The gulf in experience Sharks pack must overcome against Raiders

On Sunday night the Sharks will be without 491 games worth of middle forward experience at NRL level, as they take on a star-studded Raiders back full to the brim with representative talent. 

In the space of 80 minutes last week Cronulla were plunged into a full-blown crisis in terms of fit and healthy big boppers, with Dale Finucane (facial injury) and Toby Rudolf (ankle) failing to finish the loss to the Wests Tigers.

Māori All Stars prop Royce Hunt meanwhile didn't even get on the field after straining his calf while warming up in Round 3, with the trio now joining front-rower Braden Hamlin-Uele (hamstring) on the sidelines. 

It's forced coach Craig Fitzgibbon to reach deep into his roster, with Thomas Hazelton and Oregon Kaufusi to start up front alongside Cameron McInnes this week, in a middle grouping which has half the first grade experience their opposite numbers Josh Papali'i, Joseph Tapine and Morgan Smithies have. 

But McInnes said rather than feel sorry for themselves, he's viewing the clash at PointsBet Stadium as an opportunity to show off the club's impressive depth in the pack.

"They are more than ready to play," McInnes said of his fellow Sharks forwards.

"The guys that are getting the opportunity – some of these guys have been knocking on the door week after week in NSW Cup – and it's only because we've had good luck with injuries that you haven't seen them that much.

They'll want to impress. These guys want to play first grade, so it's a great opportunity to show what they can do, that they deserve to be there, and to earn that trust.

Cameron McInnes

In switching Siosifa Talakai from the centres to the second row, Fitzgibbon has enabled 102-gamer Jack Williams to return to the bench to partner Tuku Hau Tapuha, Billy Burns and Daniel Atkinson, who between them have 50 NRL games.

The chance to see 22-year-old giant Hau Tapuha in action again – following his impressive 10-minute appearance against the Bulldogs in Round 2, which saw him run for 53 metres and break three tackles from just five touches of the ball – is one McInnes said should excite fans.  

"He was unlucky last week not to get another opportunity. He's worked so hard in the pre-season and done well every single day," McInnes said. 

"There is so much potential for him and I can't wait to see him get out there."

Meanwhile McInnes said his pack owe their halves, Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall, a better performance this Sunday after they let the Wests Tigers get the better of them in Round 3.