Sydney Roosters can return to winning ways with narrow win at Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

Recommended bet: Winning Margin – Sydney Roosters to Win by 1-12 points @ 37/20 (2.85) with Unibet

The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks take on the Sydney Roosters at Endeavour Field on Friday evening.

It’s been a mixed start to the season for both teams to date, with both having won two and lost two of their opening four games.

Having lost their opening two matches of the campaign, the Sharks have gone on to beat both the Parramatta Eels and the reigning premiers, Melbourne Storm, by identical 14-4 scorelines.  

Having bounced back from an opening day 10-8 loss away to Wests Tigers with a couple of wins, the Roosters suffered a heavy 30-6 defeat at home to the New Zealand Warriors last weekend.  The result itself was a shock, even though the Warriors are now 100% after four games.

It was a far from impressive performance from the Roosters, who were outscored by four tries to one, had just 38% possession, completed only 16 out of their 27 sets, conceded 11 penalties and made 13 errors.  The Tricolours will be desperate to bounce back immediately from such a mauling.

When these teams met last season, the Sharks had a resounding 44-12 win at the Allianz Stadium in game week 17, but the Roosters gained revenge with a narrow 16-14 victory at Endeavour Field in game week 25.

There remain injury concerns over Matt Moylan (knee/hamstring) and Josh Dugan (groin) for the Sharks, but coach Shane Flanagan says both have “good chances” to play against the Roosters.  Meanwhile regular No.7 Chad Townsend is awaiting the impending birth of his first child with partner Marissa, with the baby is due this week.

The absence of either Moylan or Townsend could present Trent Hodkinson with a third straight start with his new club.The extra quality looks to be with the visitors and they will be eager to make amends for last week’s poor showing.  

This also looks like it could be set to be a tight and closely contested game in which points could be at a premium, so a narrow win for the Roosters could be on the cards.  A Roosters win by 1-12 points is on offer at 37/20 (2.85) with Unibet and that looks a reasonable bet.