NRL Preview: Sharks v Broncos

NRL Preview
Cronulla Sharks v Brisbane Broncos  
Thursday, March 2, 8.05pm (AEDT), Southern Cross Group Stadium, Sydney

The defending premiers will kick off the season at home when they host the Brisbane Broncos in Thursday night football. Both sides lost their respective clashes in the World Club Challenge and will be looking to start the NRL season on the right note.

History

The Sharks have won four of the past five clashes against the Broncos, while the Broncos have won three of their past four matches against the Sharks at Southern Cross Group Stadium. The Sharks won a high-scoring affair 30-28 in 2016, with Sosaia Feki crossing for a double.

Form

Cronulla have had a disappointing pre-season capped by a 22-8 hammering in the World Club Challenge. They lost their opening trial against Brisbane 30-12 while their only win at the Auckland Nines was a big win over Canterbury. The Broncos, as noted, opened their pre-season with a win over the Sharks 30-12 before struggling to defeat the Ipswich Jets 36-24. They disappointed in the Nines with a quarter-final exit and were humiliated by Warrington in the World Club Challenge.

Key Matchup
 
Chad Townsend v Ben Hunt. Townsend was an unsung hero for the Sharks in their premiership campaign and will need to step up again in 2017 as the Sharks spine goes through a rebuilding phase after the departures of Ben Barba and Michael Ennis. Meanwhile, the pressure is on Hunt to finish his Broncos career on a winning note before he moves to the Dragons in 2018. The kicking game will be pivotal in what is shaping up as a grinding affair and field position will be crucial.

Stats That Matter
 
Cronulla have won just 1 of their last 7 season openers while Brisbane have won 3 of their last 6 season openers. The under has hit in 5 of the last 6 Broncos season openers. The Sharks are 9-13 ATS in night games at Shark Park since 2014. The under has hit in 8 of the last 10 Cronulla home games when they are favoured by less than a try. Brisbane have covered just 3 of their last 9 interstate games while they are 10-5 ATS since 2013 as an interstate underdog. Small interstate underdogs cover at 63% since 2014. Night games go under at 60% in the first four rounds since 2012.

Final Thoughts
 
The Wolf is expecting the Sharks to be slow out of the blocks and could suffer a premiership hangover in 2017. The losses of Michael Ennis and Ben Barba cannot be underestimated, while Valentine Holmes is expected to miss this clash. The Broncos will be facing life without Corey Parker, with Josh McGuire expected to move into the lock position. The Broncos look strong across the park and should get the job here.

How It’s Shaping Up
Brisbane by 4

Best Bet
Brisbane -1 ($1.90)

Other Recommended Bets  
Brisbane 1-12 ($2.90)