Dragons v Sharks: Guler to start; Hiroti in for Iro
A local derby is always a game to look forward to, no matter where the teams are on the ladder and this week's encounter between the Dragons and Sharks should be no different.
The home side have been struggling for wins, but have consistently been putting in big efforts, including last week where they came within a converted try of upsetting the highly-fancied Dolphins in their 28-22 loss.
The Sharks however will be another prospect again, having well and truly hit their straps in recent weeks.
Last round, they were able to overpower the Rabbitohs with a 32-16 win, which came off the back of four wins on the trot.
Shooting for their sixth straight this week, a win against their nearest rivals would only add to celebrations for their fans.
Match: Dragons v Sharks
Round 23 -
home Team
Dragons
17th Position
away Team
Sharks
4th Position
Venue: St George Venues Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah
Team News
Dragons: Emre Guler comes into the starting side in place of Toby Couchman, who has entered the concussion protocols. Kempsey product Jacob Webster will make his NRL debut off the bench after racking up 40 NSW Cup appearances across the past two seasons in the front row. No changes in Saturday's 24-hour update, with Christian Tuipulotu and Ryan Hutchinson dropping out.
Sharks: Blues prop Addin Fonua-Blake has again been named to start but may swap on game day with Oregon Kaufusi as he did last week. The loss of KL Iro (concussion) and Siosifa Talakai (biceps) sees Mawene Hiroti comes in at centre and Hohepa Puru join the bench. Braden Uele has been added to the interchange as he chases a first NRL appearance since Round 4 while potential debutant Michael Gabrael is also listed on the six-man interchange. Cronulla also remains 1-19, with Niwhai Puru remaining in the extended squad.
Match: Dragons v Sharks
Round 23 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Sharks
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Clinton GuthersonFullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
-
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Tyrell SloanWinger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
-
Centre for Dragons is number 3 Moses SuliCentre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
-
Centre for Dragons is number 4 Valentine HolmesCentre for Sharks is number 4 Mawene Hiroti
-
Winger for Dragons is number 19 Mathew FeagaiWinger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
-
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Lyhkan King-TogiaFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall
-
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Kyle FlanaganHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicho Hynes
Forwards
-
Prop for Dragons is number 8 Loko Jnr Pasifiki TongaProp for Sharks is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
-
Hooker for Dragons is number 14 Jacob LiddleHooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
-
Prop for Dragons is number 10 Emre GulerProp for Sharks is number 10 Jesse Colquhoun
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Dylan Egan2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
-
2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Hamish Stewart2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton
-
Lock for Dragons is number 13 Ryan CouchmanLock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 2 Setu TuInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Billy Burns
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Jacob HalangahuInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Oregon Kaufusi
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Jacob WebsterInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Thomas Hazelton
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 19 Braden Uele
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 9 Damien CookReserve for Sharks is number 14 Hohepa Puru
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 15 Josh KerrReserve for Sharks is number 18 Michael Gabrael
-
Reserve for Dragons is number 18 Daniel Atkinson
Match Officials
- Referee: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Dragons upset the Sharks 22-14 at Kogarah in the corresponding round in 2025.
- The Sharks have won 11 of their last 12 games against the Dragons.
- The Dragons have lost four of their last five games at St George Events Jubilee Stadium.
- Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes has succeeded with 32 consecutive attempts at goal.
- Dragons winger Tyrell Sloan has scored six tries in his last six games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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