With halves partner Chad Townsend controlling the game, it’s up to Moylan to bring the X-factor on Friday night. Falling awkwardly on his shoulder, the early prognosis was an injury to Gallen’s rotator cuff. Few thought they would be in this position, especially after losing the quality and experience of Cooper Cronk, but that simply shows the professionalism of the modern era’s most successful club. Sharks vs Panthers Preview and Prediction Cronulla and Penrith are in sensational form heading into this showdown, but only one team will be able to register their fourth victory on the bounce when they clash on Saturday afternoon. This is it. The Sharks have no fear playing in Melbourne either – they’ve secured a narrow victory at AAMI Park already this season in a 17-14 upset. Should Moylan have a blinder this weekend, a second grand final appearance in three years won’t be out of the question for the Sharks. The Sharks have proven to be Melbourne’s kryptonite in recent years and the memory of a 2016 Grand Final loss will linger for many in this Storm side.
Will it be the Sharks or the Storm who are first through to the 2018 decider? Problem?
Not only did the Sharks claim their maiden premiership against the Storm back in 2016, they’ve won four of their past five meetings. Melbourne are looking to achieve what very few sides have – winning back-to-back premierships. Melbourne appear to have adjusted to the new six-again rule and are going in search of a third straight victory over recording impressive 13+ triumphs over Souths and Newcastle.
We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. After doing all the hard work in the first half of that game, Cronulla were lucky to hold off the fast-finishing Panthers and will need plenty of improvement against a dogged Storm outfit. Melbourne have failed to settle on a halves combination all season and if there is any chink in their armour, it’s in the halves.
T&Cs Apply. After losing Wade Graham the week prior, Gallen’s injury is the last thing the Sharks needed and if they are to upset the Storm, they’ll need a fully fit forward assault. If the finals series is anything to go by, expect this one to go right down to the wire. Sharks 13 at Southern Cross Group Stadium2018 – Round 4 – Sharks 14 def.
Melbourne also managed a one-point victory in their most recent match but unlike the Sharks, they’ve had a week off to rest and recover. It took a while for Cronulla to get going this season, but they have hit a purple patch of form over the last few weeks, scoring 40 points or more in winning five of their last six. Jake Turpin returns at hooker for the suspended Issac Luke.Josh Dugan returns from injury in place of Bryson Goodwin for the Sharks, while Connor Tracey comes in for Chad Townsend at halfback.
Panthers vs Storm Preview and Prediction It’s a top five showdown in the second game on Friday night as the high-flying Storm and Panthers look to continue their positive start to the season. Sharks vs Bulldogs Preview and Prediction It’s not quite panic stations for these two sides, but another loss for the Bulldogs or Sharks will make qualifying for the finals a mountainous challenge.
Since 2003, Bellamy has taken his Storm side to the decider on seven occasions, tasting premiership victory twice. What can almost be guaranteed between these sides though is a physical encounter. I can’t tip the Broncos given their dismal form, but this might be closer than a lot of people are expecting.Sharks 1-12, Under 44.5 points, Kotini Staggs to score a tryBrodie Croft is out injured for Brisbane, with Anthony Milford reverting to five-eighth and Darius Boyd going back to fullback. Sea Eagles vs Sharks Preview and Prediction Manly have put together a tremendous start to the season, with their only defeats coming in close games against Parramatta and Melbourne. Paul Gallen has been named in the Sharks side this week, but there are plenty suggesting he won’t lace up the boots on Friday night.
It’s a simply remarkable record and one unlikely ever to be beaten.