The Cronulla Sharks are out to solidify their place inside the top four while the Warriors are determined to send retiring halfback Shaun Johnson out on a high in the final game of his career.
The Sharks climbed into third on the ladder with a convincing win over the Dragons last weekend and they have their sights on a top-two finish to secure a home final in the opening week of the finals.
The Roosters, Cronulla and Panthers are all level on 36 points with two matches remaining in the regular season.
The Sharks have blasted their way out of a mid-season form slump in recent weeks, winning four in a row to set the stage for a charge towards the finals.
Cronulla will welcome back a number of troops over the next two rounds, with halfback Nicho Hynes looking to return for Saturday’s clash against the Warriors at PointsBet Stadium.
Sportsbet Betting Preview: Sharks v Warriors
While the ladder might suggest the Sharks are heavy favourites on Saturday, the Warriors have plenty to play for.
With the bye in Round 27, this week’s game is their last of the season and the last of Johnson’s illustrious 267-game career.
It’s fitting it comes against Cronulla, the club he represented for three years in between his two stints with the Warriors.
Team News
Sharks: Halfback Nicho Hynes will make his first appearance since Round 18 having recovered from a ruptured syndesmosis and tibia fracture. He will start the game at five-eighth with Daniel Atkinson moving to the centres and Siosifa Talakai dropping out with a calf injury. Winger Sione Katoa returns from concussion protocols but Ronaldo Mulitalo will sit out a second-straight week as he continues to battle a knee injury. Jesse Ramien misses the game due to suspension.
Warriors: Shaun Johnson is preparing for the last game of his career and will be looking to go out on a high. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will miss the clash after failing an HIA last week, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad moving to the centres and Taine Tuapiki coming in at fullback. Ali Leiataua is the other new face in the backline after centre Adam Pompey fell victim to a knee injury. Jazz Tevaga starts in the frontrow for his last match with the Warriors after a forward reshuffle which sees Marata Niukore drop to the bench. Hooker Wayde Egan also moves to the bench with Freddy Lussick to start.
Stat Attack
- The Sharks have won seven from nine at PointsBet Stadium this season.
- Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson will play the final game of his career.
- Warriors hooker Wayde Egan will play his 100th game for the club.
- Sharks captain Cameron McInnes will make his 200th NRL appearance.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
