NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Sharks

With the Green Machine sitting 12th following their 6-point loss to Newcastle last weekend, Saturday's match against the Sharks provides a great opportunity to turn things around.

For the home side, Cronulla are currently sitting fourth; however, their top-four hopes have weakened following their shock six-point loss to the Dragons.

Savelio Tamale and Matty Nicholson return to the side, replacing Simi Sasagi and Corey Horsburgh.

Meanwhile, Cronulla have also made a couple of changes to their lineup. Oregon Kaufusi has been named in place of Addin-Fonua Blake, who is out due to suspension.

KL Iro will also return from concussion protocols to replace injured Jesse Ramien.

Talking points:

• Raiders winger Jed Stuart has scored four tries in his last four games.
• Sharks winger Sione Katoa has scored six tries in his last six games.
• The Raiders have not won at Ocean Protect Stadium since 2019.
• The Sharks sit above the Dolphins purely on for and against.
• The Raiders need to win their next three games of the season to make the eight.

Taps is a big role model for me, he does those little one percenters and someone who I try and model my game off.

Joe Roddy on the influence of captain Joe Tapine

Key Matchup: Matt Timoko v KL Iro

This weekend’s matchup is between two in-form centres in Matt Timoko and KL Iro.

Since making his NRL debut in 2022, Iro has cemented himself into the Sharks’ side, consistently proving himself as a strong attacking threat and reliable defender.

So far this season, the Cook Islands representative has racked up 48 points, two try assists, nine linebreaks and an 86% tackle efficiency.

Meanwhile, coming up opposite him will be Matt Timoko, who has been in similar form this season.

Since making his debut in 2020, the centre has reined in over 100 games in the green.

Timoko has become a regular starter and favourite in the squad since his debut in 2020 through his strong tackle busting ability and communicating with the edges.

The Kiwi and Māori representative has amassed 24 points this season as well as two try assists and nine linebreaks.

However, Timoko just edges out Iro in tackle efficiency, sitting at 88%.

With both players in strong form, this weekend's matchup is set to be a close-fought battle, with Timoko and Iro both looking to make their mark towards the back end of the regular season and give their side the edge to take out the two points.