NRL Finals Week 1 Preview - Roosters (1st) v Sharks (4th) @ Allianz Stadium

Sydney Roosters v Cronulla Sharks @ Allianz Stadium
 
Preview - The Roosters and Sharks collide in a crackerjack semi-final at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night. This grudge match has huge stakes with the victor able to host a Preliminary Final and get a week off in their path to possible glory. The Roosters defeated the Sharks in their only clash this season, winning 28-10 at Shark Park in a game they controlled for the majority. The Chooks tuned up for this showdown by thumping the Eels 44-10 to secure the Minor Premiership for a fourth time in six seasons under Trent Robinson. The Sharks continued their strong form, leading into the finals with a 30-18 victory over the Bulldogs, as they secured the vital Top 4 spot and double bite of the cherry.
 
Sydney Roosters’ Scouting Report - Trent Robinson has named the same 17, but has swapped Victor Radley back into the starting line-up after he started on the bench last week. Isaac Liu starts in the second row and Mitch Aubusson moves to the bench.
 
Cronulla Sharks’ Scouting Report - The Sharks welcome back a key backline member with Ricky Leutele to start at left centre. Kurt Capewell is relegated to the bench whilst Jesse Ramien could be a late inclusion from injury and has been named on the extended bench.
 
Verdict -Roosters by 1-8 in a low scoring game

 Really looking forward to this game as you have the silkiness of the Roosters up against a side that likes to drag you down into a bunfight in the Sharks. Perhaps that’s downgrading the Sharks a little, however it’s actually a compliment in that they have a good record against sides like the Roosters and Storm, and can easily get under their skin as well as put them off their game. I just think the Roosters are going to be too strong for them, as I think defensively they have been the best side this year, and the Sharks’ attack has sputtered throughout the year a little bit. Expecting a low scoring game with plenty of penalties, but the Roosters to book their place in Week 3.