NRL.com match preview: NRL Round 3 v Sharks
Back in 1999, Craig Fitzgibbon was a member of the St George Illawarra side that made the grand final in their debut season ... 23 years later, he'll be plotting the downfall of the Red V at a ground he once called home.
The opening game of round three is packed with intriguing storylines and WIN Stadum is sure to come alive as Fityz's Sharks and Anthony Griffin's Dragons both go in search of a second win for the season.
The Sharks have played in two thrillers - going down to Canberra at the death in round one and then snatching victory in the final minute against the Eels in round two.
The Dragons followed an impressive opening win over the Warriors with a gutsy performance against the premiers, copping some tough calls on their way to a 20-16 loss at Netstrata Jubilee.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Dragons v Sharks
The Rundown
Team news
Dragons: There are no late changes for the Red V prior to kick-off. Hooker Andrew McCullough (elbow) will miss the local derby, his place taken by experienced utility Moses Mbye. Jackson Ford and Jack Gosiewski are the new faces on the bench.
Sharks: The visitors are 1-17. Matt Ikuvalu comes in on the wing for Ronaldo Mulitalo (head knock) and Siosifa Talakai will start in place of Teig Wilton (suspended). The new face on the bench is Braydon Trindall, who returns from a two-match ban for a high tackle in the trials.
Match: Dragons v Sharks
Round 3 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Sharks
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Tyrell SloanFullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
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Winger for Dragons is number 2 Cody RamseyWinger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
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Centre for Dragons is number 3 Mosese SuliCentre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
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Centre for Dragons is number 4 Zac LomaxCentre for Sharks is number 4 Connor Tracey
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Winger for Dragons is number 5 Mikaele RavalawaWinger for Sharks is number 5 Matt Ikuvalu
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Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Talatau AmoneFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Matt Moylan
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Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben HuntHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes
Forwards
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Prop for Dragons is number 8 Francis MoloProp for Sharks is number 8 Toby Rudolf
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Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Moses MbyeHooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
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Prop for Dragons is number 10 Blake LawrieProp for Sharks is number 10 Braden Hamlin-Uele
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Jack Bird2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Jaydn Su'a2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Siosifa Talakai
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Lock for Dragons is number 13 Tariq SimsLock for Sharks is number 13 Dale Finucane
Interchange
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Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Jack De BelinInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Aiden Tolman
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Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Josh KerrInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Cameron McInnes
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Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Jackson FordInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Braydon Trindall
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Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Jack GosiewskiInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Andrew Fifita
Reserves
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Replacement for Dragons is number 18 Tautau MogaReplacement for Sharks is number 18 Luke Metcalf
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Key match-up
Ben Hunt v Nicho Hynes: When Hunt is on song and taking on the line, the Dragons are an infinitely more dangerous proposition. The skipper holds the key to the Red V's chances and he comes up against a man who'll be riding high on confidence after kicking his new club to victory on Saturday with an ice cool conversion after the siren. Hynes has looked right at home in the No.7 and his combination with Matt Moylan looks sharper with every passing minute they play together.
Stat attack
The Sharks have racked up 37 points in their two matches and much of their attack has flowed from quality offloads. Their offload tally stands at 23 compared to just 13 for the Dragons. Centre Jesse Ramien and halfback Nicho Hynes lead the way for Cronulla with four offloads apiece.
