The Dragons will be the away team when Cronulla host them at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in a derby clash that could have finals implications.
With their home ground out of action due to redevelopment work, the Sharks will be hoping they can put a dent in the resurgence of Paul McGregor's team.
Both sides head into the match with cause for optimism.
The Dragons (11th) have won four of their past six matches while the Sharks (9th on percentages) have lost just two of their past seven games.
A win in in this one would give the Dragons real hope they can make the top eight.
Match: Sharks v Dragons
Round 11 -
home Team
Sharks
7th Position
away Team
Dragons
11th Position
Venue: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
The Rundown
Team news
Sharks: Josh Dugan was ruled out on Friday with hamstring tightness and his place is taken by Bryson Goodwin. Dugan was to have made his 200th NRL appearance and the club is hopeful he will only miss a week and will chalk up that milestone in round 12.
Jack Williams starts at lock with Toby Rudolf to come off the bench. Billy Magoulias, Braydon Trindall and Daniel Vasquez were the other players to drop out of the initial 21-man squad.
Siosifa Talakai starts in the back row for the suspended Briton Nikora and debutant Teig Wilton is the new name on the bench. Winger Sione Katoa has scored eight tries in his past six games.
Dragons: Tyrell Fuimaono starts for the suspended Tariq Sims in the back row with Jacob Host joining the interchange. Fullback Matt Dufty has scored five tries in his past three games.
Tristan Sailor and Korbin Sims dropped off the extended bench on Saturday after Eddie Blacker and Billy Brittain were omitted from the reserves 24 hours before kick-off.
Match: Sharks v Dragons
Round 11 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Dragons
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William KennedyFullback for Dragons is number 1 Matthew Dufty
-
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione KatoaWinger for Dragons is number 2 Jason Saab
-
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Jesse RamienCentre for Dragons is number 3 Euan Aitken
-
Centre for Sharks is number 19 Bryson GoodwinCentre for Dragons is number 4 Zac Lomax
-
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo MulitaloWinger for Dragons is number 5 Mikaele Ravalawa
-
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Shaun JohnsonFive-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Corey Norman
-
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chad TownsendHalfback for Dragons is number 7 Adam Clune
Forwards
-
Prop for Sharks is number 8 Braden Hamlin-UeleProp for Dragons is number 8 Blake Lawrie
-
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke BraileyHooker for Dragons is number 9 Ben Hunt
-
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Aaron WoodsProp for Dragons is number 10 Paul Vaughan
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Siosifa Talakai2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Tyson Frizell
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Wade Graham2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Tyrell Fuimaono
-
Lock for Sharks is number 15 Jack WilliamsLock for Dragons is number 13 Cameron McInnes
Interchange
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 13 Toby RudolfInterchange for Dragons is number 14 Trent Merrin
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Connor TraceyInterchange for Dragons is number 15 Josh Kerr
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Teig WiltonInterchange for Dragons is number 16 Jacob Host
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Royce HuntInterchange for Dragons is number 17 Jackson Ford
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Tim Roby
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
Last updated:
Key match-up
Shaun Johnson v Corey Norman. Two of the great enigmas of the NRL. This supremely talented pair are proven match-winners, with the slight on both being that critics would like to see such displays on a more regular basis. If they both fire on Saturday night, fans are in for a treat.
Stat Attack
Dragons prop Paul Vaughan has sent a timely reminder to rep selectors with his form over the past two weeks. He backed up a monster 237m performance in the win over Manly with another 184m in the win over Canterbury. His battle with Sharks front-rower Aaron Woods will be worth watching.
