3 minute read
Cronulla Sharks need to snap a three-game losing streak when they take on the Wests Tigers, but they will have to do it without the injured Nicho Hynes.
The Sharks were leading the competition in the early rounds of the season and were being billed as potential premiership winners.
They have since gone off the boil and now need to bounce back to make sure they secure a place in the top four ahead of finals.
Cronulla are 1.95 to finish in the top four, but the ladder is tight to say the least and they cannot afford many more slip ups.
Two points against the Tigers is a must, but they will be missing influential playmaker Hynes.
It will be far from easy against Benji Marshall's side, who have shown signs of improvement.
Despite making progress, the Tigers are still 1.85 to suffer most losses in the NRL this season.
. What: Cronulla Sharks v Wests Tigers.
. Where: Shark Park, Sydney
. When: 20:00 (AEST), Friday 12th July 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 9
. Odds: Cronulla Sharks 1.45, Wests Tigers 2.75
Hynes blow for Sharks
Cronulla's hopes of returning to winning ways have been hit by the news Nicho Hynes is facing a spell on the sidelines.
Hynes suffered an ankle injury in training on Monday and will be unavailable for the showdown with the Tigers.
It means the Sharks will have to shake things up in the halves, with Braydon Trindall moving to No.7, which will allow Daniel Atkinson to take the No.6 jersey.
In another setback, the Sharks will also be missing back rower Siosifa Talakai through suspension.
There is some good news however as Sione Katoa returns following concussion.
The winger has scored seven tries in four games against the Tigers and is priced at 7.00 to score the first try of the game.
The Sharks have won 10 of the last 12 meetings between the two sides, and are in need of another win on Friday night.
They can be backed at 2.15 to win by 13+ points.
Tigers target rare double
The Tigers have won just four games all season, but one of them was against the Sharks in Round 3 back in March.
They pulled off a shock 32-6 win and will now be out to complete a rare season double against the Sharks, something they last did way back in 2014.
The Tigers have lost the last two games, but can take heart from the way they played against ladder-leaders Melbourne Storm, before eventually losing 40-28.
Charlie Staines gave them a surprise lead when scoring the opening try of the game in the 11th minute.
The winger can be backed at 12.00 to do the same again against the Sharks, or 2.40 to score at anytime.
The Tigers may be bottom of the ladder, but they have shown they can spring a surprise and are 4.00 to win by 1-12 points.
