The Sharks will be hoping the North Coast can bring some better fortunes when they host the Titans in Coffs Harbour on the back of two narrow defeats.
After going down to the Dolphins by just two-points in Round 16, Cronulla were once again on the wrong end of a tight contest last Friday after a Matt Burton field goal stripped them of another victory against the Bulldogs.
Having slipped to fourth on the ladder after losses in four of their past five matches, Cronulla will be looking to rediscover the form that carried them to seven wins on the trot.
The Titans, meanwhile, will be well rested after a Round 17 bye and eager to continue the form that saw them demolish the Warriors 66-6 in Round 16.
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Team News
Sharks: A change on Thursday with Toby Rudolf dropping out of the squad and Tuku Hau Tapuha elevated to the bench. Daniel Atkinson comes in on the wing for Sione Katoa (concussion protocols). Just one change on Friday afternoon, Royce Hunt will start with Tom Hazelton reverting to the bench. Uncapped winger Tom Rodwell remains in the squad as 18th man.
Titans: AJ Brimson's comeback has been put on hold with Titans medical staff choosing to give him another week to overcome a groin injury. Centre Phil Sami has also been ruled out after suffering a calf strain ahead of Thursday's captain's run. Tanah Boyd is the new five-eighth and Jacob Alick-Wiencke comes into the side. Winger Jojo Fifita is back after missing the Warriors game due to illness. Moeaki Fotuaika's return from Maroons duty sees Josiah Pahulu revert to the bench. Alick-Wiencke was initially named to start in the centres as Brimson's replacement, however Des Hasler has made a late switch, with Alick-Wiencke moving to the back row and Beau Fermor starting at centre.
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Stat Attack
- The Sharks have won their past nine games against the Titans.
- The Titans have won only two from seven away from home this season.
- The Sharks have won three from three in Coffs Harbour.
- Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored eight tries in his past five games.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,