NSW CUP PREVIEW - RD 23 - New South Wales Rugby League
NSW CUP PREVIEW - RD 23
NSWRL MEDIA
11/08/2011 1:26:10 PM
Cronulla Sharks Vs Western Suburbs Magpies
Henson Park, Saturday, August 13
Kick-off: 1.00pm
Referee: Matt Noyen
Broadcast: NSWRL Match of the Round to be aired on Fox Sports 2 HD and Fox Sports 2, Wednesday, August 17, 4.30pm
Summary: The Cronulla Sharks will be out to sure up their position at the pointy end of the competition table while the Magpies are out to continue their good recent run of form. A nail biting loss to the Bulldogs was followed up with a convincing come from behind victory against Manly last week by the boys in black and white and no doubt they will have the confidence in their own ability to cause the upset here. The Sharks were far too good for Windsor last weekend and only some late consolation tries to the home side kept the score line from really reflecting the Sharks dominance. Another star studded side will be trotted out on to Henson for the Sharks with the likes of Paul Aiton, Johnny Mannah and John Williams named to play while Matthew Wright will also make his first appearance in the NSW Cup in 2011 after he was named in the centres beside Dean Collis. No real changes for the Magpies for the third week in a row and that consistency in their line up is being translated into positive results on the field.
Talking Point: Are the Magpies now in the box seat to avoid the dreaded spoon – With their win against Manly and the resulting swing in for and against, it would appear that the Magpies are now in the box seat to hand the spoon over to Manly. If you look at the draw both of these sides will face a tough task winning another match this year, but given the fact that the Magpies will receive two more points for the bye in round 25 they must now be favoured to avoid the dubious honour of finishing bottom of the ladder at seasons end.
Prediction: Sharks should get the points but look for the Magpies to push them all the way. Sharks by 10.
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=...isplay&id=41759&title=nsw-cup-preview---rd-23