3 minute read
Cronulla Sharks are fighting to hold on to fourth spot on the NRL ladder and need the two points when they take on top-eight chasers Newcastle Knights on Sunday.
The Sharks are going well and can be backed at 1.30 to make the top four, but there can be no room for error with the Bulldogs chasing them hard.
The Knights also sit just outside of the top eight and need a strong finish to the season to play finals.
They are 7.00 to make it and could do with an upset win at Shark Park.
The Dragons are in the same boat as they sit just two points away from the Dolphins, who occupy eighth spot.
Nothing other than a victory against the Titans, who also have slim top-eight hopes, will do, so it could be a tense afternoon in Wollongong.
Dragons in need of a response
. What: St George/Illawarra Dragons v Gold Coast Titans
. Where: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
. When: 14:00 (AEST), Sunday 18th August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
. Odds: St George/Illawarra Dragons 1.56, Gold Coast Titans 2.45
The Dragons suffered a setback last week when going down against the Bulldogs and need to show a reaction against the Titans.
Gold Coast were also thumped 44-0 against Cronulla so will also be keen to come out firing.
With both sides desperately fight to make the top eight, a tense and fierce afternoon could be on the cards.
The Titans have a poor record in Wollongong, losing five from five at WIN Stadium, and will hope to snap the losing streak.
They can be backed at 3.75 to do just that and win by 1-12 points.
The Red V have a solid record at WIN Stadium, winning three of the last four games, while Tyrell Sloan also loves the venue.
He has nine tries in the last 11 games there and is priced at 8.50 to grab the first here.
Sharks braced for Knights clash
. What: Cronulla Sharks v Newcastle Knights
. Where: Shark Park, Sydney
. When: 16:05 (AEST), Sunday 18th August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 9
. Odds: Cronulla Sharks 1.36, Newcastle Knights 3.20
Cronulla are going great guns, but they know that they will be in for a battle against a Knights side desperate to make finals.
The Sharks do have a good record against Adam O'Brien's side however, winning three of the last four games against them.
Another one here will consolidate their place in the top four and they can be backed at 2.15 to win by 13+ points.
Sione Katoa is also 6.50 to score the first try of the game after scoring seven tries in his last eight games on home turf.
The Knights have not enjoyed much success on the Shire in recent years, indeed they have not won at Shark Park since 2014.
They will be out to snap that run and cause an upset and can be backed at 4.50 to win by 1-12 points.
