Roosters v Sharks preview

Sydney Roosters v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Allianz Stadium - Sunday 4:00pm

As we head into round 5 of the 2015 NRL season, the Roosters sit second on the ladder behind the undefeated Newcastle Knights with three wins from four matches. The Sharks, however, are anchored to the bottom without a win. With a playing roster seemingly as good as any other, the Sutherland Shire based club have struggled majorly to open their 2015 account and are left as the only team without a win so far.

The Roosters took a convincing 34-6 hammering of Canberra at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, and will no doubt be looking to carry the momentum into this weekends clash at the same ground. The formidable forward pack of the Bondi boys ran riot over the Raiders, who aren't exactly a "small" side themselves. Coupled with that, their back line did all the scoring- Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Blake Ferguson, Daniel Tupou, Michael Jennings and James Maloney all crossed for four-pointers in a dominant display. However, Blake Ferguson sustained an ankle injury that is expected to see him sidelined for up to four months. The former Shark and Raider has just made his return to the NRL after serving a 12 month ban, and this injury will halt his fast-paced progression since returning in round 1. The only negative that could come out of the 34-6 shellacking was allowing Raiders centre Jarrod Crocker to stroll in for a soft try when the score was 18-0, and coach Trent Robinson will no doubt let his players know about it at training during the week as they prepare to take on the struggling Sharks.

While scoring points seems to be second nature to the Roosters, Cronulla have not found them as easy to come by. Despite scoring 22 points against the Titans on Saturday, the Sharks still lost the match after a last gasp interception by flying centre James Roberts saw him streak away to steal his clubs first win of the season. Cronulla looked to have had the game in the bag but a brain-explosion by stand in five-eighth Wade Graham meant the black, white and blue faithful left Remondis Stadium after witnessing a ninth consecutive home loss stretching back to last season. Coach Shane Flanagan will be no doubt feeling the heat this week, with the pressure from four straight losses to open the campaign weighing on his shoulders. Outside back recruit Gerard Beale has made little impact, but at the same time has not seen much of the ball. The Sharks need to improve greatly this Sunday afternoon if they are to beat the Roosters who are mounting as firm Premiership contenders once again.

So will the Roosters continue their brilliant form, or will the Sharks steal the chocolate on this Easter Sunday clash?

Last meeting: Round 17 2014 - Sydney Roosters 28 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 30

Who to watch: The performance of Jack Bird in the number 6 for Cronulla should be interesting. Cronulla have struggled to score points all season, and he's the next in a long line of hopefuls for the position. Together with Jeff Robson, they'll have to take on the impressive duo of James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce - a job that's difficult for a settled and established halves combination, let alone a combination playing their first game together.

The favourite: The Roosters will deservedly start as favourites in this one.

My tip: Roosters 13+

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5. Nene Macdonald 6. James Maloney 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Matt McIlwrick 10. Sam Moa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Aidan Guerra 13. Isaac Liu
Interchange: 14. Mitchell Aubusson 15. Dylan Napa 16. Kane Evans 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho 18. Willie Manu 19. Lagi Setu

1. Valentine Holmes 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Gerard Beale 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Michael Gordon 6. Jack Bird 7. Jeff Robson 8. Matt Prior 9. Michael Ennis 10. Chris Heighington 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Jayson Bukuya 15. Anthony Tupou 16. Andrew Fifita 17. David Fifita

Referees: Ben Cummins, Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Adam Reid, Peter Gough; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Ben Galea;

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