Cronulla Sharks v Canterbury Bulldogs
Saturday, May 27, 7:30pm (AEST), Southern Cross Group Stadium, Sydney
Both teams have been heavily impacted by the upcoming State of Origin series, with the Sharks missing four players in James Maloney, Andrew Fifita, Wade Graham and Jack Bird, while the Bulldogs will be without Brett Morris, Josh Jackson and David Klemmer. The team that handles the Origin disruption the best will get the two valuable competition points here.
History
The Sharks have won their last two against the Bulldogs, including a 20-18 win last year, their first consecutive wins against Canterbury since 2000. Canterbury have won 16 of their last 22 against Cronulla.
The Sharks have won their last two against the Bulldogs, including a 20-18 win last year, their first consecutive wins against Canterbury since 2000. Canterbury have won 16 of their last 22 against Cronulla.
Form
Cronulla have won their last three and 7 of their last 8 following a grinding 18-14 win over North Queensland last Thursday. The Sharks last four games have all been decided by a single score with Cronulla winning three. Cronulla have not conceded more than 18 points since Round 1. Canterbury have dropped their last two after defeating Canberra, going down 30-14 to North Queensland and 24-18 to the Sydney Roosters in an admirable performance. It is just the fifth time in the Des Hasler era that the Bulldogs have conceded 24-plus in consecutive weeks. The Bulldogs sit last in scoring.
Cronulla have won their last three and 7 of their last 8 following a grinding 18-14 win over North Queensland last Thursday. The Sharks last four games have all been decided by a single score with Cronulla winning three. Cronulla have not conceded more than 18 points since Round 1. Canterbury have dropped their last two after defeating Canberra, going down 30-14 to North Queensland and 24-18 to the Sydney Roosters in an admirable performance. It is just the fifth time in the Des Hasler era that the Bulldogs have conceded 24-plus in consecutive weeks. The Bulldogs sit last in scoring.
Key Matchup
Chad Townsend v Moses Mbye. Townsend will have added responsibility this week, with his halves partner James Maloney off on Origin duty. Townsend was instrumental in the Sharks’ comeback win over the Cowboys last week, with a try and try assist, and will need to step up again. It’s been a disappointing season to date for Mbye, but there were signs of improvement in the loss to the Roosters. He had a try-assist and made 5 tackle-breaks last week and is at his best when he runs the ball. The introduction of Matt Frawley to the side, with Reynolds out injured, allows Mbye to play his natural game as a runner rather than an organiser.
Chad Townsend v Moses Mbye. Townsend will have added responsibility this week, with his halves partner James Maloney off on Origin duty. Townsend was instrumental in the Sharks’ comeback win over the Cowboys last week, with a try and try assist, and will need to step up again. It’s been a disappointing season to date for Mbye, but there were signs of improvement in the loss to the Roosters. He had a try-assist and made 5 tackle-breaks last week and is at his best when he runs the ball. The introduction of Matt Frawley to the side, with Reynolds out injured, allows Mbye to play his natural game as a runner rather than an organiser.
Stats That Matter
Cronulla are 4-7 ATS with a 9-2 under record in 2017 while Canterbury are 7-4 ATS with an 8-3 under number. The Sharks have won their last two against the Bulldogs, their first consecutive wins against Canterbury since 2000. Canterbury have won 16 of their last 22 against Cronulla. Low-scoring matches have been common with 8 of their last 9 failing to break 38 points. The Sharks have covered just 1 of their last 6 at Shark Park.
Cronulla are 4-7 ATS with a 9-2 under record in 2017 while Canterbury are 7-4 ATS with an 8-3 under number. The Sharks have won their last two against the Bulldogs, their first consecutive wins against Canterbury since 2000. Canterbury have won 16 of their last 22 against Cronulla. Low-scoring matches have been common with 8 of their last 9 failing to break 38 points. The Sharks have covered just 1 of their last 6 at Shark Park.
Final Thoughts
The Wolf thinks the Sharks will be impacted more by the loss of their Origin stars than the Bulldogs. Fifita has been their most damaging forward, while the loss of Maloney will put plenty of pressure on Townsend to take the reins. It will be a low-scoring grinding affair, making the Bulldogs +4.5 the bet in this one.
The Wolf thinks the Sharks will be impacted more by the loss of their Origin stars than the Bulldogs. Fifita has been their most damaging forward, while the loss of Maloney will put plenty of pressure on Townsend to take the reins. It will be a low-scoring grinding affair, making the Bulldogs +4.5 the bet in this one.
How It’s Shaping Up
Canterbury by 4
Canterbury by 4
Best Bet
Canterbury +4.5 ($1.91)
Canterbury +4.5 ($1.91)
Other Recommended Bets
Under 38.5 ($1.88)
Under 38.5 ($1.88)
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