Tonight’s NRL Round 1 match is between Cronulla Sharks and the Gold Coast Titans. The opening kick is set to commence at 6:30pm local time with the game to be played at Sharks Stadium. Home team Cronulla are the favourites for the match and look very hard to beat. View our preview, teams list and odds for the match.
Expectations of Cronulla and Gold Coast might colour different shades of the NRL spectrum in 2013 but, as the highly touted Wests Tigers of 2012 can attest, expectations mean virtually nothing – and will mean even less come kick-off.
The Sharks and Titans enter the new season in completely different headspaces – Cronulla, after a foray into the finals last season, looking to delve deeper in 2013; the Gold Coast desperately searching for improvement after an 11th-place finish in 2012 that ultimately papered over some significant cracks.
The reported uncertainty surrounding the Sharks’ make-up for their season opener given ASADA’s ongoing investigations leaves some question marks over this clash but regardless, thoughts of a first long-awaited title in 2013 are at the forefront of Sharks supporters’ minds – and for good reason, too.
This year they’ve secured the services of several big names, including former Penrith duo Michael Gordon and Luke Lewis, in addition to former Wests Tigers Chris Heighington and Beau Ryan, and former Bulldogs back Jonathan Wright. It’s a fair line-up – arguably the best the Sharks have put on the park in more than a decade.
The Titans, meanwhile, are realistically only looking to challenge for a top-eight berth – anything more than that would label them the league’s super-achievers. There have also been significant changes to their roster, following the departure of pivotal playmaker Scott Prince to the Broncos. The Titans’ forwards, however, have been strengthened following the signing of former Bronco and Rabbitoh Dave Taylor – a match-turning monster who, if he captures consistency throughout 2013, could prove the buy of the season.
With trial wins over Manly and Newcastle under their belt the Sharks have named Gordon at fullback, relegating dynamic No.1 Nathan Gardner to the NSW Cup, with recruits Jonathan Wright and Ryan named on the flanks. Lewis has also secured a spot in the starting side, named in 11, with coach Shane Flanagan naming a seven-man bench that at this stage includes new recruit Heighington. Centre Ben Pomeroy (groin – Round 3) and prop Bryce Gibbs (Achilles – Round 10) are the only players unavailable.
The Titans, after winning trials against the Broncos and Warriors, have named Aidan Sezer and Albert Kelly as their new halves pairing, with Nate Myles and Greg Bird joint captains following Prince’s departure. Ex-Rooster Brad Takairangi has been named in the centres, with recruit Taylor taking the place of 220-game forward Mark Minichiello who has been dropped to the Queensland Cup.
Teams:
CRONULLA SHARKS:
Michael Gordon, Jonathan Wright, Ricky Leutele, Matthew Wright, Beau Ryan, Todd Carney, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita Isaac De Gois, Ben Ross, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen
Interchange: Chris Heighington, Jon Green, John Morris, Anthony Tupou, Jayson Bukuya, Mark Taufua, Chad Townsend (three to be omitted)
GOLD COAST TITANS:
William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Brad Takairangi, Jamal Idris, David Mead, Aidan Sezer, Albert Kelly, Luke Douglas, Matt Srama, Nate Myles, Greg Bird, Ben Ridge, Ashley Harrison Interchange: Dave Taylor, Luke Bailey, Ryan James, Beau Falloon, Luke O’Dwyer (one to be omitted)
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