Eels v Sharks: Mitch, Gutho return; Rudolf back on deck
First v 15th shapes as a total mismatch on paper but the Eels will fancy their chances against a Sharks side without Origin call-ups Nicho Hynes and Cam McInnes.
The Sharks will be thrilled to see two of their in-form stars handed starting roles in Michael Maguire's Blues but now face a tough challenge to stay on top without their skipper and halfback.
Cronulla were blown off Shark Park 42-0 on Saturday after showing cracks in their much-improved defence and will be looking to go back to basics when they face Parramatta with a new-look halves pairing on Thursday.
Parramatta will also be without their workhorse lock J'maine Hopgood after he was called in to make his Origin debut for Queensland but could be a whole new threat if star playmaker Mitch Moses and skipper Clint Gutherson make their return as expected.
The Eels' disappointing 42-26 defeat to the Rabbitohs came as their fifth consecutive loss and interim coach Trent Barrett should take some relief out of not facing a full-strength Cronulla outfit.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Eels v Sharks
Team News
Eels: Wiremu Greig will start the game in his first appearance since Round 5, with Junior Paulo going to the bench in a late switch. A huge boost with skipper Clint Gutherson (knee) and halfback Mitch Moses (foot) both named to return from injury while centre Will Penisini (infection) is also back on deck. Gutherson's return pushes young gun Blaize Talagi to the bench while Dylan Brown shifts back to five-eighth and Daejarn Asi goes to NSW Cup. Brendan Hands is the new hooker with Joey Lussick relegated to the reserves. Joe Ofahengaue starts at lock with J'maine Hopgood in Maroons camp.
Sharks: The Sharks are 1-17 with no late changes. Braydon Trindall returns to the side to fill the void left by Nicho Hynes (NSW selection), while Jack Williams starts at lock in place of workaholic forward Cameron McInnes who is also away with the Blues. Toby Rudolf is back from time out with a knee injury to bolster Craig Fitzgibbon’s bench. Mawene Hiroti is 18th man.
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton GuthersonFullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
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Winger for Eels is number 2 Maika SivoWinger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
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Centre for Eels is number 3 Will PenisiniCentre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
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Centre for Eels is number 4 Sean RussellCentre for Sharks is number 4 Kayal Iro
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Winger for Eels is number 5 Bailey SimonssonWinger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
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Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan BrownFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Daniel Atkinson
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Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell MosesHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Braydon Trindall
Forwards
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Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-GillardProp for Sharks is number 8 Thomas Hazelton
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Hooker for Eels is number 9 Brendan HandsHooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
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Prop for Eels is number 17 Wiremu GreigProp for Sharks is number 10 Oregon Kaufusi
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2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Kelma Tuilagi2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
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2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Bryce Cartwright2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton
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Lock for Eels is number 13 Joe OfahengaueLock for Sharks is number 13 Jack Williams
Interchange
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Interchange for Eels is number 10 Junior PauloInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Siosifa Talakai
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Interchange for Eels is number 14 Blaize TalagiInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Toby Rudolf
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Interchange for Eels is number 15 Shaun LaneInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Royce Hunt
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Interchange for Eels is number 16 Makahesi MakatoaInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Braden Hamlin-Uele
Reserves
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Replacement for Eels is number 18 Daejarn AsiReplacement for Sharks is number 20 Billy Burns
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- Eels winger Maika Sivo has scored 11 tries in his past seven NRL games.
- The Sharks have won their last three games at CommBank Stadium.
- Eels youngster Blaize Talagi has scored a try in three consecutive games.
- Sharks winger Sione Katoa will make his 100th NRL appearance.
- The Eels have conceded at least 30 points in six of their past seven games.
Match: Eels v Sharks
Round 13 -
home Team
Eels
14th Position
away Team
Sharks
1st Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
