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.
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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.
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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.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.