3 minute read
After winning seven games on the bounce, the Cronulla Sharks go into Saturday’s trip to Brisbane Broncos on the back of defeats to the Penrith Panthers and Parramatta Eels.
The Sharks have not been able to reach the same levels in their defence over recent weeks and have conceded 106 points over their last three games in the NRL.
The Broncos have also looked shaky in defence of late and go into this weekend's clash on the back of a shock 36-34 defeat at the hands of the Gold Coast Titans.
A high-scoring shootout might well be on the cards at Suncorp Stadium between two teams desperate to get back to winning ways.
. What: Brisbane Broncos v Cronulla Sharks
. Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
. When: 19:35 (AEST), Saturday 8th June 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
. Odds: Brisbane Broncos 1.60, Cronulla Sharks 2.35
Broncos boosted by returning stars
Selwyn Cobbo, Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas all return to the starting lineup for the hosts this weekend.
Full-back Reece Walsh has been ruled out for Saturday due to a concussion he sustained during the first match of the State of Origin series and Tristan Saiker will look to fill the void.
Last season's grand final runners-up have been steady through their first 12 games of the campaign, with seven wins and five defeats.
A high-scoring defeat at home to the Titans came as a shock and the Broncos will be determined to get back in the saddle at the first time of asking.
The hosts are 1.60 favourites to claim the win against the Sharks, while Brisbane are 1.95 to overcome -4.5 points in the Line market.
Sharks must find resilience
After conceding an average of just 14 points per game in the opening 10 rounds, the Sharks have lost their way defensively in recent weeks.
Cronulla will need to rediscover that fortitude without the ball if they are to come away from Brisbane with the spoils this weekend.
The task has been made more difficult by the absence of Nicho Hynes due to a minor calf issue.
Daniel Atkinson and Braydon Trindall start in the halfbacks, while Cameron McInnes starts on the back of his Origin debut on Wednesday night for the Blues.
Siosifa Talakai gets a start in the forwards in place of Teig Wilton, who is out with a shoulder injury.
Cronulla have struggled against the Broncos in the past, losing nine of their last 11 meetings.
The Sharks are 2.35 to get back to winning ways at Suncorp Stadium, while there could be value to be had in looking at the total points market in this one.
Over 46.5 total points in this game is available at 1.91 and is worth considering, with both the Broncos and the Sharks being less than watertight in defence of late.
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