Cronulla Sharks will be without key utility Ben Barba for Saturday’s Round 24 clash against Wests Tigers at Remondis Stadium after picking up an ankle strain.
Barba — who had become a focal part of the Sharks’ interchange rotation in the past few weeks — is expected to miss the next two matches, while Sam Tagataese returns to the side having missed their recent defeat to the Melbourne Storm due to suspension.
His return sees Matt Prior back to the bench in the only change to last week’s team.
For the visitors, Martin Taupau (suspension) and Chris Lawrence (ankle) both make their returns to the team, while Robbie Farah, Luke Brooks, Dene Halatau and Aaron Woods have all been named despite picking up minor injuries in the Club's Round 23 clash against the Knights.
Sauaso Sue moves into the starting front row with Keith Galloway dropping back to the bench, while Jack Buchanan and Manaia Cherrington have been included as cover on a six-man bench.
Wests Tigers have won 15 of their last 18 games against the Cronulla Sharks, and have won seven of the last eight games played between the two sides at Remondis Stadium.
See Wests Tigers’ NRL team named to take on the Cronulla Sharks in the video above.
Be there for our final home game of the year when we take on the Warriors on Sunday, August 30! Click here to get your tickets!
Cronulla Sharks Round 24 Team
1. Michael Gordon
2. Sosaia Feki
3. Gerard Beale
4. Ricky Leutele
5. Valentine Holmes
6. Jack Bird
7. Jeff Robson
8. Chris Heighington
9. Michael Ennis
10. Sam Tagataese
11. Luke Lewis
12. Wade Graham
13. Paul Gallen (capt.)
Interchange:
14. Matt Prior
15. Anthony Tupou
16. Tinirau Arona
17. Jayson Bukuya
Coach: Shane Flanagan
