Sharks v Roosters: Hynes good to go; Brandon back, Manu out
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.
Match: Sharks v Roosters
Round 11 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William KennedyFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
-
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione KatoaWinger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
-
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse RamienCentre for Roosters is number 3 Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i
-
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Kayal IroCentre for Roosters is number 4 Fetalaiga Pauga
-
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo MulitaloWinger for Roosters is number 5 Dominic Young
-
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Daniel AtkinsonFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke Keary
-
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas HynesHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker
Forwards
-
Prop for Sharks is number 8 Thomas HazeltonProp for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
-
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke BraileyHooker for Roosters is number 14 Connor Watson
-
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Oregon KaufusiProp for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Nat Butcher
-
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnesLock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley
Interchange
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Jack WilliamsInterchange for Roosters is number 9 Brandon Smith
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Siosifa TalakaiInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Egan Butcher
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Royce HuntInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Spencer Leniu
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Tuku Hau TapuhaInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Terrell May
Reserves
-
Replacement for Sharks is number 19 Mawene HirotiReplacement 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:
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.
Match: Sharks v Roosters
Round 11 -
home Team
Sharks
1st Position
away Team
Roosters
7th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
