Wests Tigers v Sharks preview

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Fallen Tigers host buoyant Sharks.

After an early season boom by the Tigers they have fallen into a hole in recent weeks and will see no greater opportunity than Saturday's game against a revived Sharks side as a way to fight themselves into form. After failing to register a point against the eels at home last week, Jason Taylor's message this week will be to attempt to ram the Sharks through the middle in an attempt to give their vaunted outside backs opportunities to score. If the tigers can skip out to an early lead, then they will be hard to chase down.

The Sharks on the other hand have been impressive in the opening month of the season. A 30-2 drubbing of local rivals at George Illawarra was followed up with an equally impressive 14-6 upset of premiership heavyweights the Melbourne Storm where defence was again the cornerstone of their performance. Look for the return of captain Paul Gallen to galvanise the Sharkies and their defence to attempt to another the quickness of the Tigers attack. 

Last meeting: Round 24 2015 - Sharks 40 Tigers 18

The Tigers have won 6 of the last 9 against the Sharks and have only lost one game against Cronulla at Campbelltown which came all the way back in 2002!

Who to watch: James Tedesco is a star in the making and could carve up the Sharks if giving adequate time and space. His acceleration off the mark and his support play is almost unrivalled in the NRL. With each performance he seems to grow in confidence. Look for his dangerous link up play on the back of the halves, however he pops up anywhere and will be a nuisance for the Sharks defence all evening. 

The Sharks will be relying on the organisational play of new recruit James Maloney. Although he hasn't had a stellar game yet, the influence that Maloney possesses has improved the Sharks squad as a whole. Look for his long keeping game to put the Tigers back three under pressure. If he can limit the metres that James Tedesco has and the time and space he gets on kick returns it could be the difference between winning and losing. His combination with Chad Townsend is improving week to week. Exciting times for Sharks fans. 

The favourite: Sharks slight favourites in this clash, although money going both ways.

My tip: Tigers are a different proposition at Campbelltown but still thinks the Sharks defence will be too much for them. Will be a tough and close grind that will go down to the final whistle, Sharks to win by 6.

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Jordan Rankin 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah 10. Tim Grant 11. Chris Lawrence 12. Dene Halatau 13. Sauaso Sue
Interchange: 14. Ava Seumanufagai 15. Kyle Lovett 16. Josh Aloiai 17. Manaia Cherrington

1. Ben Barba 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 16. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 14. Jayson Bukuya
Interchange: 10. Sam Tagataese 15. Chris Heighington 13. Paul Gallen 17. Joseph Paulo

Referees: Adam Devcich, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Video Referees: Ben Galea, Matt Cecchin, Luke Patten;