Sunday’s NRL 2017 Round 26 match is between Newcastle Knights and Cronulla Sharks. The opening kick is set to commence at 14:00 local time with the game to be played at McDonald Jones Stadium. The away team Cronulla Sharks are the favourites for the match. View our preview and teams for the game between Newcastle Knights and Cronulla Sharks.
When: 14:00 | Sunday 03/09/2017
Where: McDonald Jones Stadium
Preview:
The Sharks can regain their spot in the top four with a victory over the Knights, but need the Eels to suffer a last-round slip-up against Souths. It’s been a funny year for the reigning premiers who have struggled to find top gear yet have managed 14 wins. The Knights have only a slim chance of avoiding a third-consecutive wooden spoon, needing a big win and the Warriors to overcome the Wests Tigers. They’ll be aiming to celebrate their Old Boys’ day with an upset victory to further derail the Sharks’ title defence.
Key: The Knights lost by the slimmest margin the last time they faced the Sharks, but their tiring youngsters are up against it this time.
Tip: Sharks
Odds:
OFFER: Deposit $50 BET with $200 via this link – Ends Soon!
Tip: Cronulla Sharks at $1.38
Value Tip: First Try Scorer: Valentine Holmes at $12.00
More Info:
Head to Head: Knights 27 Sharks 21 drawn 1
Last clash: Round 5, 2017 – Sharks 19 bt Knights 18 at Southern Cross Group Stadium
TabSportsbet.com.au: Knights $3.50 Sharks $1.30
FootyTAB.com.au: Knights +10.5
Teams:
Knights: 
1. Nathan Ross 2. Ken Sio 3. Dane Gagai 4. Peter Mata’utia 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Jack Cogger 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Danny Levi 10. Josh King 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Jamie Buhrer 13. Mitchell Barnett 14. Joe Wardle 15. Tyrone Amey 16. Sam Stone 17. Mickey Paea 18. Brendan Elliott 19. Pasami Saulo 20. Jaelen Feeney 21. Chanel Mata’utia
Sharks: 
1. Valentine Holmes 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Kurt Capewell 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Gerard Beale 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen 14. Jayson Bukuya 15. Chris Heighington 16. Jeremy Latimore 17. James Segeyaro 18. Joseph Paulo 19. Fa’amanu Brown 20. Jesse Ramien 21. Jack Bird
NRL News:
Will Chambers says Melbourne will do their best to ensure they give departing halfback Cooper Cronk a fitting farewell in his last regular-season NRL match at AAMI Park.
The Storm host Canberra on Saturday night with the club preparing for a massive occasion. It will be Cronk’s final home-and-away game and captain Cameron Smith will equal Darren Lockyer’s record of 355 games.
Smith will also accept the JJ Giltinan Shield for the Storm winning the minor premiership.
After 14 seasons with Melbourne, Cronk remains undecided on his playing future but is moving to Sydney for personal reasons and Chambers says the team want to perform well in honour of him.
They are set to host a finals match in week one but want this last regular match to be one to remember.
“I don’t think he wants much done – Cooper shies away from it and he just wants play good footy and wants everyone to perform,” Chambers said.
“I know that the boys will give it their best for Cooper this weekend because he’s been a big part of this club for a long time.
“Everyone always talks about the big three. Well, he’s the first of them to go.”
While Cronk’s on-field contribution speaks for itself, Chambers says the Test halfback has given so much to the club and to him.
“He’s been a big mentor to me; he’s the ultimate professional and he’s got an open heart,” Chambers said.
“Any new players who come here, he takes them out to dinner and he gets to know everyone.”
Chambers moved in with Cronk when he arrived in Melbourne as an 18-year-old and said he had taught him about professionalism and having a positive outlook.
“Cooper turned up every day with a smile and that’s what I took away and tried to keep.”
