Sharks v Bulldogs: Hazelton returns; Ciraldo sticks solid
The undefeated Bulldogs head to the Shark-infested waters of Cronulla in arguably one of the top matches of the round.
The Dogs are on a three-game winning streak to start the season and sit second on the ladder after posting a 16-8 win over Parramatta last week, despite missing stars Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau with injury.
Led by strong performances from halves Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall, who both crossed for tries, the Sharks proved far too strong for the Rabbitohs in their 27-12 win which was set up by a dominant 20-0 first-half performance.
This week is set to provide a stronger challenge, especially with forward Braden Hamlin-Uele sidelined and Siosifa Talakai under a cloud after hurting his ankle against Souths.
Match: Sharks v Bulldogs
Round 4 -
home Team
Sharks
6th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
2nd Position
Venue: Sharks Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Sharks: Prop Tom Hazelton returns from a back injury and takes over on the bench from Braden Hamlin-Uele (knee) in the only change to the side that downed the Rabbitohs. Siosifa Talakai has been named to play despite leaving the field with an ankle problem last weekend. Toby Rudolf is also in the mix to return from off-season shoulder surgery after being named among the reserves.
Bulldogs: Coach Cameron Ciraldo goes with the same 17 that took care of business against the Eels in Round 3. Bailey Hayward retains the No.6 jersey after making a great fist of his first game as a starting five-eighth last week.
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William KennedyFullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor Tracey
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Winger for Sharks is number 2 Samuel StonestreetWinger for Bulldogs is number 2 Blake Wilson
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Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse RamienCentre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson Xerri
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Centre for Sharks is number 4 Kayal IroCentre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen Crichton
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Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo MulitaloWinger for Bulldogs is number 5 Marcelo Montoya
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Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon TrindallFive-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Bailey Hayward
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Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas HynesHalfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Toby Sexton
Forwards
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Prop for Sharks is number 8 Addin Fonua-BlakeProp for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King
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Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke BraileyHooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
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Prop for Sharks is number 10 Oregon KaufusiProp for Bulldogs is number 10 Daniel Suluka-Fifita
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2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Josh Curran
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2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
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Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnesLock for Bulldogs is number 13 Jaeman Salmon
Interchange
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Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Daniel AtkinsonInterchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt Mann
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Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Siosifa TalakaiInterchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Harry Hayes
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Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Thomas HazeltonInterchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Sitili Tupouniua
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Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Tuku Hau TapuhaInterchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Kurtis Morrin
Reserves
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Replacement for Sharks is number 18 Jayden BerrellReplacement for Bulldogs is number 19 Joseph O'Neill
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Reserve for Sharks is number 19 Mawene HirotiReserve for Bulldogs is number 20 Blake Taaffe
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Reserve for Sharks is number 20 Hohepa PuruReserve for Bulldogs is number 21 Jack Todd
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Reserve for Sharks is number 21 Toby RudolfReserve for Bulldogs is number 22 Luke Smith
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Reserve for Sharks is number 22 Billy BurnsReserve for Bulldogs is number 23 Jonathan Sua
Sharks Ins
- Billy Burns
- Jayden Berrell
- Mawene Hiroti
- Thomas Hazelton
- Toby Rudolf
Bulldogs Ins
- Blake Taaffe
- Jack Todd
- Jonathan Sua
- Luke Smith
Sharks Outs
- Braden Hamlin-Uele
Bulldogs Ins
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Butler
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Sharks have won six of their past seven games against the Bulldogs.
- Canterbury have not won at Sharks Stadium since 2011.
- Cronulla winger Sam Stonestreet has scored four tries in four games at Sharks Stadium.
- Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri has scored nine tries in 11 games at Sharks Stadium.
- Sharks centre Jesse Ramien will play his 150th NRL game.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
