The second of today’s NRL Round 7 matches is between Cronulla Sharks and Canterbury Bulldogs. The opening kick is set to commence at 3:00pm local time with the game to be played at the Bluetongue Stadium. The away team Canterbury Bulldogs are the current favourites for the match. View our preview and teams for the match between Cronulla Sharks and Canterbury Bulldogs.

Bluetongue Stadium

Sunday @ 15:00

Featured Bookmakers:

Cronulla Sharks $2.00 vs Canterbury Bulldogs $1.83 at Sportsbet Australia get a $500 FREE BET on this match

Cronulla Sharks $2.15 vs Canterbury Bulldogs $1.72 at Luxbet Australia get a $500 FREE BET on this match

Odds Comparison:

Cronulla Sharks	2.00	2.00	2.15	2.00	2.00	2.00
Canterbury Bulldogs	1.83	1.83	1.72	1.83	1.83	1.82

Preview:

It’s hard to believe that last year’s Grand Finalists, the Bulldogs, have only one win from six matches this year but when you stop and look at their draw – they’ve played the top four teams in the past four weeks, combined with the off field drama in the pre-season surrounding star player Ben Barba, and a long list of injuries, their position on the ladder becomes understandable.

However, what worries me is that the signs of such a bad start appear to be taking a toll on the side who in the past two weeks, have conceded 58 points and scored just 6.

They need to stop the bleeding and get their chance here against a club under just as much pressure in the Sharks.

Like their competitor here, the Sharks had a tumultuous preseason to deal with and lost their coach, who has since been reinstated, for several weeks.

They too have lost their past three encounters (Dragons, Eels, Sea Eagles) but have at least been competitive for the majority of each match.

The Sharks have only one win from their past seven matches against the Dogs and that came in Round 15 2011.

Both sides are desperate, a loss here creates a gap between the top half of the ladder that will be hard to bridge and both teams would’ve considered themselves serious final contenders after last year.

It’ll be a real test and expect to see some desperate footy and think that will suit the Dogs a little more than the Sharks.

Teams:

Cronulla Sharks:
Michael Gordon, Nathan Stapleton, Ben Pomeroy, Jonathan Wright, Beau Ryan, Todd Carney, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, John Morris, Ben Ross, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen (c)
Interchange: Chris Heighington, Jayson Bukuya, Isaac De Gois, Anthony Tupou, Sam Tagataese (one to be omitted).

Canterbury Bulldogs:
Ben Barba, Mitch Brown, Josh Morris, Tim Lafai, Sam Perrett, Josh Reynolds, Trent Hodkinson, Aiden Tolman, Michael Ennis (c), Martin Taupau, Tony Williams, Josh Jackson, Greg Eastwood
Interchange: Dene Halatau, Dale Finucane, Tim Browne, Frank Pritchard, David Klemmer (one to be omitted).