VENUE & TIME: Leichhardt Oval, Friday August 29, 7.35pm AEST
COVERAGE: Channel 9
LAST TIME: Wests Tigers 20-16 Sharks, at Toyota Stadium, Round 7, 2008.
WALKING WOUNDED: The Tigers enter Friday's must-win clash without the services of hooker Robbie Farah who was forced out of the line-up with an ankle injury on Thursday. Departing captain Brett Hodgson is also in doubt with a leg complaint - a decision on his availability will be made on Friday. Centre Dean Collis (knee), props Keith Galloway (foot) and Todd Payten (suspension), are also unavailable. The Sharks got through their impressive 20-0 triumph over the Roosters on Friday night without injury, but their premiership hopes were dealt a severe blow on Monday when star forward Greg Bird was suspended indefinitely by the club. The incumbent Kangaroos No.6 is facing assault charges stemming from an off-field incident in the early hours of Sunday morning and is unlikely to play any further part in the campaign.
FORM: With their finals hopes on the line, the Tigers have again gone missing at the business end of the season, suffering heavy defeats against the Sea Eagles and Eels in their previous two starts to all but dash their post-season aspirations. Although the Tigers remain a mathematical chance of scraping into the eight, there is little evidence to suggest Tim Sheens' men possess the firepower to climb out of the hole they have dug for themselves. The Sharks made a statement against fellow title contenders the Roosters to erase the disappointment of their loss to the Warriors the previous week and more importantly guarantee a top-four finish with two rounds remaining. Their much-maligned attack managed three tries against the respectable Roosters defence proving they are capable of more than just a strong defensive display.
WHO'S HOT: Veteran No.7 Brett Kimmorley turned back the clock against the Roosters but the former Kangaroos halfback had plenty of room to move thanks to the dominant Sharks pack. Skipper Paul Gallen once again led from the front as he will now need to do for the remainder of the season with Bird sidelined.
WE THINK: How Cronulla reacts to the loss of their main-man is anyone's guess but judging by the talk coming out of Sharks headquarters, the drama could in fact have a positive effect on their premiership push. But consider this, the Sharks' last triumph over the Tigers came way back in round 14 of the 2003 season - indeed the Tigers have won the last nine meetings between the clubs. History aside, the loss of Farah - and possible absence of Hodgson - should see the men from the Shire break their hoodoo. Sharks by 10.
TEAMS:
Tigers: 1. Brett Hodgson (c), 2. Taniela Tuiaki, 3. Tim Moltzen, 4. Chris Lawrence, 5. Beau Ryan, 6. Benji Marshall, 7. John Morris, 8. Ryan O'Hara, 9. Robbie Farah, 10. Bryce Gibbs, 11. Daine Laurie, 12. Chris Heighington, 13. Dene Halatau. Interchange: 14. Stuart Flanagan, 15. Liam Fulton, 16. Corey Payne, 17. Bronson Harrison, 20. Alan Schirnack
Sharks: 1. Brett Kearney, 2. Misi Taulapapa, 3. Ben Pomeroy, 4. David Simmons, 5. Luke Covell, 6. Brett Seymour, 7. Brett Kimmorley, 8. Ben Ross, 9. Isaac De Gois, 10. Adam Peek, 11. Luke Douglas, 12. Fraser Anderson, 13. Paul Gallen (c). Interchange: 14. Danny Nutley, 15. Grant Millington, 16. Kane Snowden, 17. Terrence Seu Seu, 19. Blake Green.