Sharks v Warriors preview

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Warriors
Remondis Stadium - Saturday 5:30pm

Can the Sharks bounce back against the unpredictable Warriors.

After a poor start to 2015, the Sharks will be hoping the second-third of the regular season will provide them with a foundation to put themselves in finals contention. After making his return from suspension off the bench, Ben Barba will start at fullback for the first time for the Sharks, forcing Valentine Holmes and Michael Gordon onto the wings. With Paul Gallen still out through injury, Wade Graham will captain the side, while former Canberra winger Sami Sauliuma will make his debut for Cronulla off the bench having played 15 games for the Raiders over the past two years.

After an impressive showing in last week's Test match against Australia, Warriors coach Andrew McFadden will be hoping the strong form shown by the Kiwis can transfer across to the NRL. After featuring in the Samoa v Tonga clash, Konrad Hurrell and Dominique Peyroux have been recalled at the expense of David Fusitua and Raymond Faitala-Mariner. While he is not expected back until next week, Sam Tomkins may be a late inclusion for the Warriors, with Hurrell or former Shark Jonathan Wright likely to make way for the English fullback.

Last meeting: Round 22 2014 - New Zealand Warriors 16 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 12

Who to watch: After starting the year in the halves, Ben Barba will be relishing the opportunity to play at fullback for the Sharks. Having spent the past three games averaging half a game, Barba will be hoping the opportunity to play an entire match will alleviate the pressure on him to produce points as an impact player. Being the driving force behind Canterbury's 2012 Grand Final charge, the former Dally M Medal winner will also be looking to make an impact with his evasive footwork and blinding speed.

After starting his first grade career with Cronulla back in 2011, Chad Townsend has enjoyed a breakout season with the Warriors which has seen Sharks junior in hot-demand from rival clubs. While halfback Shaun Johnson has been seen as the focus of the Warriors attack, Townsend's combination alongside Ryan Hoffman and Solomone Kata has been deadly for the Warriors. Averaging close to 100 metres per game, Townsend's willingness to take the line on has paid dividends for the Warriors, producing five try assists and two tries.

The favourite: In recent times, the Sharks have won five of the past six encounters between the two sides, however the Warriors were able to get up in a closely fought game in late 2014. After consecutive home wins over Newcastle and South Sydney, Cronulla are expected to bounce back from their last round defeat to Penrith.

My tip: Following the week off, the Sharks will be primed for a big performance in front of their home fans. Sharks by 8.

1. Ben Barba 2. Valentine Holmes 3. Gerard Beale 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Michael Gordon 6. Jack Bird 7. Jeff Robson 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 10. Matt Prior 11. Jayson Bukuya 12. Wade Graham 13. Luke Lewis
Interchange: 14. Tinirau Arona 15. Anthony Tupou 16. Sami Sauiluma 17. Sam Tagataese 19. Pat Politoni

1. Tuimoala Lolohea 2. Jonathan Wright 3. Konrad Hurrell 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Chad Townsend 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Thomas Leuluai 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Nathan Friend 15. Dominique Peyroux 16. Sam Lisone 17. Sam Rapira 18. Albert Vete

Referees: Gavin Morris, David Munro; Sideline Officials: Ricky MacFarlane, Peter Gough; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Steve Folkes;

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