Cronulla Sharks v St George Illawarra Dragons
Sunday, March 19, 6:30pm (AEDT), Southern Cross Stadium, Sydney
It’s been a mixed start to the season for both of these sides, with the Sharks hammering the Raiders in Round 2, while the Dragons were ultra-impressive in overpowering the Panthers in Round 1. The derby is always a physical affair and the Sharks look to have the advantage here in what should be a low-scoring clash.
History
The Dragons have won 6 of the last 9 clashes with the Sharks, with the honours shared in 2016. The Sharks smashed the Dragons 30-2 in Round 2 last year at Southern Cross Stadium, while the Dragons got their revenge in Round 23, with a 32-18 victory at Kogarah.
The Dragons have won 6 of the last 9 clashes with the Sharks, with the honours shared in 2016. The Sharks smashed the Dragons 30-2 in Round 2 last year at Southern Cross Stadium, while the Dragons got their revenge in Round 23, with a 32-18 victory at Kogarah.
Form
Cronulla bounced back strongly from a disappointing Round 1 loss to Brisbane with a 42-16 annihilation of Canberra. The Sharks executed their game plan to perfection and exposed Canberra badly. Jack Bird looked very good at fullback while the pack has picked up where it left off last year. St George Illawarra’s form has been terribly mixed, shocking Penrith 42-10 in Round 1 before an appalling performance against Parramatta where handling errors consigned them to a 34-16 defeat in a final score that flattered the Saints.
Cronulla bounced back strongly from a disappointing Round 1 loss to Brisbane with a 42-16 annihilation of Canberra. The Sharks executed their game plan to perfection and exposed Canberra badly. Jack Bird looked very good at fullback while the pack has picked up where it left off last year. St George Illawarra’s form has been terribly mixed, shocking Penrith 42-10 in Round 1 before an appalling performance against Parramatta where handling errors consigned them to a 34-16 defeat in a final score that flattered the Saints.
Key Matchup
Jack Bird v Josh Dugan. Bird has been crying out for Sharks coach Shane Flanagan to move him out of the centres. He was given an opportunity at fullback against the Raiders and didn’t look out of place. The more Bird gets his hands on the ball, the better it is for the Sharks. Dugan was excellent in the Round 1 win over the Panthers and was solid against the Eels last week. Competition for spots in the NSW backline is at an all-time high and Dugan needs to keep putting his hat in the ring.
Jack Bird v Josh Dugan. Bird has been crying out for Sharks coach Shane Flanagan to move him out of the centres. He was given an opportunity at fullback against the Raiders and didn’t look out of place. The more Bird gets his hands on the ball, the better it is for the Sharks. Dugan was excellent in the Round 1 win over the Panthers and was solid against the Eels last week. Competition for spots in the NSW backline is at an all-time high and Dugan needs to keep putting his hat in the ring.
Stats That Matter
Cronulla are 1-1 ATS with a 2-0 over number while St George Illawarra are 1-1 ATS with a 2-0 over number. The Dragons have won 6 of the last 9 southern derbies but the biggest trend in this matchup has been low-scoring affairs with 15 of the last 19 matches failing to break 38 points. The Dragons have covered just 3 of their last 11 away games while they are 2-5 ATS on the road after conceding 30 points.
Cronulla are 1-1 ATS with a 2-0 over number while St George Illawarra are 1-1 ATS with a 2-0 over number. The Dragons have won 6 of the last 9 southern derbies but the biggest trend in this matchup has been low-scoring affairs with 15 of the last 19 matches failing to break 38 points. The Dragons have covered just 3 of their last 11 away games while they are 2-5 ATS on the road after conceding 30 points.
Final Thoughts
The weather could have an impact on this clash, making both the Sharks 1-12 and under 38 points great plays. The Wolf is expecting a forward battle and favours the Sharks if it turns into an arm-wrestle between the respective packs.
The weather could have an impact on this clash, making both the Sharks 1-12 and under 38 points great plays. The Wolf is expecting a forward battle and favours the Sharks if it turns into an arm-wrestle between the respective packs.
How It’s Shaping Up
Cronulla by 4
Cronulla by 4
Best BetCronulla 1-12 ($3)
Other Recommended Bets
Under 38 ($1.88)
Under 38 ($1.88)
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