Cronulla v St George Illawarra


Today, Toyota Stadium, 5.30pm.

What the Sharks say


They see a win as critical to their chances of finishing with a top-four spot, since the Dragons are one of those teams not far outside the four. "We could probably upset our season or grab a bit of confidence by beating them," said halfback Brett Kimmorley.

What the Dragons say


They aren't bothered by Cronulla having won the past three clashes between the two teams. "The stats show that the games are always very close and we don't expect this game to be any different," said halfback Ben Hornby. "There is always a lot of feeling taken into the games because there is a fair bit of history there."

What Prichard says


The key indicators point to Cronulla winning. They get Greg Bird back and the Dragons lose Mark Gasnier. The Sharks have a 5-3 record at home, while the Dragons are 4-5 away. The Dragons played on Monday night, while the Sharks have had plenty of time to recover and prepare. Plus, the Sharks are coming off a game against quality opponents in Brisbane, which they lost 18-12, as opposed to the Dragons not being examined in their 30-0 win over the struggling Bulldogs. That has to be better for the Sharks, who might be more ready for the physical sort of match we are likely to see here.

For the Sharks to win


They can't let the Dragons get a roll on. If the Dragons are allowed to play the ball quickly and shift it wide of the ruck before the defence gets to them they can come up with long-range tries through players such as the Morris twins - Brett and Josh. The Sharks have to clamp down in the play-the-ball area, which is one of their strengths anyway. Cronulla's key players - Brett Kimmorley, Brett Kearney, Isaac De Gois, Paul Gallen and Greg Bird - have all got to touch the ball a lot and weave the Sharks forward using their skill and guile.

For the Dragons to win


They can't allow the Sharks to turn the game into an arm wrestle. But, at the same time, they have to be patient. The Dragons have got the players who can make something happen - even against a team as resolute in defence as Cronulla - but if they force the pass and start turning over the ball they will be playing into the opposition's hands. They need to be very smart about the choices they make. If there is nothing on, they should keep it tight, but if there is an opening they should try to exploit it - even from within their own half.

The X factor


Bird's return after six weeks out with a knee injury is huge for the Sharks. He might be a bit underdone, but a class player such as him will still find a way to make an impact.

What the bookies say: Sportsbook.com.au had the Sharks as favourites at $1.54, with the Dragons at $2.50. Handicap betting had the Sharks conceding 5.5 points start. All the money yesterday was for the Sharks.

The late mail


The Dragons suffered a severe blow yesterday, when form prop Jason Ryles was ruled out with a thigh injury.

The teams


SHARKS: B Kearney, M Taulapapa B Pomeroy, D Simmons, L Covell, B Seymour, B Kimmorley, B Ross, I De Gois, L Douglas, P Gallen (c), F Anderson, G Bird. Res: (from) D Nutley, K Snowden, A Peek, T Seu Seu, G Millington. DRAGONS: B Morris, J Nightingale, C Stanley, M Cooper, J Morris, J Soward, B Hornby (c), J Poore, D Young, D Hunt, B Scott, J Saffy, S Webb. Res: R Chase, S Woolford, M Prior, K Reynoldson, L Setu.
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