I mentioned in a previous post that I was blown away with how the Sharks accounted for the Bulldogs 2 weeks ago. Prior to that I didn’t really rate them. But the injury to McInnes seems to have galvanised (sorry) their forward pack. That in addition to the return of Iro has made them a much more formidable opposition.
I love what the Raiders bring to the NRL. A breath of fresh air and the possibility of a changing of the guard. As a neutral I would like to see them win the comp. But this match is going to be a challenge. The last time they met the Raiders performed a Houdini act with probably the try of the year. But defence wasn’t a top priority in that match. Since then the Sharks’ defence has improved a lot.
A left attacking edge of Iro and Mulitalo spells danger. Stuart is a very good defender and knows how to back off and make good defensive decisions. To an extent the Savage/Timoko edge problem was partially addressed with Stuart’s inclusion but now it’s the corridor between Fogarty and Timoko that may be problematic.
If Hazelton plays and Hynes leaves the keys to Trindall the Sharks have a good chance. But who knows what Gee will do.
Sharks by 6
Tries to Iro /Mulitalo/Ramien
A meat pie to Strange
But I wouldn’t be surprised if Gee gets the Raiders home after the refereeing controversies of last week.
I love what the Raiders bring to the NRL. A breath of fresh air and the possibility of a changing of the guard. As a neutral I would like to see them win the comp. But this match is going to be a challenge. The last time they met the Raiders performed a Houdini act with probably the try of the year. But defence wasn’t a top priority in that match. Since then the Sharks’ defence has improved a lot.
A left attacking edge of Iro and Mulitalo spells danger. Stuart is a very good defender and knows how to back off and make good defensive decisions. To an extent the Savage/Timoko edge problem was partially addressed with Stuart’s inclusion but now it’s the corridor between Fogarty and Timoko that may be problematic.
If Hazelton plays and Hynes leaves the keys to Trindall the Sharks have a good chance. But who knows what Gee will do.
Sharks by 6
Tries to Iro /Mulitalo/Ramien
A meat pie to Strange
But I wouldn’t be surprised if Gee gets the Raiders home after the refereeing controversies of last week.
