NRL 2024, Cronulla Sharks, Sydney Roosters, round 11 preview, official team lists, injuries, updates

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sat 18 May 2024, 04:35 PM

The NRL's hottest attacking outfit confronts the best defensive unit in the competition in a mouth-watering Magic Round showdown on Saturday afternoon.

The Roosters have found their mojo big time in the past three weeks to pile on 138 points in wins over the Dragons, Broncos and Warriors, taking their season average to 29.6 points per game.

The Sharks made it six wins on the trot when they downed the Storm in enemy territory in Round 10, their defence again coming to the fore as they held the potent Melbourne attack to 18 points, a tick over their average of 14ppg conceded in 2024.

When the sides last met it was the Roosters sending Cronulla packing from the 2023 finals series with a tense 13-12 elimination final victory thanks to a Sam Walker field goal in the 73rd minute.

Walker again looms as a key figure as he arrives at Magic Round in sublime form with four try assists, two tries and 21 goals across the Roosters' three-game hot streak.

Sportsbet Betting Preview - Sharks v Roosters

Team News

Sharks: Nicho Hynes will start at halfback in a major boost for the Sharks after missing Round 10 with a calf concern. The Sharks will line up 1-17 for the clash with the Roosters. Tuku Hau Tapuha retains his spot on the bench with Braden Hamlin-Uele out.

Roosters: One late change for the Roosters, with Connor Watson to start at hooker and Brandon Smith dropping back to the bench. Smith was a late scratching last week with a calf injury but was initially named to start this week. With Joey Manu entering the NRL concussion protocol, Junior Pauga will start in the centres.

Round 11 - Round 11 - Saturday 18 May

Full Time

Sharks

Roosters

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa

Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien

Centre for Roosters is number 3 Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Kayal Iro

Centre for Roosters is number 4 Fetalaiga Pauga
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo

Winger for Roosters is number 5 Dominic Young
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Daniel Atkinson

Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke Keary
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes

Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Thomas Hazelton

Prop for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey

Hooker for Roosters is number 14 Connor Watson
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Oregon Kaufusi

Prop for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora

2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton

2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Nat Butcher
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes

Lock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Jack Williams

Interchange for Roosters is number 9 Brandon Smith
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Siosifa Talakai

Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Egan Butcher
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Royce Hunt

Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Spencer Leniu
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Tuku Hau Tapuha

Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Terrell May

Reserves

Replacement for Sharks is number 19 Mawene Hiroti

Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Zach Dockar-Clay

Match Officials

Referee: Adam Gee
Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
Touch Judge: Jon Stone
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:25:43 PM

Stat Attack

The Sharks are aiming for seven straight wins for the first time since 2016.
The Roosters have won eight of their past nine games against the Sharks.
The Sharks have won only one of their past seven games at Suncorp Stadium.
Roosters winger Daniel Tupou will play his 250th NRL game.
Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored four tries in five games against the Roosters.