Sea Eagles v Sharks: Hoppa new No.1; Ramien returns
The Sharks have missed the finals just once in the past 11 years and have once again set themselves up to be part of the September action with 11 wins from 17 games in 2026.
Under the astute guidance of Craig Fitzgibbon, the Sharks are an ultra-professional outfit that plays to its strengths, with Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall's ability to control a game chief among those strengths.
With six of their seven remaining games against sides currently outside the eight, the Sharks get a golden opportunity to push for a top-two finish.
The Sea Eagles have lost four of their past five matches to slump from third to ninth on the ladder and face a daunting task in the run home with games against four top-eight opponents in Cronulla, Dolphins, Knights and Warriors.
Match: Sea Eagles v Sharks
Round 21 -
home Team
Sea Eagles
9th Position
away Team
Sharks
4th Position
Venue: 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Team News
Sea Eagles: Lehi Hopoate takes over at fullback from Tom Trbojevic (hamstring). Tolu Koula goes to the wing and Josh Feledy is the new centre. Back-rower Ben Trbojevic is back from a concussion so Ethan Bullemor slides to the bench. Hooker Nic Lenaz has been named in the No.14 as he chases his first game as a Sea Eagle and second career game after debuting with the Cowboys last year. • The Sea Eagles are chasing their 1000th win since 1947 and their 500th victory at 4 Pines Park. No changes in Saturday's 24-hour update.
Sharks: Tom Hazelton has come out of the side on Saturday and will be replaced by Oregon Kaufusi. Prop Addin Fonua-Blake left the field twice last week with a pectoral issue but he looks to be right to go for Sunday. Jesse Ramien (illness), Siosifa Talakai (elbow) and Jesse Colquhoun (knee) are all back on deck for the trip to Brookie in a big boost for the Sharks.
Match: Sea Eagles v Sharks
Round 21 -
home Team
Sea Eagles
away Team
Sharks
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Lehi HopoateFullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
-
Winger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Jason SaabWinger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
-
Centre for Sea Eagles is number 3 Josh FeledyCentre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
-
Centre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Reuben GarrickCentre for Sharks is number 4 KL Iro
-
Winger for Sea Eagles is number 5 Tolutau KoulaWinger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
-
Five-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 6 Joey WalshFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall
-
Halfback for Sea Eagles is number 7 Jamal FogartyHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicho Hynes
Forwards
-
Prop for Sea Eagles is number 8 Taniela PasekaProp for Sharks is number 14 Jesse Colquhoun
-
Hooker for Sea Eagles is number 14 Nicholas LenazHooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
-
Prop for Sea Eagles is number 10 Simione LaiafiProp for Sharks is number 17 Oregon Kaufusi
-
2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Haumole Olakau'atu2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
-
2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 12 Ben Trbojevic2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton
-
Lock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Jake TrbojevicLock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes
Interchange
-
Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 9 Jake SimpkinInterchange for Sharks is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
-
Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 15 Nathan BrownInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Billy Burns
-
Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 16 Kobe HetheringtonInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Siosifa Talakai
-
Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Ethan BullemorInterchange for Sharks is number 18 Hohepa Puru
-
Reserve for Sea Eagles is number 19 Blake WilsonReserve for Sharks is number 19 Tuku Hau Tapuha
-
Reserve for Sea Eagles is number 20 Onitoni LargeReserve for Sharks is number 20 Mawene Hiroti
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Sea Eagles have won only one of their last eight games against the Sharks.
- The Sharks have won their last four games at 4 Pines Park.
- Sea Eagles winger Jason Saab has scored 11 tries in his last nine games at 4 Pines Park.
- Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored seven tries in his last eight games against the Sea Eagles.
- The Sea Eagles are chasing their 1,000th win since 1947 and their 500th victory at 4 Pines Park.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
