Neds Match Preview: Round 3
Wests Tigers will make their long-awaited return this Saturday when they take on the Cronulla Sharks at Bankwest Stadium in Round 3.
After a two-month hiatus due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Michael Maguire's side will be eager to put a disappointing performance against the Newcastle Knights in Round 2 well and truly behind them and restart their 2020 campaign on a winning note against the currently winless Sharks.
While dealing with less than ideal circumstances, both Wests Tigers and Cronulla have benefited from the break with players who would have otherwise missed several weeks with injury all expected to be back available for selection.
The Sharks are set to welcome back the likes of Josh Dugan, Matt Moylan and Briton Nikora while Wests Tigers will be boosted by the inclusion of co-captain Moses Mbye and halfback Luke Brooks for their first matches of 2020.
New recruit Harry Grant also appears set to play his first game for the club after his highly-anticipated player swap agreement was finalised, with the highly-rated number nine set to add plenty to the creativity of Wests Tigers' attack.
Having not beat the Sharks since 2014 and with last year's heartbreaking Round 25 defeat fresh in their minds, Wests Tigers will no doubt be determined to deliver a strong performance this weekend to get them back on a winning note.
Match: Sharks v Wests Tigers
Round 3 -
home Team
Sharks
13th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
7th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
MATCH DETAILS
Date — Saturday, May 30
Time — 5:30pm AEST
Venue — Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
TV, RADIO AND LIVE STREAM INFORMATION
TV — Fox League (Ch.502, subscription required)
Radio — Radio broadcasts TBC
Live Stream — Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go, NRL Digital Pass, Watch NRL
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Cronulla Sharks — Matt Moylan is "a good chance to return" on Saturday from a calf injury according to coach John Morris. A final call on Moylan's availability will be made tomorrow, with Moylan to replace Will Kennedy at fullback if passed fit.
Wests Tigers — A reshuffled backline features Adam Doueihi moving to fullback and Moses Mbye returning in the centres, with Corey Thompson out, while new signing Harry Grant starts at hooker. Thomas Mikaele starts at prop with Alex Twal moving to lock and Elijah Taylor out of the side. Oliver Clark, Billy Walters and Alex Seyfarth join Chris Lawrence on the bench.
LATEST NEDS ODDS
Wests Tigers are starting to be backed in by punters after opening the week at $2.30. The line has also been backed in to less than two points in favour of the Sharks, with more movement expected in the build-up to kickoff.
H2H — Cronulla ($1.80), Wests Tigers ($2.00)
Line — Cronulla -1.5 ($1.90), Wests Tigers +1.5 ($1.90)
Odds correct as of 10:30am, May 30. 18+ only, gamble responsibly.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Overall — Played 33, Wests Tigers 17, Cronulla 13, Drawn 3
At Bankwest Stadium — Yet to meet at Bankwest Stadium
Last Time They Met — Cronulla 25 def. Wests Tigers 8 (Rd.25, 2019)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee — Adam Gee
Touch Judges — Kasey Badger and Jon Stone
Review Officials — Jared Maxwell and Ben Lowe
