Sharks v Sea Eagles | Toyota Stadium | Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:30
THE two beach suburbs meet, both with plenty to play for. Home side, Cronulla are desperate to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon, while Manly will be anxious about securing a top-eight birth.
Until last week it seemed the Sea Eagles were cruising, and were even capable of a top-four finish, but after being whacked by the Dragons last week, they’re now fighting to get back into the play-off mix.
The Sharks sit just a win ahead of the last-placed Roosters, and after their fractured season, they will be looking for any chance to make their loyal fans smile.
The final make-up of the two sides probably won’t be known until kick-off because of State of Origin representation. Manly in particular will be crossing their fingers that forward leaders Josh Perry, Anthony Watmough and Glenn Stewart are able to back up to take on the Sharks.
Although they won’t be playing in this match, the Sharks should be somewhat buoyed by the recent signings the club has secured for next year.
Recruiting the likes of John Morris, Dean Collis, Paul Aiton, Brod Wright, Albert Kelly and Manly’s Adam Cuthbertson represents a bright future for Cronulla, and you’d expect their spirits to be raised after some positive press in recent weeks.
Cronulla will be tough to beat on a cold winter’s night in The Shire, but if Manly is the real deal, as most expect they are, they should win this match.
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