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Cronulla Sharks v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Friday, July 21, 7:50pm (AEST) at Southern Cross Group Stadium, Sydney

The Sharks will be looking to bounce back after last week’s defeat to the Titans, played in torrential conditions on the Gold Coast. Shane Flanagan’s men sit outside the Top 4 on for-and-against and need to win these types of matches if they have aspirations of winning back-to-back premierships. James Maloney returns for the Sharks after he was rested last week. There were whispers that Adam Reynolds would miss the next month with a broken thumb, but scans have revealed no break and he should take his spot in the Rabbitohs No.7 jersey.

History
The Sharks have won four of the last five meetings against the Rabbitohs at Shark Park. The Rabbitohs won last year’s clash 12-6 at ANZ Stadium. None of the last seven matches between the two teams have topped 40 points with six failing to break 28.

Form
Cronulla have fallen to fifth on the ladder following their embarrassing 30-10 loss to the Titans on the Gold Coast. The Sharks have won just two of their last five but probably had just one good performance across that run. Cronulla have conceded at least 18 in four of their last five. South Sydney were poor across the Origin period winning just two of the six matches. The Rabbitohs have dropped their last five away from ANZ. Souths are now 14th on the ladder with just six wins for the season.

Key Matchup
Wade Graham v Angus Crichton: Graham came up with some costly decisions in Game 3 of State of Origin and by all reports feels like he let the state down. Consistent club football couldn’t come at a better time for Graham and it’s up to him to rediscover the form which got him selected for NSW in the first place. He can start by making a statement against Angus Crichton, who has been a revelation for Souths this season. Crichton has been a breakout star this year and has found his home for as long as he wants it on the right edge for the Rabbitohs. He is playing with a stress fracture in his foot, another sign that he is completely committed to helping the Rabbitohs finish the season on a strong note. The Wolf is excited about this match-up.

Stats That Matter
– Cronulla are 6-11 ATS with a 10-7 under number while South Sydney are 9-8 ATS with a 9-8 under record.

– None of the last seven matches between the two teams have topped 40 points with six failing to break 28.

– Cronulla have won four of the last five meetings against Souths at Shark Park.

– The Sharks are 18-27 ATS at Shark Park since 2014 and have covered just 1 of their last 9 at the ground.

– Cronulla are 5-12 ATS at Shark Park when favoured by more than a converted try with a 14-7 under record.

– Souths have covered 8 of their last 12 away from ANZ and 4 of their last 5 on the road getting a start of more than a converted try.

– Souths are just 11-17 ATS after scoring 12 points or fewer.

– The Sharks have covered just 1 of their last 8 at night.

– Cronulla have covered 9 of their last 11 after losing by 20 or more.

Final Thoughts
The Wolf is expecting a big response from the defending premiers, but there’s no question that last week’s match against the Titans in awful conditions could leave a few of the Sharks feeling leg-heavy in the second half. For that reason, The Wolf can’t see a blowout here and the Sharks will grind out another result in their quest for a Top 4 spot. All the stats point to unders too.

How It’s Shaping Up
Cronulla by 6

Best Bet
Cronulla 1-12 ($2.90)

Other Recommended Bets
Under 38 ($1.88)


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