is number 2 Adam Pompey
-
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Josh DuganCentre for Warriors is number 3 Hayze Perham
-
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Jesse RamienCentre for Warriors is number 4 Peta Hiku
-
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo MulitaloWinger for Warriors is number 5 George Jennings
-
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Connor TraceyFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
-
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Shaun JohnsonHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Chanel Harris-Tavita
Forwards
-
Prop for Sharks is number 8 Braden Hamlin-UeleProp for Warriors is number 8 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
-
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke BraileyHooker for Warriors is number 9 Karl Lawton
-
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Aaron WoodsProp for Warriors is number 12 Tohu Harris
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora2nd Row for Warriors is number 10 Isaiah Papali'i
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Siosifa Talakai2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Jack Murchie
-
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Toby RudolfLock for Warriors is number 13 Jazz Tevaga
Interchange
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Teig WiltonInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Wayde Egan
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Jack WilliamsInterchange for Warriors is number 15 Adam Blair
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Andrew FifitaInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Daniel Alvaro
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Royce HuntInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Lachlan Burr
Match Officials
- Referee: Matt Cecchin
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy
Last updated:
Key match-up
Aaron Woods v Jamayne Taunoa-Brown. With so many key players missing, Woods' leadership might be the most important asset for the Sharks on Sunday. The former NSW Origin prop has to lead by his actions and words and make sure some of his younger teammates keep their mind on the job. JTB is rated by many as a future star and the 23-year-old rookie will be keen to give Woods all he can handle.
Stat attack
The Sharks and Warriors split their two meetings last year. The Warriors prevailed 19-18 on home soil in round 18 after Blake Green kicked a late field goal. It was a different story when they locked horns in round 23 at Cronulla, as the Sharks romped to a 42-16 victory after leading 24-10 at half-time. Goal-kicker Shaun Johnson was a perfect 7/7 on conversions.
