Preview: Round 23 v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

The St George Illawarra Dragons will host local rivals the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at UOW Jubilee Oval, Kogarah on Saturday (7.30pm).

Head Coach Paul McGregor has named fullback Josh Dugan to make his return from injury, while second-rowers Tyson Frizell and Joel Thompson return from suspension in a massive boost for the Club.

The Dragons have had a lot of recent success at the venue, winning seven of their last 10 games, including six of their last seven against the Sharks.

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

The Sharks, who had their 16 game unbeaten streak undone last weekend against the Canberra Raiders, will be keen to retake their position atop the competition table with a win.

After missing last week with an illness, the Sharks welcome back hooker Michael Ennis in place of Matt McIlwrick.

Having scored at least 18 points in all but two games since Round 5, the Sharks possess the second best attacking record in the competition, averaging 25.6 points per game.

The Sharks also have one of the best defensive records in the competition, allowing a stout 16.1 points per game, third best in the league.

Head To Head (Josh Dugan vs. Ben Barba)

Dragons fullback Josh Dugan will make his return from a jaw injury which has sidelined him for the previous four rounds.

In his two games prior to his broken jaw, Dugan ran for an impressive 342 metres, had two line breaks, and scored a try.

Sharks fullback Ben Barba is having one of the best years of his career, racking up 13 tries and 14 line breaks in his 20 appearances for the Sharks this year.  

Averaging 101.9 running metres a game, Barba has been a big reason for the Sharks success thus far.

History (Since 1999)

The Dragons and Sharks share an 18-all head-to-head split since 1999, with only a 2001 clash at the Allianz Stadium, Moore Park ending in a 26-all draw.

While the Dragons have lost their last two against the Sharks, they have won 10 of their last 15.

The Red-and-Whites record against the Sharks at UOW Jubilee Oval however is great, coming away with the two competition points on six of eight occasions, including their last three.

Match Day Details

Date: Saturday, August 13
Venue: UOW Jubilee Oval, Kogarah
Gates Open: 5.00pm
NYC: 5.15pm
NRL: 7.30pm
Broadcast: FOX Sports

Click Here For Round 23 v Cronulla Sharks Game Day Information!